Scotland Trip

On Thursday the 9th of April a party of 81 consisting of Choir members and supporters began the journey up to Glasgow to begin a four day tour with concerts in both Glasgow and Edinburgh . Following the long trip it was a relief to arrive at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Glasgow and settle in and relax . The more adventurous exploring this vibrant city and the muriad of attractions it has to offer. On the Fridy the members spent the day wandering the city until 4.30pm when the Choir, already in their concert attire made the short drive to the Hillington Church where we met up with the gentlemen of the Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir a fine body of gentleman who made us feel very welcome from the first moment. Both Choirs had a rehearsal before joining together to sing Mor Fawr Wyt ti and Gwahoddiad which was a great experience for both Choirs . Following the rehearsal we were treated to a buffet by our hosts and a chance to mingle and swap stories before preparing for the concert. The Glasgow Choir were marshalled by LLoyd in true Sgt Major fashion and when he called his Choir to form up , even the Brythoniaid lads stood up , not a man to be trifled with . The Church was full to capacity and about two hours later all were on their feet following a very succesfull concert . The Brythoniaid premiered Highland Cathedral and Sunshine on Leith in their repetoire which were very enthusiastically received. The evening was ended with both Choirs and supporters being royally welcomed at the Cardonald Bowling Club where a few teas and coffee’s were consumed !!! The evening was ended with a rendition of Flower of Scotland , a very good end. The following day the party travelled to the beautiful city of Edinburgh . The first port of call was a wonderful guided tour of the Johnny Walker experience where temptation was all around but as we were all under strict instruction not to partake , non alcolic beverage was supplied , a first for the Brythoniaid !! During the tour , John Eifion JOnes was presented with an engraved special edition bottle of Whiskey to mark his 25 yrs as Conductor which , as a whiskey collector , he appreciated. Later that day the Choir met up at the magnificent St Giles Cathedral in the heart of the city where we met up with the Edinburgh Police Choir a mixed Choir our guests for the concert later that evening. The first step was to have a rehearsal , and what an experience that was . Our first notes ascending into the roof and echoed down the full length of the Cathedral. That was an experience in itself with smiles all round. WE listened to the Edinburgh Police Choir rehearse , all accapella and wonderful to listen to. A joint rehersal then took place with a new song for the Brythoniaid “ Parting Glass “ followed by a bilingual version of Mor Fawr Wyt ti . Then it was time for the concert . The stage could not have been better , a full Cathedral, the Police Choir resplendent in Tartan and kilts , John Eifion with his Welsh Tartan tie and Elizabeth in full tartan dress . The concert was one of those unforgettable moments which will stay with the Choir members for a very long time. The whole party was on a high travelling back to Glasgow for a relaxing beverage ( or two) The following day we returned home with a very successful and memorable trip behind us due to the hard work of several of the Choir members . Thanks to all for their work.