Concert to remember choir stalwart

Apr 23 2008 by Karen Price, Western Mail

INTERNATIONAL soprano Gail Pearson will be headlining a charity concert in Wales this weekend.

The event to raise funds for Cancer Research has been jointly organised by the Neath and District Ladies Choir and the Morriston Orpheus Choir.

It takes place at Llangatwg School Hall, Neath, on Saturday in memory of Olive Pugh, one of the founder members of the Neath and District Ladies Choir, which was formed in May 1981. She was a life member of the choir and secretary for 26 years until she passed away in 2007.

The choir’s chairman, Maureen Davies, said while they had performed with many other choirs, including ones from Ireland and Holland, Morriston Orpheus remained Mrs Pugh’s favourite, which is why they decided to join forces with them for the fundraising concert.

Among Mrs Pugh’s achievements were organising the first tri-choral concert with Wexford Ladies Choir, The Swift Singers and Neath and District Ladies Choir.

She also enjoyed involving young people in the choir’s work, particularly finalists from the MOCSA competition.

“One of Olive’s favourites, just starting on his way to fame, was her very good friend Jason Howard,” said Ms Davies.

“It was a great honour for Olive when we did a concert in the Gwyn Hall with Jason. She was very proud that night, and they have always remained friends.”

Mrs Pugh’s husband Roy was general secretary of the Morriston Orpheus Choir.

Clive Williams, spokesman for the Morriston Orpheus Choir, said: “Olive was a lovely person and it was a real pleasure to work with her.

“She has been really missed, but it is a fitting tribute that her memory should live on through this concert.

“She did so much for the Orpheus and the Morriston Orpheus Choir Supporters’ Association, ably assisting Roy with his typing and numerous other duties.”

The concert takes place at Llangatwg School Hall, Neath, on Saturday.

Tickets, priced at £10, are available from June Wilkinson on 01639 767498, Roy Pugh on 01639 772370 or any member of Neath Ladies Choir.