Between The Wars – Barry Male Voice Choir

Barry in the Twenties and Thirties was a very different from the thriving town which was at the peak of its prosperity at the outbreak of war in 1914. The docks were almost wholly dependent on coal exports but the introduction of oil fuelled ships spelt the gradual decline of this trade over the next forty years. This resulted in a virtual standstill in the growth of the town and consequently in the fortunes of the choir.

Over 50 choristers served their country in the war; there is no record of any being killed, but it is obvious that not all of them returned to the fold. However D.J. Thomas the conductor since the inception of the choir was still wielding his baton and his choir entered many competitions and eisteddfodau but without the regular victories of the early years.

The only reported successes during this period were first prizes awarded at Llanharan on Whit Tuesday, 1923, at Bristol Music Festival in March 1928 and at Brecon in June 1930. Concerts were given for various charitable causes, generally in local churches, but also in the open air during the summer months at Romilly Park and Barry Island.

Annual concerts (proceeds to the YMCA), usually with nationally known soloists, were held at the Theatre Royal. However press reports of “…row upon row of empty seats” indicate that the glory of the early years would not be repeated.
In 1923 the choir came of age and celebrated this by inviting former members to sing at the annual concert the following February. The augmented choir of 150 voices produced a wonderful rich tone. It was reported that “…finer bass singing has seldom been heard in Barry. Their tones were deep and beautiful, while the tenors – always a weak spot in the town – seemed to have taken a new lease of life…”

Share this page...