Choristers up close - Steve Downs
Steve Downs
Section - Bass
How did you come to join Risca Male Choir?
I was working in Alcan in Rogerstone on the same shift as Trevor (Baker - Bass), Rammy (Steve Ramm - Baritone) and I also knew Curly (Phil Sheppard - Baritone) and Howard (Morgan - Bass). They were always suggesting that I joined the choir. It wasn’t until Harpo (Keith Jefferson: Bass) phoned me one evening and said “I’m going to pick you up and bring you to choir practice”. Putting your foot through the door was the hardest part!
Meeting the likes of John Watkins (Tenor), Lyndon Price (Bass) Gerry Pritchard (Baritone) and Cliff Edwards helped make it so much easier.
My fist association with a choir member was going to Scotland with a certain Terry Richards (Tenor) when I was 16 years old and listening to him singing beautiful Welsh songs. Then, I started my rugby career and just enjoyed a sing song after the match which was always a tradition at Risca and Crosskeys.
What music do you particularly enjoy singing and why?
Having been with the choir for a relatively short time, I can’t say that I dislike any of the music that we sing. But I love all the Welsh songs. I also enjoy the challenge of learning different the different pieces in our repertoire.
I think choir is a bit like rugby, in that the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. There is nothing better than going out on a Saturday afternoon and playing a game. It’s the same with singing: you can’t beat singing in a concert.
Not having sung at any great venues, my greatest pleasure was singing with two of my grandchildren at High Cross Primary School: a day to remember.
Tell us briefly about your life outside of choir
I was a born and bred Risca boy (a genuine cuckoo!) and went to Pontymister Secondary School. Following this, I went on to be an apprentice electrician with the old SWEB (South Wales Electricity Board).
In 1977 I joined Alcan Aluminium plant in Rogerstone and spent 32 excellent years there working with some great mates. I’ve been married to Jackie for 36 years and have 3 lovely children, Rob by my first marriage, and Nick and Beth with Jackie. I also have 4 fantastic grandchildren.
Being a Risca boy, I loved my rugby, and enjoyed my playing career with both Crosskeys and my home town, Risca. There I had the honour of acting as captain for 2 seasons and proudly winning the Ben Francis Cup against our old rivals, Abercarn. I’m still involved with Risca Veterans’ Rugby Team, but not playing any more, just enjoying the social side of the game.
A final thought, if you have one
My biggest regret is not joining the choir earlier in my life, but I intend to enjoy it as long as I’m fit and able.
