The Aberhonddu & District Male Choir marked a remarkable 50 years of dedication, music and friendship with a special celebratory service at Llandaff Cathedral on Saturday, August 15, 2026, honouring musical director Lynnette Thomas BEM. The event recognised her extraordinary contribution spanning five decades and generations of singers, surrounded by family, friends, choir members and supporters.
Fulfilling a Dream Venue
The choice of Llandaff Cathedral was particularly appropriate. In a recent choir newsletter, Lynnette was asked about her dream venue or trip to perform with the group. She replied: "I’d love to take the Choir to New Zealand, failing that Llandaff Cathedral!" While New Zealand remains an ambition, the choir was delighted to fulfil the second part of her wish. The service provided a fitting opportunity to mark a milestone representing countless hours of rehearsals, concerts, performances, travelling and commitment.
Lynnette, who was born and bred in Llandovery, joined the Aberhonddu & District Male Choir in 1976. She initially attended as a page turner for the accompanist, but when the accompanist failed to turn up at a rehearsal, Lynnette stepped in to play. That unexpected opportunity marked the beginning of an extraordinary musical journey.
From Accompanist to Musical Director
For nearly 15 years, Lynnette accompanied the choir under the direction of Mrs Ogwen Thomas, who was the music adviser to the County of Brecknock. Following Ogwen’s retirement, the baton was passed to Lynnette, who took on the role of musical director. Her appointment proved to be an inspired one. Her musical expertise, enthusiasm and commitment have helped the choir develop as a confident and accomplished singing unit, with a wide-ranging repertoire of male voice music. Over the years, Lynnette has been at the heart of countless concerts, services, competitions, tours and community events.
The celebration at Llandaff Cathedral reflected that rich history. As Lynnette entered, the choir surprised her by performing 'Divine Brahma', conducted by deputy musical director Lynne Griffin and accompanied by Aysha Waghorn. The service continued with a welcome from Lynne, who shared some of her personal memories. Lynnette was then invited to conduct and fulfil her dream to perform in the cathedral. Performances during the service included 'Gwahoddiad', 'Rachie', 'Take Me Home' and 'Calon Lân'.
Tributes and Recognitions
There were touching readings and poems by Lynnette’s daughter, Cerian Jones, and choir president Dr Grahame Davies CVO, while tributes were delivered by chairman David Shepherd and secretary Marc Williams. Messages were also received from friends and colleagues unable to attend, including Dr Haydn James and D. Huw Rees. The service recognised Lynnette’s remarkable career in education and supporting young pupils to perform at the Urdd. Trained at Cyncoed in Cardiff, she taught in the Brecon, Trecastle and Sennybridge areas before becoming head teacher at Sennybridge Primary School. Throughout her teaching career, she continued to balance her professional responsibilities with her extensive commitment to the choir. Her contribution to music, education, the Welsh language and the choir was recognised when she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2018 New Year Honours.
Choir chairman David Shepherd said: "Fifty years is far more than a milestone, it represents a lifetime of dedication to the Aberhonddu & District Male Choir. She has been our musical director, our accompanist, and, above all, a friend. The Choir is incredibly fortunate to have had Lyn at its heart all these years, and the service was our opportunity to say a very heartfelt ‘diolch’ for everything she has given us. We are immensely proud to celebrate her ‘Golden Jubilee’ and look forward to many more years of music and memories together."
A Commemorative Baton and Continued Commitment
A special moment during the celebration was the presentation of a commemorative baton to Lynnette. Although the gift symbolises her extraordinary contribution, there was one important message attached to the presentation: Lynnette is certainly not handing over the baton just yet. The service concluded with prayers and a blessing from the Dean of Llandaff, The Very Reverend Dr Jason Bray, who offered kind words in recognition of Lynnette’s achievement and presented a small gift.
President of the choir Dr Grahame Davies CVO highlighted: "Lynnette’s fifty years of service represent an awesome achievement. Her half a century of commitment is the very embodiment of the community spirit that makes this such a marvellous place to live. We owe a great debt of gratitude to her for all that she has done, and continues to do, for the community and the culture." Her contribution towards the community remains immense through encouraging music in school children, promoting Welsh culture with the Brecon-Gouesnou Twinning Association, and serving as one of the founder members of the Brecon Choir Festival.
