It is with sadness that the choir reflects on the sudden passing of Val Jones. The wife of the late Derek Jones, a previous member of the choir, Val was an avid follower and supporter of the choir.
We will always remember the ‘Concert for Derek’. A wonderful night organised by Val to pay tribute to Derek.
The report of the concert appears once again, as a lasting tribute, as the choir remembers Val and Derek Jones.
Derek Jones
May 20th, 2016 at St Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan, was a special night to remember Derek Jones. Derek loved music and was a member of Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.
The concert proved to be a joyful celebration of his life.
It was Derek’s wife Val who had the idea to stage an evening of musical contrasts.
Besides our choir she also invited the C Bugs (Colwyn Bay Ukelele Group).
Val’s brother, folk singer Alun Rhys Jones, told to attend and perform!
Choir at St Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan
The choir’s first items were received with prolonged applause. The rousing ‘Y Ddau Wladgarwr’ contrasting with the Maori lullaby ‘Hine E Hine.’ This was one of Derek’s favourites.
Alun Rhys Jones imposed his engaging personality by inviting the audience to join him in ‘Calon Lan.’ John Denver’s ‘Perhaps Love’ was also a poignant moment in the concert for Derek.
Alun Rhys Jones
Switching guitar for accordion Alun once again had full audience participation with his version of ‘Ar Lan y Mor.’
C Bugs, formed five years ago, soon had the audience clapping and singing along with ‘When You’re Smiling.’ The Amy Winehouse song ‘Valerie’ guaranteed to get Val up on her feet.
The concert for Derek also enabled Val to raise funds for Dementia Research. She thanked everyone at the interval for their support.
Concert for Derek Raises Roof
John Hand, leader of C Bugs, encouraged the audience to ‘raise the roof’ with their version of ‘Is this the way to Amarillo’. They did not let him down. Their popular spot ended with ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’.
Alun Rhys Jones then sang contemporary songs on guitar and ended with ‘Will Ye go Ladd(ss)ie Go’ to his accordion accompaniment. The audience were with him all the way.
Arwyn Roberts, Nia Jones, Val Jones and Alun Rhys Jones at ‘Concert for Derek’
The choir then returned for the finale with ‘Amen’, ‘Take Me Home’ and ‘Yn y Man’.
The ‘Concert for Derek’ raised the impressive total of £1075 for Dementia Research.
In conclusion, the choir extends condolences to Val and Derek’s family in their recent, sad loss.
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