Morriston Choir member’s daughter remembers her ‘wonderful’ father

25th November 2022

Black and white photo of silver haired man wearing black coat and glasses in front of large sign with text "welcome to the Mumbles Pier and Pier Hotel" with further text about location

In March 2023, the world-famous Morriston Orpheus Choir will be performing at Lincoln Cathedral in support of St Barnabas Hospice’s 40th anniversary, with tickets on sale now via the charity’s website.

The award-winning Welsh male choir is famous nationally and internationally, often appearing on TV and radio, and have in the past performed in front of music lovers including the Royal family and the pope.

One person who looks forward to attending the concert is Heather Hall, Volunteer Services Coordinator at St Barnabas Hospice. Her father William Rogers was a member in the early years of the Choir, which was formed in the Welsh village of Morriston in 1935.

Black and white photo of dark haired man in tuxedo outdoorsHeather says: “My father was born and raised in Morriston, very proud of his Welsh roots, and I adored his wonderful soothing lyrical accent. He spoke fluent Welsh and was part of the Morriston Choir for some time. Unfortunately, I don’t know the exact timeframe, but it must have been in the 1940s or early 1950s as in 1953 he moved to Eastbourne, where I was born.

“I remember whenever the Choir was on TV, he insisted on watching it. His chest would puff up and he would always say ‘now that’s a proper choir, that is’ and shed a tear.Elderly man with white hair and glasses wearing grey longsleeve, holding a baby dressed in white

“His love, besides my mum, was singing and he was a very proud member of the local Operatic Society in Eastbourne. I am quite the expert on musicals as I used to go and watch him every time he was on stage, as well as his rehearsals. The first time I went to one of his rehearsals I was just 10 days old when my Mum took me. From that moment the only thing that would sooth me was my dad singing, so he recorded some songs for my Mum to play on a tape recorder when trying to get me to sleep. Apparently, it always worked!

“He often visited Wales and especially The Mumbles in Swansea Bay just around the corner from Morriston, which he said brought back wonderful memories of his childhood. He lived in Eastbourne until he died in 1992, but always knew he wanted to be laid to rest in Morriston along with his parents, and we made sure to make this wish come true.

Man with silver hair and moustache in a yellow car with his hand outstretched from the sunroof

“Although we lost him two decades ago, I still miss him very much. He was wonderful and would help anyone – a true family man. I can’t wait to hear that Welsh accent again and the Choir’s wonderful singing. I probably won’t be wearing mascara though…”

Morriston Choir is making its return to the historic Lincoln Cathedral on 4th March 2023 to again support St Barnabas Hospice after three previous sold-out performances. A special pre-event soiree will take place for Ruby ticket holders, including a meet and greet with some members of the Choir.

To purchase your tickets, starting from £22, please visit the website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/morriston-choir

Black and white picture of men and women on stage in a period drama wearing costumes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Rogers (second from left) on stage during one of his many plays

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