Denbigh and Biebertal celebrate twinning success at Trefnant Village Hall on July 11, 2017. The choir eagerly accepted an invitation to take part. And what a celebration it turned out to be.
Whenever Denbigh and Biebertal folk get together the atmosphere of genuine bonhomie is priceless. Unbridled joy and community warmth spills over in abundance.
Denbigh and Biebertal Celebrate Another Visit
Denbigh and Biebertal Celebrate Friendship
Friends from the twinning towns once again celebrate the continuing friendship. A friendship spanning almost 30 years.
Firstly, the choir set the tone by singing ‘Iechyd Da’ (Good health), ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘Calon Lan’.
It became apparent that the choir was to sing before, in- between, and after courses of food. What a lot to digest.
Notable speeches and votes of thanks followed:
Roy Tickle, Denbigh Mayor, celebrating his wedding anniversary with wife Gaynor, extended a warm welcome to everyone.
Thomas Bender, Mayor of Biebertal, said how ‘nice it was to be among friendly and uncomplicated friends.’
Especially true as his luggage arrived a day later than he did.
Thomas Bender, Mayor of Biebertal
Petra Schmidt and Michael Berry spoke of ‘more friendship than ever.’ The extra-special relationship would thrive despite the dark clouds of Brexit.
In brief, the visitors had experienced an unforgettable time. Visiting, among other places, Llangollen International Eisteddfod and the Anderson Boat Lift at Nantwich.
Denbigh and Biebertal Celebrate Book Launch
“25 Years Biebertal-Denbigh – Stories of a Living Partnership”
There was a special bi-lingual book launch too. Commemorating the celebration of 25 years of twinning. The editor-in-chief is Karin Steinmüller. A fervent ever-present stalwart from the very start.
After a sumptuous main course the choir performed ‘American Trilogy’, ‘Pan Fyddo’r Nos yn Hir’, and ‘There is Nothin Like a Dame’.
It will forever remain a mystery as to how conductor Arwyn Roberts and accompanist Nia Jones got us to the end of ‘Nothin Like a Dame’. All without a safety net.
Memorable ‘All Through the Night’
The choir’s version of ‘Ar Hyd y Nos’ (All Through the Night) was made memorable by soloist Jurgen Gaidies. Furthermore, singing from memory, in perfect Welsh diction.
Jurgen Gaidies Singing ‘All Through the Night’
Of course, it brought the house down. A deserving standing ovation for this popular supporter of the twinning association.
Then compere Clwyd Wynne and Colin Roberts invited the audience to sing-along to popular Celtic folk songs. Their version of ‘Wild Rover’ had the audience singing with gusto.
Clwyd Wynne and Colin Roberts Leading the Singing
Then each of the touring guests received a unique gift. A stained glass decoration made by choir member Gron Wynne.
The last course. The dessert choice was dressed meringues or apple pie. I think some choir members had both.
The Choir then sang ‘The Rose’, ‘African Prayer’, ‘Fy Mhlentyn’ and ‘Yn y Man’. The audience approval was very energetic.
In addition, a request for ‘We’ll Keep a Welcome’ became the perfect musical conclusion of the evening.
Moreover, the final words of the evening belong to Jurgen Gaidies:
“Cymru am Byth” (Wales for Ever)
“Dinbych a Biebertal am Byth” (Denbigh and Biebertal for Ever)
“O’r galon – Diolch yn Fawr” (From the heart – Thank you very much)
It must hsve been a fantastic event only wish I was there. Singing my favorite CALON LAN meaning a pure heart
Thank you Marilyn for your kind comment. It was a fantastic event and on this occasion we sang Calon Lan to the tune of Pokarekara Ana, a Maori song popularised by Hayley Westenra. It’s interesting that the words of Calon Lan can be sung to many different melodies.
It was a fantastic end to a brilliant week. Great Choir, great food and great friends from Biebertal.
Thank you Jane for your very kind remarks. The atmosphere was brilliant, it was a privilege to be a part of a great evening.