Welsh Journals

Vol. 2. AUGUST, 1894. No. 20 LLANIDLOES. CHOIR TRIP. The choir this year left the beaten track in the way of trips, and took advantage of an excursion organized by the Vicar of Rhayader for his Sunday School. What made him think of Chester we do not know, but it was an exceedingly happy thought,and the excursion on Friday, July 20th, was a thorough success from beginning to end. The choir mustered strongly at the station at eight o'clock, and found that by the courtesy of Mr. Dulston, the station master, one of the new '' cor¬ ridor cars " had been reserved for their use. This added greatly to the enjoyment of the day, and we are asked to offer Mr. Dulston the very hearty thanks of the choir. The morning seemed threatening, but as we left the hills the skies grew brighter, and by the time we reached Chester at 11.30 it was a perfect summer's day. No joint plans had been made, and every one followed his own devices. Some loitered about the town enjoying its unique appearance, the Rows, the Walls, the Castle, and the Cathedral. Some indulged in a lunch at Bolland's, where the gorgeous wedding cakes turned the thoughts of the younger—and especially the lady members towards matrimony. Nearly all took the opportunity of embarking on one or other of the numerous steam launches which ply on the river and had a pleasant run up to Eccleston or Eaton. A few more venturesome hired rowing boats, and showed the astonished inhabitants of the Cathedral city how men—and ladies—row on the upper reaches of the Severn, while some contented themselves, and we are Hot sure they did not make as good a choice as any,with inspecting the city from the top of a tram at the modest cost of threepence. There was a good muster at the Cathedral for Evensong, when the choir—we mean the Cathedral one, though no doubt if our arrival had been known the Llanidloes choir would have been invited to take its place — gave a perfect rendering of the service. It happened to be one of the days when the organist has a holiday, and the unaccom¬ panied singing, so absolutely true in time and tune, was voted by those who heard it quite the treat of the day. We understand that the choir are determined now to be content with nothing lower than " Chester standard." We hear that one member went to have a shave, and was rather hurt by a remark from the operator that the city was full of " rough trippers," but recovered his equanimity when he reflected that he was evidently not suspected of being one of the number. We have been told that the Vicar sang a song to the select circle in his carriage on the way home, but this needs corroboration! The train reached Llanidloes at the respectable hour of 9.45, and so ended one of the most enjoyable outings in the annals of Llanidloes Church Choir. We append a list of subscribers to the trip and beg to thank them very sincerely on behalf of the choir. £ s. d. Vicar ... 3 0 Mr. J. D. Davies...... ... 1 1 Mr. Robt. Hughes ... 1 1 Dr. J. V. Owen....... ... 0 10 Mrs. Webb ....... ... 0 10 Mrs. Grant ....... ... 0 10 Mr. Ikin... ....... ... 0 10 Mr. Kinsey, Brynllys ... 0 10 Rev. W. D. Roberts ... 0 10 Miss Jerman, New Street... ... 0 5 Mr. Dl. Davies....... ... 0 5 Mr. D. Lloyd Kinsey ... 0 5 Mr. Lloyd ....... ... 0 5 Mr. Kerr... ..... ... 0 5 Mrs. Cowan ... 0 2 Mr. Davids, L. and P. Bank ... 0 2 Mr. R. Miller Bell ... 0 2 Mrs. Humphreys ... ... 0 1