The Choir has received lots of letters and e-mails since the release of the CD "Voices of the Valley" and the Choristers
have looked forward to hearing them read during our regular Practice's. There have been so many that we have decided to publish them
on our Web Site so that you can all read what has been said. If you would like to send us a message please use the e-mail link at the end of
this page or our "Contacts" page. Unless you request that your note is not published, we may put a précis of it on this Notice Board.

Dai Davies.
Four of us, three "locals" from the Dee Valley, came to the Pavilion in Bournemouth and enjoyed an "emotional journey". My sister Deleth and I were brought up in Trevor, attended Garth Primary School and then Dinas Brân. Since then we have become "Missionaries" in the south of England! My father Edward (Ted) Davies from Froncysyllte and was once a member of the Fron Choir and I have very fond memories of Saturday evenings at the Bryn Howel Hotel after the Male Voice Choir Competition at the International Eisteddfod where "many voices" would come together for a very enjoyable rendition. It was wonderful to touch base with Owen (our second cousin) and John Evans after more than thirty years! We very much enjoyed the concert, but if constructive criticism is okay, felt the Brass Ensemble on occasions drowned out the simple harmonic beauty of the male voices. I think we are purists! Best wishes for the future.

Brian and Jaqui Ball, Worthing.
Thank you for a great evening at Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday. We really enjoyed it, especially "Creation" at the end of the first half. A special thanks for the rendition of Calon Lân in the bar afterwards which made my evening and was very special. Why not put it on the next CD? You know it makes sense! All the best for the rest of the tour.

Martin and Beryl Campbell, Inverness.
We were at the Glasgow Concert Hall on Sunday 13th April to hear the Choir. They were excellent as was the young New Zealander William, and the Brass Ensemble. It was my Christmas present from my husband and it is the best one I have ever had.
My roots are in Anglesey and I spent many a day trip from Liverpool to Llangollen as a child so many happy memories were revived. We live in Inverness and have a wonderful Theatre that you could maybe visit. I realise it is a long way from where you all live but we know you would get a wonderful reception if you came here. Thanks again for a wonderful evening.

Adele from Acrefair, and Pam (the leggy blonde).
Diolch yn fawr for a most memorable Friday night at the Bridgewater Hall. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening both at the Hall and in the "Briton's Protection", where the highlight had to be the heart-rending performance of Calon Lân. Your voices make us proud to be Welsh. We hope the rest of the tour goes equally well.

Ian and Lynne White, Scunthorpe.
We have just returned home from seeing you in concert for the first time at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. A lovely venue and wonderful performance, not forgetting the amazing Fine Arts Brass, Ann Atkinson and Will Martin - what a star in the making. We thoroughly enjoyed the Choir's performance and look forward to seeing you all on your next tour. We can't wait for the next CD - your two previous are just about worn out. Once again, well done to all concerned on a great concert.

Luke Todd, South Wales.
Just a quick note to let you know that I really enjoyed your concert in Cardiff last night. I had heard many wonderful things about your choir in the past and it was the first time that I managed to hear you sing. I must admit that there is something very special about a male voice choir and I think it's wonderful that you have been going for sixty years and have a bright future ahead of you. I hope that your tour continues to be successful and look forward to seeing you perform again when you are in South Wales.

Pam & Ian Browne.
Just a few lines to say how much we enjoyed the concert on Sunday night - every bit as good if not better than last year - we particularly enjoyed Anne and of course Fine Arts Brass who make those instruments do things they probably weren't designed to do. It was lovely to see you all, and hopefully we'll be able to do it again next year. Dad is enjoying the calendar - he's now looking forward to August! Keep up the good work.

Glyn Smith.
My Wife and I were given tickets for the Cardiff Concert as Christmas presents and duly attended the concert on April 6th. We would like to thank the Choir for what turned out to be the most fantastic Christmas present we have ever received. The singing, the presentation and the venue were absolutely superb and we wish the Choir every success on their tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the piece about "The Creation" and would like to know if there is a record available of the Choir singing it?
Reply from Allan Smith. Regarding "The Creation"; we wanted to give our audiences a little taste of what we do when not producing "easy-listening" records, and this is one of the pieces we use in competition. We love the challenge that such pieces pose, and are so glad you enjoyed it too. To answer your question, we do not have this on a CD although we did win a Llangollen Eisteddfod with it as one of our choices - so others must also share your views!

Sarah Bynum, USA.
I hope to win the contest of " the person who travels farthest for a Froncysyllte Concert" in April 2008. I have been a fan of the Choir since hearing your music on Virgin Airlines last year and I recently persuaded my mother to buy and send me the "Encore" album. She sent it begrudgingly because she had heard it first...... So in April my American husband and I will fly from the Americas to take my mother and aunt to Bournemouth for the concert on the 20th of April. I'm already counting every minute until then.

Bob Rix, Co Durham.
"'Would you like to join?" It says at the end of your members page. I wish I could but I am a member of two Male Voice Choirs here in Co Durham with practice in Stanley and Consett each week. I also sing with two mixed voice groups at The Sage Gateshead every Monday and Tuesday. As you can imagine this keeps me rather busy. Good Luck to the Fron Male Voice Choir, long may your notoriety continue.

Pat and George Machin.
We have just received an e-mail from Canada, with some very happy news for us. We brought our son up to go to Church but when he got married he drifted away like so many do. We used to take our little granddaughter to Sunday School and Church when she stayed with us in Manchester but they now live in Calgary. I had a feeling that the music on your CD would have a very deep meaningful effect on him, and it has. They have all decided to start going to Church again. Well, another prayer has been answered and it is all down to your beautiful singing and music - God moves in a mysterious way. Thank you, I cannot tell you the very real happiness this news has brought to us. Panis Angelicus has always been a very special favourite of mine and at this point, I must say that the beautiful singing of Ann Atkinson is so lovely, and she blends in so beautifully with the Choir. God Bless you All.

Richard Lewis, Maidstone, Kent.
Having had 'The Voices of the Valley Encore' CD for Christmas I was compelled to buy the original album too! What a fantastic selection of songs on 'Encore', both in terms of content and style. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I've found myself playing the album over and again, with 'Rhythm of Life' being a particular favourite and a fine, lively song to end with. It works very well for a male voice choir. 'Bridge over Troubled Water' is also a favourite and the rendition of 'Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Redeemer' is superb. As one who visits North Wales for a week's holiday each year, some of the traditional Welsh songs on the album bring back memories, and I shall endeavour to see one of the choir's performances this year, although this might have to be one of those in England because of the timing of my holiday. These albums have kindled an interest in male voice choirs and I will certainly look out for any future releases by the Fron Choir and might be tempted to buy some CDs of other such choirs!

Pat and George Machin, Colwyn Bay.
Hope I am not a nuisance e-mailing you again, but I had to let you see an excerpt from my son's E-mail received this morning:- "The CD arrived today and had a good listen to it. Will play it in the car as its really nice. You don't get that kind of stuff over here". Is it possible you could let me know when you are touring Canada and whether you will be in Calgary at any time? You have another 3 fans over there already and if I know my lad he will be telling everyone at work to go to your concert.
Reply from Allan Smith. Thank you once again for your e-mail and interest in the Choir. We have for some time been exploring the possibility of releasing the CD's in North America with our Management and Universal Music, and following that up with a concert tour. If and when it happens, you can rest assured that Canada would be prominent in our thinking.

Gwilym and Megan Evans, Sidney BC, Canada.
My brother Gwyn, who now lives in Manchester, sent me your second CD for Christmas. I could not have wished for anything better. Absolutely heavenly!, you are such a credit to Wales. I have just requested a few songs from "Encore" to celebrate St. David's Day here on Vancouver Island on a request show on CBC 2 called "Here's to You". I hope they play the tunes that I asked for and I hope that the rest of Canada is listening too. They will be as bowled over with emotion as I was. Keep giving us more of this wonderful singing and maybe one day soon you will come and visit us so that we can experience a "live" concert. Diolch, diolch diolch!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Tanner.
Firstly let me say "Thank You" for bringing wonderful music back into my life. It makes me emotional & I put this down to having Welsh Relations who live in the Rhondda Valleys. I am wearing out my copies of "Voices of the Valley" & "Encore". When can we expect the next CD? Will you ever do a DVD of any of your live performances? I can only hope the answer to both my questions is soon. Best wishes for the future & keep on bringing your songs into our lives.

Patricia Machin, Colwyn Bay.
We purchased "Encore" recently and it has given us enormous pleasure listening to it (over and over again!!). We especially love the ones sung in Welsh even though we do not understand the language. I have asked around and found out what some of the titles mean in English so we have a rough idea. I have purchased another copy and sent it to our son and his family in Canada this week, as he visited Wales so much in the past, before he was married and our little granddaughter keeps saying she wants to come over to
"Walus" (she is not very good at spelling in her E-mails yet!!!). We have lived here in Wales in a retirement flat in Colwyn Bay for the past 5 years, but have travelled all over North Wales many times in years gone by and have always wanted to live in this area. We now feel like we have "died and gone to heaven" after spending all our lives living 6 miles outside of Manchester. "Voices of the Valley Encore" is excellent, very inspirational and uplifting.

Carol Mutton.
There is nothing more beautific to listen to than a Welsh Male Voice Choir. As a result of my interest I treated myself to your "Encore" CD, which I bought primarily because it contained three of my favourites namely, "How Great Thou Art", "Panus Angelicus" and the "Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves" and was very disappointed with all three. I did not expect to hear a female soprano in a Male Voice Choir and the emotional "Chorus Of The Hebrew Slaves" was spoiled by an overblown introduction and an unnecessarily obtrusive piano accompaniment.

Reply from Allan Smith. Thank you so much for your e-mail and what a pity that our rendition of your favourite songs failed to match your expectations. Hopefully some of the other 11 tracks on "Encore" were to your liking. Our Arranger and Producer Jon Cohen tries to frame and underscore the Choir to bring out its best and we are very pleased with the results. The "female soprano" is our Conductor Ann Atkinson. In Concert she is the regular soloist for several items in our repertoire, so we felt it was appropriate for her also to be our soloist on the recordings. So once again, sorry that you were disappointed.

Michelle Mills-Porter, Birmingham.
SUBLIME! -Just listened to your first album 6 times back to back!

Her Majesty The Queen.
Click to read the letter

Sue Davenport, Near Port Douglas, Australia.
G'day from the Far North of Queensland. Just doing the ironing on a Sunday afternoon listening to "Encore". Must say it's very good and relaxing to listen too. All I am seeing in my mind is my home and the surrounding valleys of North Shropshire and Wales - being an expat from Oswestry. It's a few years ago, maybe 6 or 7, that I was at the Church for the Christmas concert with the Porthywean Silver Band - I'm an ex member. I really enjoyed the first CD and the second was just as enjoyable, once my Mum was able to send it to me, "Encore" has been difficult to get in the local area back home SOLD OUT of course. I also watched the "Susie Show" (not usually as I'm not keen on her), but when I saw an advert for the show and saw that some of the Choir was going to be on I didn't miss it. Keep up the good work and I'll await the next CD.

Michelle Mills-Porter, Birmingham.
Just a very quick note to say "thank you" for a fabulous album! I got it for Christmas, and I simply cannot stop playing it. It¹s just marvellous. I have been looking at your web site and I would love to have come to your show on the 2nd of February, but unfortunately it's our annual show on the same day! Poo! I will definitely come to another show once that¹s out the way. I love singing along to all the tracks, which I can do comfortably as a Ladies Bass singer - I am the PRO for a Ladies Barbershop Chorus, the "Second City Singers", and we are ranked about 7th in the country. I am sure that my Great Grandfather would have known some of your original members. In addition to being a well known Bass singer, he was the conductor of several choirs in Birmingham from the 1940's and onwards. He was Thomas Osborne. Anyway, thanks again for a fabulous album, you have replaced Treorchy as my favourite Male Voice Choir now, so can't wait for the next album. We¹re recording an album this year, (amateur) so I might drop you a copy.

Polly Shamy, Peterborough, New Hampshire USA.
When I was in North Wales last summer I was introduced to your music and ended up buying many copies of your first CD as gifts for friends. If you ever plan a North American tour I would appreciate knowing as I serve a UCC (like URC) church in Peterborough, NH, and we would be interested in hosting one of your appearances. Thank you for the joy you bring to so many people.

Yvonne Keniston, South Australia.
Hello all..... Was given "Voices of the Valley" by a friend .... how wonderful you all sound...... God bless.

Joan Abley.
WELL. What can I say, just you are all fantastic, and yes I have got the new CD "Encore", it was on order just as soon as you told us it was to be released. Can't wait for the next one - sorry to over work you guy's, but you are so good. Thank you for yet another wonderful CD, I now have two on my CD player that never come off.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMILIES.

Alwyn James, Pyrénées Orientales.
A wonderful, wonderful Christmas present of your Encore CD has already given me hours of pleasure in a valley very different from the one I was brought up in, when, half a century ago, I got along to every concert by the Tredegar Orpheus.The male voice choir repertoire has exploded since those days, although I miss the old test-pieces of "Martyrs of the Arena", "Crossing the Plain" and such like. Do any male voice choirs ever record one or two of these? Alas, they may not have the commercial fit for today’s buyers. May I suggest one revival which would suit Fron down to the ground and would be a stellar hit, "Top of the Pops" even? Many years ago, my uncle Tom Seyes ran a London choir, the St David Singers, who did some film and radio work in the 1930s. He arranged for Welsh male voice choir the Richard Genée comic fantasy "Un Potpourri Italian", an "Italian Salad", in which a jumble of Italian musical terms are sung in the style that they suggest. The old 78 record regularly turned up in radio request programmes. I haven’t heard it since those days but it would wow audiences and CD buyers.Your choir has a style and, I fancy, an extravert tenor to make it zing. Strangely your repertoire does not seem to have anything in Italian – surely the delightful Ann Atkinson will confirm it is the loveliest of all languages in which to sing. Once again, thanks for the pleasure you have given to me and mine.

Ian White
Just want to say how wonderful your music is. I used to be a church choir boy myself and choral singing is just so beautiful especially when song by God's voices. I have never heard any one who can sing as beautifully as the Welsh especially the Fron Choir. It fills me with tears of joy and happiness. Hoping to make Manchester in April to hear you live for the first time. Bravo, keep up the beautiful singing.

Christine Jones, Rhondda.
I have just played Voices of the Valley Encore and was disappointed as I really enjoyed the original. I thought it was technically good but it lacked the passion that was in the first CD.

Christine Roderick.
My daughter gave me "Voices of the Valley" for Christmas. Wonderful harmonies. Keep it up boys

Adrianna and Chris Glover, Daventry, Northants.
Hi, just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I am sure you are all busy and looking forward to a family break over the Christmas period! All the best for 2008, cannot wait to seeing you all at the Symphony Hall in May.

Wendy MacKenzie, Hertfordshire.
Thank you to the Fron Choir for their second CD. I enjoy them very much, especially Exodus. It leaves me spellbond. I look forward to the next CD and wish the choir a Very Happy Christmas.

Joan Harpham, Canada.
I just received your CD from my cousin in Wales as a Christmas gift in the mail. It is so brilliant and nice to hear all these miles away it makes us homesick. Thanks to everyone in the choir, and please, when you all get together, I want them all to know their music is brilliant and makes us feel close to our Homeland all these miles away.

Jackie Lewis, Manchester.
What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday lunchtime, listening to a fabulous concert. Thank you so much. I also loved the Calendar.

Margaret McLean.
I would like to thank the Fron Choir and everybody concerned in the production of the wonderful music on both CD's and wish you all the best for the coming season. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Thanks again.

Yvonne Hardy.
Just a note to let you know I received my new CD a few weeks ago and have been playing it constantly ever since. I love it and many congratulations to everyone for reaching the No:1 slot on Classic FM Radio. I am now awaiting release of the tickets for the concert in May and can't wait to be part of the audience and enjoy a live performance once again. My very best wishes to everyone for a very Happy and Peaceful Festive Season and every success in 2008.

Ally, Cambridgeshire, wishing to be in Capel Curig!
After being woken every morning by Voices on my alarm, I wanted a change, so have just bought Encore. The lady in Woolies asked me if I wanted a gift receipt, to which I replied -No it's for me! - perhaps she thought I looked too young to enjoy good music! Encore is wonderfully emotive - takes me back to the wonderful times I've had in Wales. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Maggie Pugh, USA.
I happened to click on the film clip of your appearance on what seems to be the BBC "Today" show and of course had to investigate further. I was born a month after your choir was formed and grew up with Welsh music beginning with " A Nation Sings" on LP. I bought your first CD and what a surprise that your second was being released the next day; so I ordered that one too. I've had the first one for a week now and have played it over and over-at home, in the car, at my brother's. and it will accompany my to my niece's' tomorrow. "Encore" came today and is playing for the second time as I write this. I didn't think it could get any better but it is. Your selection and mix is wonderful ; I'm looking forward to your next release as there are a few unrecorded selections in your repertoire!
How wonderful it would be to see you on tour here in North America, but until then I'll be listening. Diolch yn fawr for your beautiful music, and congratulations on your well deserved recognition.

Janine, San Diego.
Good Morning Choir. It is 8am, just opened yesterdays mail and recieved a copy of 'Voices of the Valley - Encore'. I have just had the best morning, played it twice already and 'Rhythm of Life' 5 times.Truely fabulous.Guys you have excelled yourselves. Now you have the travel bug how about San Diego? Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to you all for 2008.

Brenda, Cottage Fields, St. Martins.
Saw you all in the concert in Walsall and had a wonderful afternoon. Good wishes and success for the new CD.

Michael King, Grantham.
Just brought your ' Encore ' album, another wonderful selection of music. I have a long association with friends in Merthyr and I am transported back to the Valleys. Both albums are played and played. Thanks very much. More please.

John Holland
Having read in The Times a few weeks ago that the Fron continued to prosper I was reminded of my days in the City of London. In the mid to late 70's my then employer's senior litigation partner (Eddie Sibley of Berwin Leighton, solicitors) asked if I could help a friend of his. The Froncysllte Male Voice Choir wished to set itself up as a registered charity and Eddie asked if I could help. I cannot recall if Eddie's friend was a member of the choir or perhaps a local solicitor. Thus, I cannot recall the name of the person with whom I was put in touch. You see, my task was to advise on and subsequently draft the Trust Deed constituting the Fron's charitable status and to communicate with the Charity Commission in order to get its approval to that Deed. So long ago and I was pleasantly reminded by the Times article. I am delighted that you continue to prosper (in spite of my small contribution all those years ago!) and wish you continued success.

Bernard D.W. Wright, Ponteland, Northumberland.
I am writing to say that my wife and I have enjoyed listening to your latest recording on CD, " Voices Of The Valley Encore ". When I wrote to your Chairman in April this year I enquired whether it would it be possible to include the lyrics of the songs in the booklet accompanying future Fron albums? I am pleased to see that you have enhanced the album by so doing. Thank you. When you produce another album, hopefully in 2008, please consider including an English translation of songs having Welsh lyrics? I am pleased to say that we have seats for your visit to The Sage on the 9th May, 2008. Apparently, tickets are selling fast. I am sure it will be a great success as was your last visit earlier this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a copy of your programme at The Sage this year, perhaps additional copies could be made available in 2008. Trust you have a most enjoyable tour in 2008, roll on the 9th May !!!

Alastair, Lyndsay and Toby Dobson.
A really fantastic CD, please keep them coming. In fact, We think you should enter X Factor next year and show the nation what real talent is all about!! You should release Rhythm of Life as a single and watch it fly off the shelves - great stuff, we wish you every success.

Mrs M. McLean.
I have recently bought the new CD and I am enjoying it very much.Thank you.

Christine Mose.
I recently watched a clip on BBC Breakfast featuring the Fron Male Voice choir and the Voices of the Valley Encore CD. It was beautifully sung in a lovely setting.

Catherine McGrath, Holywell.
I am sitting here listening to Encore with tears streaming down my face. I could listen all day to your beautiful voices so thank you all so much. I never thought I would hear Yesterday and Falling in Love sung better than by their original artistes - the Beatles and the lovely Everly Brothers - how wrong I was. I watched the BBC interviews and recognised Talacre/Gronant immediately. Thank you for using the lighthouse and beach for your promotional video recording - I would have loved to have been there to see you all. The inclusion of the words are so welcome - especially for Ar Lan Y Mor, one of my favourites, thanks to Bryn Terfel of course. I am English by birth, just across the water in Wirral, but live not that far from you all in North Wales, near Holywell, so am Welsh now. I will take you all up on the offer to sit in on rehearsals at Acrefair! God Bless you all.

Chris Ladkin
Well I didn`t think the 2nd CD could be better than the 1st one, got that wrong didn`t I. Just bought the new CD and I think it`s fabulous. I`m not biased because I`m a Llan girl now living in the midlands, or that my brother is in the choir (Phil Cowsill) but because you have ALL done the Taffs proud, the Rhythm of Life, made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.Well done to you ALL on another number one album.

Beryl Trimby
I had to write to you again………….I thought it was Christmas this morning as the 2nd Fron Choir CD came through my door, brilliant! Just as enjoyable as the first one. It has been playing ‘on repeat’ all day and it gets better and better. How great to have the words as well, as I love singing along, albeit out of tune and very quietly so as not to spoil the effect. Keep producing………how about an operatic one next time?

Annette Hobson, Walkeringham, South Yorks.
I always get goosebumps when I hear the Welsh National Anthem being sung at rugby matches, and now the goosebumps are doing overtime when I listen to your CD as I work about in the kitchen or anywhere in the house! What wonderful, wonderful voices and the music is the perfect accompaniment. I am about to order your "Encore" CD and cannot wait to hear it. I am Scottish, but always looked forward to the Welsh rugby invasion in Edinburgh during the (then) 5 Nations rugby tournament. Your music and voices are wonderful, keep up the good work and I wish you every success for the future.

Paul Dilks, Chairman, Nottingham Male Voice Choir..
Hearty and many congratulations on the achievement of your 60th year, and thank you so much for being such fine ambassadors for the Male Voice singing art .

June & Bob Hopkins, Dundee
We were staying at your hotel in Paphos and have just returned home. We enjoyed your performances both informal in the pool & more formal at the evening concert. The camaraderie between you all was so nice and we were all a bit lonely after you left. Chris appeared after aerobics on Thursday and suggested that we sing the "Banana" song but it didn¹t happen ! We live in Dundee and would be keen to hear dates when you will be up in Scotland..

Rob Elliot, Wessex Male Voice Choir
I was on the way home from Kent last night and heard the Choir on Radio 2 - great stuff. I arrived home to see and hear the video clip with "Yesterday" - it's fantastic. I wish you well on the forthcoming CD release and lots of publicity to go with it. You carry the torch for the whole Male Choir tradition. Keep it going chaps we are all very proud of you.

Geoff & Janet Davies
I just had to write to thank Ann and "The Boys" for the wonderful concerts that she and the Choir gave in St John's School, and St Barnabas Church whilst you were in Cyprus. The choir made such an impression, that many of our ex pat friends are still talking about the Welsh Night, with a little bit of "Hiraeth". As an ex Fron Chorister (first tenor) for 20 years, it was great to meet up with so many old friends and fellow choristers, and you gave us such a warm welcome. We are eagerly awaiting release of your new CD. Diolch yn fawr iawn o galon.

Tom Jones, Rochdale
Greetings. It wonderful to see that the Choir has gone from strength to strength. My father, John Hugh Jones, is in the photo's of 1947 - 49. My mother is still alive and in her 80's, and now lives in Mold. Keep on singing.

Brian Robertson, Tamworth NSW, Australia
The ABC had a wonderful interview with one of your group, hence I managed to get the CD which is distributed by the ABC bookshops in Australia. I can only say how wonderful it is to listen to your beautiful voices. Well done! You must all be so proud as a group.

The Saltash Ladies Choir, Devon
To all the members of Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir - congratulations on your 60 years of singing. We read your story in the Daily Mail and have listened to your CD - may you go from strength to strength. We also celebrate 60 years in 2008.

Beryl Trimby
Heard the choir in St Asaph Cathedral last night, left our expectations at the starting gate, I have never heard such a sound in my life, was totally transported, transfixed, ....... not enough words in the dictionary to explain my feelings, it was not just entertaining it was also a very moving, spiritual experience. The silence in the Cathedral after the singing of "Abide with Me" was almost tangible, and the only time there was no clapping. The concert could have gone on all night and I don't think anyone, other than the choir, would have fallen asleep. Also must mention Glain Dafydd whose playing of the harp was 'magical' and greatly enhanced the evening. For such a young person she has such poise as well as being a brilliant harpist and we will obviously be hearing a lot of her in the future. Thankyou is such an inadequate word, but nonetheless, thankyou.

Robert Sells
Whilst enjoying my cocoa night cap I thought I would congratulate you on tonight's gig at St Asaph. You have worked so hard with that excellent choir and the results are terrific. You seem to have set new standards of articulation, diction and balance: not many of your compatriot groups could have done justice to the Brian Hughes piece as you did. Enjoy each new success as it comes.

John Mason
Congratulations on the concert in St Asaph on Saturday, Kathleen and I enjoyed it very much, in fact we are of the opinion that it was the best choir that we have ever heard, which together with a nicely balanced programme made it a fantastic evening.

Carol Vickers (nee Hart) Melbourne Australia
Congratulations on a very successful visit by the choir members. I heard them on the radio in Melbourne and felt very homesick, and proud to be an Abernant/Cefn "girl" !.

David Jull MP, Logan City, Australia
Thank you all very much for your visit on Friday last to 101 FM in Logan City and for your appearances on our Popular Classics programme. We still receive great reaction to your CD. I hope the trip home, although long, was not too arduous and you made it on time for Choir Practice. On behalf of Syd Abrahams and myself, very special thanks again and we look forward to a Brisbane Concert in the not too distant future.

Nerys Owen.
I had to send you a note to tell you how much pleasure your CD gave to one of Wales famous sons. (Ivor Emmanuel). I was with Ivor at his home in Spain two weeks before he died. We arrived at about 10 o'clock in the night, and although Ivor was not a well man he sat with his cousin Mary and myself and spoke of the thrill your choir had given him. Someone had sent him a CD, and he couldn't get over it. He was full of admiration and praise for the beautiful sound of the choir. He went back into hospital the following day, but I can assure you The Fron "Abide with Me" was with him to the end. I had a call from Spain last night, and was told that part of the CD was played at his funeral on Monday. I know that Ivor's widow intends writing to you, but I wanted you to know what pleasure your choir gave to the famous son from Pontrhydyfen during the last few weeks of his life. ( Diolch yn fawr am y pleser gafodd Ivor wrth glywed eich Cor).

Reply from Allan Smith. Thank you so much for your mail. We are all so very sorry to hear of Ivor's death - he really was one of Wales' famous sons. Many of the choir remember him with great affection from a session at the Strawberry Recording Studios in Stockport in the seventies, which resulted in a very successful record - "A Salute to Wales". Undoubtedly, his voice will continue to be heard by many, many people, not just in Wales but all over the world for many years to come. It is a very great honour to know how much he enjoyed our CD and we are humbled to hear that it was played at his funeral.

Ann Tetlow
I have the "Voices of the Valley" and would like to know if there are any plans to record a second CD as I think it is wonderful.

Phill Jones, Blaenau Ffestiniog
Just a short e-mail from the Brythoniaid Male Voice Choir from Blaenau Ffestiniog to say many congratulations on your success with the CD and also at the recent Brit awards ( who's Paul McCartney anyway ). It's nice to see a choir from North Wales being so successful and bringing a spot of publicity up North for a change. By the way, if you arrange something for Australia and want some page turners, we have 55 of them in the Blaenau area.Well Done.

Sue Stark, Australia (a Llangollen girl)
Love the CD. It makes me so proud of my heritage You had a mention on a Perth radio station in Western Australia a couple of weeks ago and some tracks from the CD played - the response was overwhelming. I can only say keep the Valley Singing..

Gillian McGovern
I heard Voices of the Valley on a chart show, bought it immediately and another 3 for presents. I was excited to find that Fron is near Ruabon, where my grandfather was born (I live near Edinburgh) - I may even be related to some of your members! My husband, who otherwise is a rock music fan, puts it on at night in bed to help him wind down and says its the best CD he owns, but he plays it so much I would really like to hear some more of your repertoire.

Reply from Allan Smith Thank you for your mail - it's always good to hear that our music is being received so well, and by a 'rock fan' - no less! The Choir have just finished recording a follow-up CD to 'Voices of the Valley' which should be on general sale around October/November. It promises to be as good, if not better than "Voices" and we are all very excited about it.

Yvonne Hardy
I was very fortunate in being able to attend the visit of 'The Fron Choir" to Windsor and it was the most enjoyable experience. I would like to know if there are any plans for the Choir to perform at a London venue? - if not - why not??? We have some very good venues in and around London especially now that the Royal Festival Hall has re-opened plus the 02 millenium dome and Wembley, which I am sure this superb Choir could fill very easily. I had the added pleasure of speaking with your excellent Conductor - Ann Atkinson - after the performance and she didn't think there were any immediate plans to perform in London or surrounding area but I sincerely hope that you will bring this excellent Choir into a broader spectrum in London. I think you are absolutely fantastic and would love to see you perform again but your website shows you are only playing in venues well out of the reach of London. PLEASE, PLEASE put this suggestion to your management. The Choir has many fans who would love to be able to see you perform and not just listen to your excellent CD, which has now - quite rightly - gone platinum.

Sheila Nottle
I have recently heard some of your music and breathtaking is the word that comes to mind.

Emily Curwen, Bath
I discovered Fron Choir entirely by chance as I was listening to Classic FM yesterday morning. 'Shenandoah' came on the radio and brought me to tears. I then bought 'Voices of The Valley' and the rest of your music has had the same effect! I am a music A level student and my love for classical music has grown hugely throughout the past year with the help of inspirational music such as yours. I am a flautist but I also enjoy singing and have sung in a couple of choirs. My school choir competed in the final of the BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year in 2005, which was an amazing experience. So, thank you for this beautiful album which will, no doubt, bring me hours of enjoyment. Good luck for the future and perhaps one day I will pop in for a visit!

Paul Gilchrist
I just wanted to thank you for arranging for a song to be dedicated to my parents when the Choir performed at Llanfair Caereinion. They were so thrilled to have this done that they have been telling all their friends and it was a highlight of their 50th Wedding Anniversary weekend. Once again, thank you very much.

Stuart Flint
I just wished to thank your Choir members for the wonderful C.D. recently released which has given me hours of listening enjoyment. For over 45 years I have been involved in Male Choir singing and have always been troubled over those years as to why Male Choral singing does not get the air time on either radio or T.V. and to suddenly be hearing The Fron Choir nearly every day on Classic F.M. and other radio and T.V. programmes has gladdened my heart more than anyone will know. I often visited Llangollen in my youth in the 40s &50s when my Uncle, the Rev Sidney Austin Price, was the Methodist Minister in the Llangollen Circuit and lived near Ruabon. The times I travelled the Canal was many and it was in this period that my love of Male Voice singing began, although being of Welsh blood via my Grandmother Gwenillian (dare I say from South Wales), I was born in England into a family where choral singing and brass bands were a part of my everyday life. It is of little surprise that my love of singing in and hearing Male Choirs is still as strong as it was in my teens.

Malcolm Bowker
It is quite by chance that I ‘discovered’ the Fron Choir. I borrowed a CD from our central lending library’s music section, and how glad I am. The quality of the recordings and the arrangements are wonderful. I’m only a novice at this sort of thing you understand but I know a good thing when I hear it. I was so moved when I heard the first track ’We are sailing’ that I was overcome with emotion. It brought back such vivid memories of all those British service personnel setting sail for the Falklands conflict.

Adrianna Glover, Daventry, Northants
Just wanted to send a quick email to say how much we enjoyed your wonderful singing at the Classic Brit awards on ITV 1, really beautiful. It seems ages since we saw you all in Birmingham in March. My mother-in-law, Lynne, who you dedicated a song to, still talks about it. Hopefully we will be able to visit you all one day, a lovely excuse to visit Wales!! Love to you all.

Joan Abley, Hampshire
I was given "Voices of the Valley" by my grandson for Christmas and I now have 3 CD's of your choir plus 10 other welsh choirs and I can honestly say that they are never off my CD player. The other choirs are very good but I really think your choir is by far the best. Every word you sing is so clear that I find myself singing along, even in welsh and I am not welsh. You have a fan for life here, old admittedly (72) but a faithful fan. Thank you for so many hours of pleasure. My best wishes for your continued fame.

Brian J. Ashley, Llanfair Caereinion
Last night my wife and I treated Jerry Gittens, (who lives here in Llanfair Caereinion and used to sing with your choir) to the concert at St Mary's. He, as were we all, was thrilled. He quietly joined in with most of the choir's repertoire and spoke to a few of the longer serving members during the interval. His eyes glistened with nostalgia and I suspect he's still smiling. You made an old man very happy. And what of the singing? Enthralling, spellbinding, arousing; what can one add to the accolades heaped upon you; except perhaps to say that it's amazing and inspiring, to see, and hear, what 60 seemingly ordinary people can achieve when they put their shoulders to the wheel. Your success has been earned - enjoy it.

Heather, Vancouver, Canada
Congratulations to all on your "overnight" success(!) and a big thank you for your "Voices of the Valley" from a lonely expat. I love the view on the cover of the CD. Can you please tell me where this picture is taken? Any plans for a North American tour as I'm sure you would be very successful here. Best wishes.

Reply from the Fron Choir Treasurer Allan Smith - The picture on the front cover of the CD was taken on the summit of a hill above Llangollen in North Wales amongst the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân (Crow Castle would be a rough translation), and was taken at 5 am as the sun was rising. It features a few of our younger, more agile members as the climb up to it is quite strenuous.

Brian and Jaqui Ball Worthing
My wife and I were at St Davids Hall, in Cardiff for your concert which was fantastic. We had travelled from Worthing in West Sussex to see my brother and the wonderful choir he is in. "Voices of the Valley" has been nearly worn out here but could I put in a request for Callon Lan song on a future CD please. The first time that we saw the choir was at Bournemouth a few years ago, long before you were this 'famous'. It was at a concert given for a retired President of the choir I think and it was with the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir as well. Bournemouth were on in the first half and they were really good. Never have I experience what happened after the interval when you started singing. I thought that the roof was going to come off. A magic moment for sure. Hopefully you will be touring the south at some time so we are really looking forward to seeing you all again.

Dawn Holland.
The Voices Of The Valley C.D. has given us many hours of enjoyment during the past couple of months and it deserves to be back at Number One on Classic F.M..

Jean Heyes - Besses o'th'Barn Band
Well what next for our friends from Wales. I heard it on the radio yesterday travelling back upnorth - we were listening to Classic FM and they mentioned you and the Classical Brits. Well I'm spreading the news and asking people to vote so lets hope you win. Even if you don't, what an experience you have all had this year. What will be next ? Congrats to you all from Besses, especially to Ann who deserves some publicity. Hopefully when the dust settles we might be able to do another concert together. Fingers crossed.

Wendy Norman (nee Jones), London, Ontario Canada
It is such a pleasure to send this email to you with regards the wonderful Fron Male Voice Choir CD which was given to me as a Christmas gift 2006. I am a Welsh girl residing in Canada and have been following the remarkable life story of this choir. The CD itself transports me back to Wales in an instant and once again allows me to feel so proud of my Welshness. My favourites are too numerous to mention but I will say that I can't wait for your next CD to happen. I am hoping to return to Wales this summer and look forward to visiting the valley and perhaps hear the choir practice. Keep up the wonderful work, the powerful singing and the joy you send to all of us no longer living in Wales but will always have their welsh spirit within them. I hope you plan to visit Canada real soon. With warm wishes and great appreciation to you all.

Trevor Jones (AUSTRALIA)
I am delighted to see the Vron Choir doing so well, it brings back a wonderful memory for me the last time I was over in Wales. My brother David who is a member of the choir and his lovely wife Angie were renewing their marriage vows at Vale Crucis Abbey" in Llangollen. Anne, the conductor of the choir, with the aid of some members of the choir sang I'll walk beside you, and it was a wonderful rendition. Afterwards we all retired to a small reception and the choir members gave us a little concert on their own. All of a sudden Anne who knew I loved singing in a choir asked me if I would like to join the boys in a rendering of "Myfanwy". I was over the moon and I joined the baritone section and gave it all I had. It touched me very much to be included in a wonderful moment, and I will remember it as long as I live. Thank you Anne and the boys all the very best in the future.

Alan Jenkins, Cardiff
After listening to the Choir at St David's Hall recently we are excited to find we will be in Cyprus during the same time in October. Can you please forward the venues for your tour so we can have the great pleasure of listening to you again.

Peter Mountain, Sunderland
I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing your performance at the Sage Gateshead on 1 April 07. My first experience of your talents was a CD bought for me by my wife for Christmas. My experience on the 1st April was out of this world. Both my wife and I had an extremely enjoyable evening and look forward to the next tour which we will be looking out for.

Nita Prior, Connecticut USA
Thrilled to read on the BBC News that you have been nominated for the Classical Brit Best Album award. Well done, we look forward to many more of your wonderful CD's.

Angela Whelan, Fine Arts Brass
A huge thanks again for a very enjoyable tour with the Choir. All the best of luck for all your future endeavours and I look forward to seeing you all on "the box" at the "Classical Brits". Thanks especially for the kind gift - Baby Ben will wear it with pride when he finally arrives!! Kindest regards to you Ann, Alwena and the rest of the Choir.

Shaun Edwards, Wrexham
Just thought I would send you a quick e-mail to say I thoroughly enjoy listening to your CD Voices of the Valley. We've actually just taken a copy up for my Uncle who is now living in Scotland so expect to get a few Scottish fans as well. My Mum is also an avid listener of the CD playing it constantly in her car except, being a Man Utd fan, has to constantly skip track 09 despite me telling her it's from Carousel! Kind Regards and best wishes for all your future endeavours!

Bernard D.W. Wright, Northumberland
Over fifty years ago I was a second tenor in an evangelical male voice choir in Portsmouth which gave mutual pleasure to the members of churches of different denominations and the choir members. My wife presented me with the "Voices of the Valley" CD as a Christmas present and as a senior citizen I have most things in life and Christmas presents from the family are really unnecessary. However, the Fron Choir album is a present to treasure. For the past fifty years, I have been unable to attend cinemas and theatres owing to the restriction in leg room for my disability. However, I am grateful to my wife for making arrangements for me to attend the Fron Choir Concert at The Sage, Gateshead. The expected discomfort throughout the three hours was greatly ameliorated due to the emotions I felt listening to the renditions by the Fron Choir which were both moving and warmly inspiring. It is indeed a gift to have a fine singing voice, and in particular, the lovely voice of mezzo-soprano and conductor Ann Atkinson, also the unexpected humour by the artists was good to see, particularly with the singing of "Lazy Bones". Also, mention should be made of the humour and voice of tenor Alfie Boe, and the talented Fine Art Brass who accompanying the choir. May I wish the members of the Fron Choir and those concerned with the production of the albums every success in the future.

Mike Packham, Utah USA
We're home safe in the USA but with fond memories of our UK vacation. Our evening with Fron was a highlight of our trip. Thanks so much for the picture on the webpage. With all the excitement that night I didn't take any still shots--just video, so your pictures are a treasure. The ones of your tour were fun to look at now that we recognize so many faces. I'm glad that you are enjoying the CDs of our Choir, we surely enjoy the CD we were given that night. My wife will wear it out, I'm sure.

Samantha, California USA
Have just listened to your 'Voices of the Valley' album. Truly wonderful and heartening to hear those lovely voices and ballads; especially "Land of my Fathers", "Abide with Me" and "All through the Night". My Father lived in Penarth, near Cardiff; although passed on some 9 years ago. It fills me with tremendous pride and joy to hear those voices of homeland. Another album soon please. All the best, keep going.

Mary Martin
I purchased your CD after Christmas on the recommendation of a family member. I was simply stunned at the music and the wonderful singing and moved beyond tears by the some of the tracks ­ especially "Abide with Me", "Jerusalem" and "Unchained Melody" ­ all music used at the funeral service for my late husband, Michael, a police officer who sadly died last June aged just 50. Michael was a lifelong brass musician and would have loved your music just as my daughter and I do. When are you touring in the South of England? We would love to see and hear the choir live. With grateful thanks and best wishes to the choir.

Marama Williams, Oswestry
I would like to thank the choir for the Happy Birthday dedication at the Llandudno concert. We had a great night.

Alistair Campbell, Birmingham
What a great night! I sing with the Birmingham Icknield Male Voice Choir and was given tickets to your concert for a birthday treat, and what a treat it was. Starting with Alfie Boe who has such a fine voice and such a great sense of humour, and then such a great programme from the choir. I must admit I was a little concerned when I saw on the ticket that you were appearing with a brass band as I have heard many choirs overwhelmed by brass. But what a delight!, a small group of quality players who played and accompanied so well. My only regret from the evening was not being quick enough to get a programme. The highlight for me was "World in Union" which was stunning and I loved the soft Welsh songs which showed a real control of tone. Your audience was very warm and appreciative, the atmosphere light-hearted and the music wonderful. I hope you go from success to success. Please hurry back to Birmingham.

Margaret and Neil Wallace
Just a note to say what a marvellous experience the concert provided at St Davids Hall. The blending of the voice was as wonderful as on the CD. We also enjoyed the Brass quintet. We wish you all the best for the future - we're looking forward to the next CD.

Pamela Lloyd-Jones
Fabulous CD - treated myself to it at Christmas - when is the next one coming out - my grandson says he's fed up of hearing this one!! Good luck to you all.

Adrianna Glover
We had asked you to dedicate a song in Welsh for my Mother-in-law Mrs Lynne Glover at the Symphony Hall and we were delighted when our request was read out by the compere. As it happens, the hymn you dedicated happened to be a favourite of her Father and brought back many happy memories. We all enjoyed the concert immensely - especially Lynne! - and hope to be able to see you all again. Kind regards and thanks again.

Kay Jones, Salford, Lancashire
Just before Christmas I bought your CD "Voices of the Valley" - please hurry and make another one as I have almost worn mine out.. Before my dear husband died, we used to go to the Male Voice Evening every St Davids Day to listen to a visiting Welsh Choir. I miss that so much. Imagine my delight when my youngest daughter took me to the Bridgewater Hall to hear your Choir as an early Mothers Day present. We both enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for singing "The Rose", Gaynor, my daughter was hoping the choir would sing "Bring Him Home" - perhaps you'll include it on a future CD. Diolch yn Fawr for bringing so much pleasure to so many exiled from those lovely Welsh hills.

Carina and Malcolm Brown
Congratulations on your past and present successes (they could not have gone to a better Choir) and good luck for the future. We thoroughly enjoyed your concert at Llandudno - it was excellent. All the very best to you all.

Moira Flint, Surrey
I saw the Choir at St David's Hall on Sunday the 11th of March and thought the concert was wonderful. My husband bought me the CD a couple of weeks ago. I love it. I was born in Wales but now live in Surrey.

Tim Walter, Cardiff
My wife, and members of her family attended the concert last weekend at St Davids Hall and had a great time - they thought the concert was superb.

Robin G. Bevan, LLanelli
Hi, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Concert in Cardiff on Sunday Night. As an ex-member of a Male Voice Choir in my locality it was a refreshing change to hear a choir singing the more popular music such as "Sailing", "You Raise Me Up" and "World In Union". Well done, keep it up and I hope there is more of the same on your next album - looking forward to it already.

Anne Bedson, Cardiff
Would you please convey my thanks to the choir for their magnificent rendering of Happy Birthday for Betty Wood on that wonderful evening. It made this special lady's day - it was the best evening she had ever had and you all made her feel very important . We all enjoyed every second of the concert and we cannot wait for the release of the next CD !.Once again my grateful thanks for taking the trouble, she will remember that night for the rest of her life !

Betty Wood, Blaenffos, Pembrokeshire
Annwyl Côr Meibion y Fron, I wish to send you my grateful thanks not only for your superb concert, but for me, the trouble you took to acknowledge my 80th birthday, and the glorious rendition, by the Choir of 'Happy Birthday'. Although stunned at the time, it was a wonderful finale to a truly memorable day and will stay with me for ever. Diolch yn fawr iawn unwaith eto.

Pam & Ian Browne Nailsworth. Gloucestershire.
Hope you all got back home safely last night. We would just like to say how very much we enjoyed the 'boy band's' performance last night at St Davids Hall. Not only the Choir but also Fine Art Brass and the lovely lady in red, who is so obviously passionate about what she does. Thank you so much for talking to us and for giving Dad a mention - he enjoyed that. Enough rambling - thanks again for a truly memorable evening - and also thanks to the singer at the beginning. We shall look out for your next performance in our area, and wish you every success - there is something magical about Welsh singing, which you don't seem to get anywhere else in the world.

Ray & Ena Shepherdson, Grimsby.
I received your CD as a Christmas present and enjoyed it immensely. Then we were offered a joint birthday present (my wife's being in February and mine in April) of tickets to the Harrogate concert and an overnight stay! It was worth driving the 90 miles each way for such a wonderful evening even though we are some years older than your Choir! We really appreciated the variety in the programme and the links given by your compere and your conductor. Fine Arts brass were also brilliant and I thought the percussionist deserved special mention for the range of skills he displayed. When we were younger we came to Wales for many years in succession, staying at a farmhouse in Cefnddwysarn, nr. Bala and were introduced to choral penillion singing at a concert by Cor Godr'er Aran (our host translated for us!) We have retained our love of Welsh Male Voice singing, especially the hymn tunes, and look forward to your next CD with keen anticipation.

Jeff Stone. Blackburn, Lancashire
I have recently bought your CD Voices of the Valley. I can't stop playing it, I have it on everytime I get in my car. I buy lots of CD's but your's is the best of them all. I read an article about the Fron Male Voice Choir in the Lancashire Telegraph and thought I must have that CD. Good luck for the future. I can't wait for your next recording.

Rod and Barbara Spriggs, Shrewsbury
We attended the Voices of the Valley concert at Rhyl last Thursday night having bought the CD some weeks ago. The evening was truly memorable and the sound that the choir produce can only be described as beautiful. Thanks to everyone involved for giving us such a wonderful evening.

Ann, Rhyl
Never have I enjoyed any evening so much. I could have sat through the entire performance again. Fantastic! You sang Deep Harmony which brought tears to my eyes it was so beautiful. Please include this on your next recording. I am not Welsh and only have a limited knowledge of the language, but music is beautiful in any language and you don't have to understand the words to be moved. Thank you again

John Botwright
Went to your concert at Llandudno last night with my 86 year old mother in law - she actually knew a couple of the "boys" from her school days. What a wonderful evening we had. The tears rolled down her cheeks as you sang songs that brought back such happy memories for her. Keep up the good work and once again thank you so much.

Karen Sinclair AM, Clwyd South
After attending the wonderful concert last night in Wrexham I felt compelled to let you know what an enjoyable evening it was. Please pass on my thanks to all the choir members. With all best wishes.

George, Wrexham
Fantastic album and great vocalists but don't you think you were at the right place at the right time!

Steve Allsup. Chairman, Cotswold Male Voice Choir
On behalf of the Cotswold Male Voice Choir, I wanted to say "Well Done to Fron" because your recent success has done much to promote the cause of male voice choirs everywhere. Your repertoire is very similar to ours and we have had people requesting music because it is on your CD. If any of your members are ever in Gloucestershire, pop in and see us at one of our rehearsals or one of concerts. We're a happy band and we always find time for a beer afterwards. In fact, some of our regular supporters describe us a "Drinking Club with a Singing Problem" ! Best wishes to all our fellow singers at Fron.

Sarah
First I like to say well done for selling so many CD's, they're fantastic. Is it possible I could get all your autographs please?

Margaret and Brian Bassnett
Please pass on to all of the Choir our thanks for a fabulous, emotional and unforgetable evening at The Phil on Tuesday last. A request or three for your next CD please. Calon Lan, Cwm Rhondda and Myfanwy. All three songs have a special place in our hearts and they were my mum's favourites (she would have been 100 in May). Keep up the good work. God bless you all.

Linda and Emily Thornhill, Newton le Willows, Merseyside
Just to let you know that we really enjoyed the concert in the Royal Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool tonight. It was my mother's day present from my daughter, who accompanied me. I notice you are performing in Rhosllanerchrugog, my ancestors are from that village and we intend to visit there to try and savour the atmosphere. One of the lullabies you sang, was sung to me by my great grandmother as well as "The Welsh Home". Happy St David's Day and good luck with the rest of the tour. Hope you enjoyed visiting our great city, we certainly enjoyed your performance.

Betty Hodgson, Liverpool
First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us during the interval at Liverpool. You really are as happy in person as you appear on stage! Now, will you please pass on my congratulations and very best wishes and thanks to Ann and all the boys for an evening of sheer and absolute magic. Together, you all have a God given gift, not only to entertain, but also to touch the emotional depths of your audience. Your obvious enjoyment and love of what you do shines through. Long may you continue!! I look forward to seeing you all at a future concert and eagerly await the next CD (definitely another No.1) Take care and love to you all.

Margaret, Cheshire
We were at The Bridgewater Hall Feb 25. What a truly memorable evening. As an old Trevorite I must admit I was unable to recognise many of the choristers, probably too old, the majority were younger than I am. I wish you every success.

Chris Baker
Firstly may I say how much I and my brother in law and his wife enjoyed the concert on Saturday in Bradford. My son had bought me the CD for Christmas and it was nice to see everyone in the flesh, so to speak. My only comment is that having paid £25 to see the concert, programmes were priced at £8 each, which both my brother in law and myself felt was slightly steep, so neither of us purchased one. If they had been say £4/5, then you would have had a further two sales. I trust you don't mind me writing to you on this point. I accept touring is not cheap, but I feel that your popularity depends on the buying public and by trying to charge what I feel is a high price for a programme does not go down well. Best Wishes for a successful 2007.

Reply from the Fron Choir Treasurer Allan Smith - Thank you so much for taking the time to write - it's really great to receive so many e-mails. You make a very valid point about the programmes. The pricing of tickets, programmes, and other ancillaries were determined by the production company 'Production North' and 'SMJ Concerts'. We had no say in the matter and were surprised ourselves! all we had to do was "turn up and sing". So, sorry if that in any way lessened your enjoyment. We enjoyed it immensely and it was a great start to our tour.

Keith Shaw, Houghton Main Male Voice Choir
Very many thanks for a very, very, enjoyable evening last Saturday in Bradford. My wife and I thought that the varied programme was excellent particularly "Tom Tom" and "Lazy Bones". I must try and introduce them to my Choir. I didn't have the opportunity to come for a chat on Saturday, and I presume you were busy preparing for the performance-- perhaps another time! Many thanks also for the "happy Birthday" Chorus- totally unexpected- but well received. I shall look forward to having your next C D. With best wishes for the Choirs future and continued success.

David & Lorna Riley
My wife and I have just arrived home, from the concert in Bradford. What a wonderful evening. We sat next to a lady whose husband was in the choir, Mrs Glyn Hesketh. I would just like to thank everyone for making a perfect evening. PS Hope the rest of your tour goes well.

Jonathan Craig
Congratulations on an excellent CD, I really enjoy it. Just wondering if you had planned to release any more in the near future?

Gill Carrington
I just wanted to write and tell you how much my Mum and Dad enjoyed the "Parky" Show when you accompanied Katherine Jenkins.

Brian, Llanfair Caereinion
I recently moved to Llanfair Caereinion. I¹ve struck a friendship with a Jerry Gittens, also now living in Llanfair; he¹s a charming old chap who still speaks with great pride of the "old days" when he sang with the Fron Male Voice Choir. I hear that your choir is to sing in Llanfair on 5th May. I can¹t think of a better present for him than to take him along there to hear you sing and reminisce about his glory days.

Cyril Bowler, Scunthorpe
Well done Fron Choir. It gives me so much pleasure to listen to the choir singing with so much passion as only the Welsh can do, once again Fron Choir, you sing, we Welsh will listen, very well done.

Chris
As an ex probationer on the choir, I sadly had to leave (long story) but this choir is the best. They have wonderful members and everyone who is working in the background does a lot for them. My only hope is to rejoin them one day.

Peter Davies
Would like to congratulate you on a wonderful CD. I hope you go on to make more CD's or even better a dvd Especially for people who cant get too see your performances and it would generate revenue for the choir at the same time. I was brought up in Penycae but moved away nearly 30 years ago and hearing your voices and the songs on your CD. made me feel like I was back home amongst them rolling hills, so once again thank you for a lovely CD. and hope you do get to make more, I would be first in the queue to buy more.

Fred Schofield, Southend on Sea
I remember, when I was a travel consultant organising a tour for the Fron to southern Holland. They took part in a joint concert in Maastricht with another Dutch choir. I am now a member of Leigh on Sea Orpeus Male Voice Choir myself. . I was looking at all the CD Albums listed in my local ASDA store. The Fron is at no.34 BUT this is the only one of the whole list that is SOLD OUT! What an achievement! Well done.

Pauline Le Page
We have just purchased 'Voices of the Valley', it is beautiful!! Are the Choir intending to record any more for us to enjoy? Particularly 'Men of Harlech' and 'Battle Hymn of The Republic' and 'Amazing Grace'? Incidentally, was it Anne singing on the CD.? Thank you all for the enjoyment you are giving to my husband and I. Regards

Graham Heathcote, Ilfracombe
Good luck lads what a fantastic CD. Dymuniadau gorau.

David de Young, Minnesota, USA
Was introduced to the lads' music by my friend Norma while in Wrexham last month. The CD sounded heavenly while in Wales, so I brought one home to America where it is loved as well. As a Christmas gift to my parents, it was one of their favourites

David Whelan, Windermere
I have just listened to my newly purchased copy of 'Voices of The Valley'. Magnificent. Will the choir be making any more?

M&J Vaughan, Nantwich Cheshire
Well done Ann and the lads. We are both thrilled with your achievements. We never thought that the Fron Choir would be competing with the Scissors Sisters! But there we are, enjoy your success. We purchased your album on day 1.

Paul Pearce-Smith
Just to tell you that I received "Voices Of The Valley" as Christmas present. It is a thoroughly enjoyable CD., and raises the hair on the back of my neck in a lot of cases. Keep up the good work, and long may you enjoy your singing and the companionship that a choir can bring. Any chance that you may be coming to Northern Ireland at any time?

Helen Lovgren, Portland Oregon
While visiting our son in London at Christmastime, my husband was given a beautiful gift Voices of the Valley. Since returning home to Portland, Oregon (USA), I have played no other CD. for the past month. I am total "addicted" to this fantastic collection I play it in the car and at home, and I have introduced friends and family to your group! Thank you for this lovely gift of music it's a spiritual experience!

Rhiannon, Chichester
My sons bought me the CD. for my recent birthday and I've hardly stopped playing it since (came in very handy when I was typing my husband's dissertation through the night!). We'll try to get to Birmingham but will keep a look out on your site, as you suggest. I think concerts would sell out at the Chichester Festival Theatre (great acoustics!) and nearby Worthing and Fareham have good concert halls. My youngest, born in Wales, is putting together something for and with his classmates on a Welsh theme for St David's day soon and no doubt Fron's Mae Hen Wlad will get things off to a great start! Well done, all of you, on your much-deserved success. Dymuniadau gorau.

Malcolm Head, Surrey
Just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful, wonderful CD. I bought it for my wife for Christmas and have just listened to it for the first time. It reduced me to tears! We have lived in England 45 years but Wales is still 'home'. If the next offering is as good as this, you are surely destined for international success. Good luck and thank you once again for 45 minutes (actually 90 because I played it right through again) of pure bliss.

Paul, Maryland, US
I saw the report on BBC yesterday and the song "Sailing" was beautiful. I know when I hear those beautiful voices, I will be brought to tears. I really look forward to buying their CD and sharing it with others as well as seeing the movie. Thank you very much for such a inspiring gift of music.

Chris Davies, Lytham St Annes
As another local lad, now an ex-pat living in Lancashire, it's always good to be reminded of your roots & the people you grew up with. My Taid (Grandfather to you non-Welsh) was J R Davies, & both my Father & Uncle, Haydn & Merfyn Davies were members of the choir for a long period. Alas, now both passed over, I'm sure they'd be proud of how the choir is finally achieving the accolade it deserves. I'm obviously biased, since my brother Stephen carries on the family tradition of representing the Davies family in the choir for a 3rd generation. Well done to you all!

Steve Beech, New York. USA
Wonderful! What a great choir. Bring back great memories. Wishing you luck in the future, and keep recording. (Ex Price of Wales Company, Welsh Guards)

Paul Edwards, St Neots Cambs
Once a Froner always a Froner, good to see that now the rest of the world knows what the locals have always known - Best Choir in the World. Congratulations Boys from "Down South".

Moira Edwards, Ludlow
I live in a small village called Downton on the Rock, six miles from the county town of Ludlow. A while ago our dear friend Olive had bought a CD. of a wonderful choir. "Oh we must have them she exclaimed," (to perform at the church) meanwhile this wonderful choir have become very famous. So maybe they would be to busy or to expensive to come. We raise funds for our church Fabric fund, (St. Giles) We have fought tooth and nail to keep our church open and now have turned things around, through bloody mindedness and hard work. We would love to have some of your wonderful choir to come along.

Menna Jones, Wrexham.
Ardderchog! Excellent! Llongyfarchiadau i Ann a'r bechgyn! Congratulations to Ann and the boys! It is good to see such hard work and dedication rewarded. I have long been a fan of the choir and I'm particularly fond of your version of 'The Rose'.

Patrick Thornton, Dublin, Ireland
I love the album, it's a breath of fresh air, and I think Sailing & You'll Never Walk Alone make the album all the better. Hope to see & hear you over Christmas.

Dafydd Jones, exiled in County Durham
As Wilfred Jones' grandson it's great that the choir he was so proud to have helped form is having the success it deserves. Congratulations. P.S. Is Brad Pitt lined up to play him in the film?

AJ de Haan & Marieke Tetteroo, Hertogenbosch
Ann and Chaps; a truly great album. What a result and how deserved after all those hours of hard work. We congratulate you. Since we bought it the CD is either in the player at home or in the car. Thank you for this great performance.

Tony & Beverley Wheaton ( and Eddie the Oyster)
Will you please pass our congratulations on to your whole choir on your superb CD. which we were lucky enough to receive as a Xmas present. Could you please pass our sincere best wishes to Ann Atkinson with whom we shared a memorable Lions tour to New Zealand-the CD. and hearing her singing brought great memories flooding back. Our very best wishes for your continued success in 2007 and beyond,

Dr Phillip Cooper Antigonish, Nova Scotia
I will be visiting my father Bill Cooper (a proud Vron alumnus!) for a few days this April. I will be travelling from my home in Nova Scotia Canada with my wife Simone and we will probably also be accompanied by my mother Marjorie. You might be interested to know that the Vron Choir was a topic of conversation at a New Year's Eve party we attended here in Antigonish last night - Jack O'Donnell (music director of the Men of the Deeps Choir from Cape Breton) and I were both delighted to receive copies of 'Voices of the Valley' from Santa Claus! Jack had also seen a TV documentary about the choir. I have lived in Canada for more than 20 years and I remain an active chorister and choir director, although my 'day job' is as a General Surgeon. Best wishes for your continued success, looking forward to future recordings of your core repertoire (a capella!), a very happy new year to you all and hoping to see you in April.

Norma Weekes
Wonderful. I have played it so many times. Even my non-Welsh friends enjoy it. The piano at the beginning is magical. I was born in Chirk, went to Llangollen Grammar School and was an usher at the Eisteddfod 1950/51. R.T.Jones who was in the choir was my boss at Ceiriog RDC. I took some of my family to the Eisteddfod last year to the male voice concert and they are all enchanted by your wonderful sounds. Incidentally my maiden name was Butler. I am now going to try and get tickets for your concert in Birmingham Best wishes,

Karen Miller
I am writing regarding my Father who will be 70 this year in June and who is a huge admirer of the Fron Male Choir, I bought him your CD for Christmas and he is absolutely made up with it. Many thanks.

Malcolm, Eastbourne
A week ago, I was in the depths of despair, as I am in the throes of a divorce, after forty long years of marriage. I wandered into The Music Zone record Shop in Eastbourne, where by chance I spotted the "Voices Of The Valley" album in their "New Releases" section and picked it up to have a Listen in Store, as I have a Welsh Middle Name "Gwyn", although I am not Welsh and for some reason I do enjoy songs in the Welsh Language, even though I only know three Welsh words, my belated father's middle name "Llewellyn", "Gwyn" and of course, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychymdrobwyllllantysiliogogoch"! In the event, after listening to just a couple of tracks, I was so impressed that I bought two copies of the album and I have hardly stopped listening to this wonderful team effort and have posted my views on the Katie Melua Forum, to initial scorn when I said that I believed it would make it into The UK Album Chart, which of course it most deservedly has. I sent my second copy to a friend in Germany and he admitted that he was surprised that I sent him an album of that genre of music, as he had never, ever heard a Welsh Male Voice Choir in his life, but he and his wife were completely bowled over by the soul stirring renditions. This album has been a great solace to me already, so please pass my thanks on to Ann Atkinson and the Boys from The Vale of Llangollen for a Musical Masterpiece.

Margaret McLean
I recently saw the TV advert for your CD and knew that I wanted to buy it. I purchased it on my next visit to the City centre and have not stopped playing it since. The music is out of this world and has brought me much pleasure. Although I do not understand the Welsh language, I also enjoyed the Welsh songs. Looking forward to the next CD.

Tom Jones
God bless the chaps in their chart success. My late father was in the choir 1947/48. My mother is still alive. This what we call a real boy band.

Mr & Mrs E Roberts
We have just bought the CD and thought it was excellent especially You Raise Me Up in Welsh. We think the choir deserve their success especially the older ones who have been with the choir through thick & thin. Keep up the good work. See you in Hollywood!

Sue Mayes, Banbury
I have just received the first CD, having followed the exciting story of the 'discovery' of the choir. Love the disc but may I just pass on a comment: please put more Welsh songs on future discs. (Where is Myfanwy? Or many of the great Welsh hymns?) Wonderful to have a Welsh MVC going into the charts so let's show fans more of the best, please? Good luck with it all.

Bill Evans
I, together with Dennis Williams, was a founder member of the choir. Apart from the people already mentioned I think that J R Davies should receive an accolade. He lived for the choir and was responsible for keeping it together when the conductor Lloyd Edwards was in hospital for a few months. J R, although not a professional musician, did a brilliant job conducting the choir and giving a creditable performance at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. Fron choir owes its existence to :- Gomer Powell, Lloyd Edwards, J R Davies, Wilfred Jones, Bob Hughes and Menna Hughes.

Ian Gough, Tainant
First congratulations to the best Choir in Wales on the CD and second to my Dad GREN GOUGH a founder member and the longest serving member of the Choir - a great achievement. And lets not forget the backroom staff the Ladies Committee and the wives / girl friends. WELL DONE LADS.

Mark Hill, Chirk
Congrats to all in the Fron Choir, my Dad was a member from the late 60's till his death in 1982, have always wondered why international acclaim missed you all, now it will come in leaps and bounds. Fantastic music through all the years, and you still have that magic sound and feel, that you give to each piece, making it your own and wowing the audience.

Jessica
hi my name is Jessica and my Granddad was in the Fron choir for a number of years under two conductors Lloyd Edwards and John Daniel. My Granddad's name is Haydn Powell of Rhosymedre.

Reg Jones, Shrewsbury
Come and sing at the new meadow next year boys.

Julie Young, Acrefair.
From a VERY proud auntie Jue, to Mark Williams, and all the boys who are in the best choir in the world, loads of love and well done.

John Evans, Acrefair
As a former member of Fron Choir, I'm delighted that the choir is not only surviving, but thriving, and as Stage Manager at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, I'm pleased to welcome the boys (old friends & new), every time that they compete!

Julie Edwards - Cyprus (but really a Rhos girl!!)
This is fantastic! I can't wait to see you all here in Cyprus to celebrate your 60th Anniversary. Having spent a few years as your accompanist, I fully understand what Ann has to put up with in organising you all!!! All the best boys. xx

John & Irene Coates, Adelaide Australia
Congratulations , well done and well deserved, it is just great news, "good on you" as they say down-under.

John and Irene Vernon-Jones
This is a great choir. My Uncle Edward Jones(Ned) was a member of this choir right from the beginning, he died during choir practice one night. I am so glad for all of you good luck.

Don Jones (Delph) Gainsborough
For most of my life Male Voice Choirs have been a passion with me. I have a very old LP of Fron Choir with none other than David Hart singing solo. I am now looking forward to obtaining a copy of this CD which I know will be first class.

John Hughes Roberts
Good Luck with the CD. Congratulations! Your choir will be great ambassadors of music home and abroad and will be world known from now on. Ann Atkinson is a wonderful conductor and singer and a great asset to you all.

David Hart, Acrefair/Cefn
As an old member of the Fron Choir, I was delighted to hear of their good news, and wish them all success in the future. To my old friends who are still singing with them, I would say "Tiddler" would be proud of you! Good Luck.

Terry Smith, Chester
I had the privilege of attending the Fron Male Voice Choir's concert Songs of the Shows on Saturday 21 October. It was the first choir concert that I've ever attended. My wife and I were curious after all publicity the choir have attracted with their new CD and we were not disappointed. Leyland Band and the Fron Male Voice Choir must be congratulated on a thoroughly professional and entertaining concert and both more than deserved the standing ovation given to them at the end of the concert. We are now new converts to Male Voice singing, I am not surprised that Daniel Glatman was so moved when he first heard them. We are looking forward to the release of the Choir's CD in November and their concert in the William Aston Hall in March.

Barry +Jan Hughes, Cefn
To the Fron choir, wishing you every success! Barry + Jan Hughes (Cefn)

F.W. New Zealand
For Nigel Francis (Snigs) To the funniest man in the Cefn - keep up the fantastic singing with the best choir in the world but more important keep up that Cefn humour that you ooze with natural flair that makes everyone's face ache with laughter whilst in your company - take care..

Kathleen Hatchett nee Rowlands
What an achievement - good on you boys. My Taid was in the choir way back in the early days. His name was Lloyd Morgan. Hope you do very well - lots of luck.

Ivan Grixti, - Malta
I am currently in Southampton on