“It’s an honour to have been born with a voice to sing,” says choir member Glyn Davies.
“It’s also a privilege to have been able to take part with many choirs and parties. Especially the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.”
Glyn Davies Musical Influences
Glyn Davies
Singing has always been an integral part of Glyn’s life. The rural villages of Prion and Saron gave the young Glyn ample opportunity to sing.
His school at Pant Pastynog would have included weekly music lessons. This was preparation for various concerts and services during the school year.
The chapel would also have provided plenty of musical experience. At Saron Chapel the young Glyn listened to wonderful bass voices. He remembers trying to emulate their impressive tone.
This rich musical upbringing meant that Glyn did not have to wait too long. He soon became an accomplished and experienced singer.
Glyn Davies Musical Highlights
Glyn Davies and Triawd Clwyd
“The highlight of my singing career was winning at the National Eisteddfod with a Cerdd Dant Trio.
Glyn, pictured second left, in the photo. Along with Dennis and Alun Lightfoot and harpist Glenys Lightfoot.
Called ‘Triawd Clwyd,’ we won at Llanelli in 1962. We repeated the feat in Swansea in 1964.”
Success was also achieved at the Cerdd Dant Festival at Ruthin.”
This success brought many prestigious invitations. One of which was to go to the Television Studios in Cardiff to record their victorious songs.
As musical memories go it was one that Glyn will never forget as he recalls:
Glyn Davies Remembers Cardiff
“Once we had finished the evening milking at 7 p.m. we started the drive to Cardiff. We arrived just before midnight.
As we had not booked any accommodation, we started knocking on Guest Houses. This proved to be more than difficult. Not to mention an embarrassment!
In an instant three police cars zoomed in, Z Cars style, and encircled our car. Some people had reported us for knocking on doors and acting in a suspicious manner.
After intense questioning the police soon established that we were innocent, country boys. As the police cells were full, we had to sleep in the car. There were no further charges to face.
In the morning, feeling cold, tired and hungry we found a Bed and Breakfast. We felt at home given a proper Welsh speaking welcome.
A sumptuous plateful of bacon and eggs made us feel a lot better. We then had a wash and spruce up before facing the TV cameras in the studio. It was a real adventure which we enjoyed.”
One of the songs in his successful national Eisteddfod career was set to the words of ‘Tydi a Roddaist.’
This classic Welsh hymn tune has become one of his favourite songs in the choir’s repertoire.
Glyn Davies and Musical Favourites
Rhys Meirion
Glyn follows the Welsh musical scene with interest.
He likes Welsh singers Bryn Terfel, Rhys Meirion, Richard Rees and David Lloyd.
Of course, he takes an interest in choirs.
He likes listening to ‘Only Men Aloud’ and ‘Godre’r Aran Male Voice Choir.’
Glyn is an original member of the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir for 26 years. It has provided him with years of musical memories of fun and friendship.
It has also enabled Glyn to sing with the choir at notable venues. The most memorable being the Festival of Male Voice Choirs at the Albert Hall in London.
Glyn Davies Best Musical Memory
But the most notable of Glyn’s musical memories came about in 1960. Glyn was to sing with Hogiau Clwyd (Clwyd’s Boys) at the inaugural concert at the Betws yn Rhos Village Hall.
Musical Memories for Glyn and Myra
After the concert Glyn met and fell in love with a pretty girl called Myra. She became his wife and in October 2015 they celebrate their Golden Anniversary.
In his modest and unassuming way he reflects:
“Diolch am y cyfle,” (Thank you for the opportunity).
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