Choristers

Choir President Since 2008
His Honour Sir Wyn Williams Kt QC
Wyn Williams was born in Ferndale in 1951, the son of Mr Ronald Williams, who for many years was Chairman of Côr Meibion Morlais.
He was educated at Rhondda County Grammar School for boys, Corpus Christi College, Oxford and Inns of Court Law School. He was called to the Bar (Inner Temple) in 1974, and has practiced as a barrister in Cardiff and London, was appointed QC in 1992, a specialist Chancery Circuit Judge for Wales in 2004, and High Court Judge in January 2007.
Wyn was knighted by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in April 2007. Sir Wyn Williams lives in Porth, Rhondda, and has been closely involved in Tylorstown RFC for many years – he played in the 1st XV between 1969 and 1985 served on the committee 1985-1998, and as Chairman 1991-1995, he has been a trustee of the club since 1998. The Choir were delighted when he accepted their invitation to become only the fourth President in the choirs history.

Choir President 1966-2008
Dr. Ieuan Gwynne
My connection with Pendyrus goes back to their first tour of the USA and Canada way back in 1965. I had not been interested in the ‘Male Voice sound’, but their new conductor, a brash man called Glynne Jones was turning the repertoire upside down, what with 16th and 17th century church music, and songs sung in many strange languages, not to mention pieces by contemporary composers.
They were planning something almost unheard of, a tour of Canada and the States, depending on local Welsh societies, and paying their way by ‘singing for their supper’. As GP to a lot of the choir, I offered to do their (then necessary) smallpox vaccinations free of charge. Believe me, the best ‘loss-leader’ ever! Iwas invited to join them on their 1971 tour of the States (San Francisco to New York via Vancouver and the States/Canadian border: a tour memorable for many mishaps!) It soon became clear to the choir that I was no orator, so my duties were confined to providing some medical advice when needed. Also, I think I perhaps helped by taking the side of the ‘ordinary’ chorister as opposed to the committee’! I even had the temerity at times to criticise the choir’s repertoire when, I thought their use of dissonant modern pieces impaired their ability to sing ‘sweetly’. Anyway, they have put up with me, and it was with sadness that I didn’t join them on their latest tours, to California and Canada. So now its God bless Pendyrus under the baton of John Samuel.
Extracted from notes in Dr. Gwynn’s Diary. He was the longest serving president of the choir

Choir President 1943-1966
William H Mainwaring MP Rhondda West Constituency
William Mainwaring who became an active member of the South Wales Miners Federation at an early age, and was part of the Cambrian Combine, miners lodge. Pre 1914 he was a member of the Unofficial Reform Committee who’s programme was outlined in a famous, militant, explosive pamphlet called The Miners Next Step. In this, the authors not only advocated a minimum wage of eight shillings for a seven-hour day, but also aimed at getting into the hands of the workers, the control and ultimately the ownership of the mines. Ironically, although in a different form, the mines were eventually Nationalised in 1947 with its slogan, managed on behalf of the people.
William went on to be elected an MP. representing the Rhondda East constituency in 1933 and served the people for a further 26 years until his retirement in 1959. He was invited to become the choir’s second recorded president in 1943 and continued in that role until 1966 when he eventually stood down because of failing health. During his term of office he always made an effort to attend the final rehearsal prior to the choir competing at an important Eisteddfod at which, he delivered an encouraging and inspirational speech.

Choir President 1934-1943
Thomas John, MA. JP.
It seems that Thomas John was the first person to be appointed President.
Other than the dates of his office 1934-1943 no further background information on him is readily available, other than, he was the miners agent for Rhondda, and later became a Justice of the Peace.