Just before and just after Christmas we said a sad farewell to two stalwarts of the choir who passed away and we were honoured to sing at their funerals. Crid and Peggy sang with the choir for many years, and along with Peggy’s sister Lorraine became the well known singing trio in the photo. The YouTube link is to a 1967 recording of the choir – the three girls can be heard singing “Listen to the Ocean” at about 14:34.
Maria, one of our long-standing choir members whose mother was also in the choir, shares some of these memories:
“Thanks to all who came to Gelligaer church today to sing at the funeral of Peggy a former member. I know it’s a difficult time and there is once again much sickness about. We thought for those who don’t know it might be important to say why we wanted the choir to be represented today.
I have fond memories of Peggy, her sister Lorraine (Lolly) and Cridwen (Crid) as the ‘singing trio’ in the choir as a child. Mammy, ‘Glenys Lippiett’ was a member and as I was the oldest child of four, I went with her through the summer when the practice was less formal and held in the ‘tin church hall’ opposite. It has recently been sold and turned into a brick building but as a child I sat on the stage to listen to the practices. It was about 1967 and one of the pieces Jamaica Farewell, was played today at the funeral, was sung at this time, although the trio were best known for their ‘Yellow Bird’ song.
The sisters were cousins to Crid and their close harmonies were beautiful. They probably spent lots of family time harmonizing. I remember them as glamorous and very ‘with it’. Peggy’s Mam I think was a founder member, as was many of the members still singing at this time. Many were very local girls.
The choir was very prestigious at this time and they sang in the coral and green knee length dresses, led by Mr Price. Later Crid became the treasurer and was instrumental in the direction of the choir for a couple of decades.
My last memory of Peggy is when we went to Birmingham about a decade ago. Some who remember the trip will know it was in a big snow fall. We didn’t think we’d get there. Peggy and her partner in crime, Nesta Rowlands our secretary, were both in their eighties. Neither had a packed lunch and were going out into the snow to get lunch! I left the hall with one on each arm as I couldn’t let them go alone! It was treacherous under foot. They were after all my mammy’s friends and old ladies now but still ‘young at heart. Thankfully there were no mishaps.
Other than Anne, our current longest standing choir member, I guess many who sang with them have gone now but the choir family doesn’t forget its own, so many thanks again ladies.”
Cefn Hengoed Ladies Choir 