Abercarn Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal – Sunday 30th October 2022

It was Abercarn RBL champion, Sue Tedstone’s dogged determination that eventually got Risca Male Choir to sing for the Royal British Legion Abercarn Poppy Appeal. The choir had been ready and waiting for the time when they could sing at this most important event. But with Covid restrictions regarding large gatherings in 2020, and then the following year 2021 with regulations about preforming in well ventilated venues, it was eventually in October 2022 when we were able to fulfil our promise to perform. What a special year it was too; 99 Years of the Abercarn branch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Under the baton of Music Director Emeritus, Martin Hodson MBE, and accompanist Alison Thomas (both of whom, as a choir, we are indebted to), we performed to a sell-out audience. It was a lovely, and as far as we are aware, new venue for our choir, the HQ of Abercarn RFC.

The music flowed with a range of spiritual songs, Welsh anthems, Welsh folk songs of longing (Hiraeth), and Welsh pride (O Gymru), movie tunes and Welsh poems. We must acknowledge Dave Tutton (Second Tenor) for his expressive recital of Eli Jenkins’ Prayer from Under Milkwood, combined with the choir’s unaccompanied vocal contribution (Troyte’s Chant); it is always a beautiful and moving piece. All items were well received with thunderous applause for the 30 choristers performing with a great sound, “the Risca sound”. A sound which was made and heard once again in the village of Abercarn. We even attracted some unexpected audience members from the upstairs rugby club bar with the wonderful sound made!

We hope to be able to support Abercarn Royal British Legion in their centenary poppy appeal year in 2023.

As two locals from Llanfach, we were proud to attend this performance. Tim as a chorister and Geraint, on this occasion as an audience member. Our experiences of emotion and the true cause was wholeheartedly felt. The work of the Abercarn RBL in keeping remembrance alive in the area is vital for future generations. The displays throughout Llanfach, Abercarn and West End of poppies on lampposts, Poppy displays, and the silent soldier silhouettes, serve as a tribute to the sacrifice made by so many throughout the United Kingdom’s conflicts.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Tim Stone and Geraint Price (1st Tenors)
Photo: Simon Stokes