Aelodau’r Côr

Llywydd y Côr ers 2008

Ei Anrhydedd Syr Wyn Williams Kt., QC

Ganed Wyn Williams yn Ferndale yn 1951, yn fab i Ronald Williams a fu’n gadeirydd Côr Meibion Morlais. Cafodd ei addysg yn Ysgol Ramadeg Sirol y Rhondda, Coleg Corff Crist, Rhydychen, ac Ysgol Gyfraith Neuaddau’r Frawdlys. Galwyd ef i’r Bar (y Deml Fewnol) yn 1974, a bu’n bargyfreithiwr yng Nghaerdydd a Llundain. Cafodd ei benodi’n Gwnsler y Frenhines (QC) yn 1992, yn Farnwr Arbenigol y Cylchdaith Siawnsri yn 2004, ac yn Farnwr yr Uchel Lys yn 2007. Y flwyddyn honno cafodd ei urddo’n farchog gan y Frenhines.

Mae Syr Wyn Williams yn byw yn y Porth yn y Rhondda ac yn mwynhau cyswllt agos â Chlwb Rygbi Tylorstown lle bu’n chwaraewr rhwng 1969 a 1985, yn aelod o’r pwyllgor 1985-98, ac yn gadeirydd 1991-95. Mae’n ymddiriedolwr y clwb ers 1998.

Roedd Pendyrus ar ben ei ddigon pan dderbyniodd Syr Wyn y gwahoddiad i fod yn Llywydd, sef dim ond y pedwerydd yn hanes y Côr.

Choir President 1966-2008
Dr. Ieuan Gwynne
My connection with Pendyrus goes back to their first tour of the USA and Canada way back in 1965. I had not been interested in the ‘Male Voice sound’, but their new conductor, a brash man called Glynne Jones was turning the repertoire upside down, what with 16th and 17th century church music, and songs sung in many strange languages, not to mention pieces by contemporary composers.
They were planning something almost unheard of, a tour of Canada and the States, depending on local Welsh societies, and paying their way by ‘singing for their supper’. As GP to a lot of the choir, I offered to do their (then necessary) smallpox vaccinations free of charge. Believe me, the best ‘loss-leader’ ever! Iwas invited to join them on their 1971 tour of the States (San Francisco to New York via Vancouver and the States/Canadian border: a tour memorable for many mishaps!) It soon became clear to the choir that I was no orator, so my duties were confined to providing some medical advice when needed. Also, I think I perhaps helped by taking the side of the ‘ordinary’ chorister as opposed to the committee’! I even had the temerity at times to criticise the choir’s repertoire when, I thought their use of dissonant modern pieces impaired their ability to sing ‘sweetly’. Anyway, they have put up with me, and it was with sadness that I didn’t join them on their latest tours, to California and Canada. So now its God bless Pendyrus under the baton of John Samuel.
Extracted from notes in Dr. Gwynn’s Diary. He was the longest serving president of the choir

Choir President 1943-1966
William H Mainwaring MP Rhondda West Constituency
William Mainwaring who became an active member of the South Wales Miners Federation at an early age, and was part of the Cambrian Combine, miners lodge. Pre 1914 he was a member of the Unofficial Reform Committee who’s programme was outlined in a famous, militant, explosive pamphlet called The Miners Next Step. In this, the authors not only advocated a minimum wage of eight shillings for a seven-hour day, but also aimed at getting into the hands of the workers, the control and ultimately the ownership of the mines. Ironically, although in a different form, the mines were eventually Nationalised in 1947 with its slogan, managed on behalf of the people.
William went on to be elected an MP. representing the Rhondda East constituency in 1933 and served the people for a further 26 years until his retirement in 1959. He was invited to become the choir’s second recorded president in 1943 and continued in that role until 1966 when he eventually stood down because of failing health. During his term of office he always made an effort to attend the final rehearsal prior to the choir competing at an important Eisteddfod at which, he delivered an encouraging and inspirational speech.

Choir President 1934-1943
Thomas John, MA. JP.
It seems that Thomas John was the first person to be appointed President.
Other than the dates of his office 1934-1943 no further background information on him is readily available, other than, he was the miners agent for Rhondda, and later became a Justice of the Peace.