10 Bandstands Challenge – A Poem

The idea came to Rob almost in a dream
To raise charity money in a clever scheme.
A choir could travel throughout the lands
Stopping to sing at some 10 bandstands.
 
Let’s raise money for the Alzheimer’s society
And discussed the idea with chorists of piety
Cor Meibon De Cymru listened with pride
And to a man agreed and with Rob they did side.
 
A ‘red wave of singing’ travelling across the land
Volunteers eagerly came forward to join the band
Each chorist putting their lives temporarily at pause.
and getting sponsored by many for this wonderful cause
 
The Welsh ladies as always were dressed in full array
Gathering money from onlookers with their dresses asway
A coach provided by Midway Motors the driver free to boot
With graphics by Eagle Signs on the coach that did suit
 
Singing at 7am at Milford Haven could have been flawed
But some people (and seagulls) were there to applaud
Tenby waves crashing on the rocks in the incoming tide
With the choir singing superbly with chests heaving wide.
 
Carmarthen, Kidwelly, and Llandeilo went in a flash
With people their watching and sharing their cash
At Llandeillo we stopped at the White Hart to eat
And then sang for our lunch once we were replete
 
At Neath we were graced by the mayoress and mayor
Joined by old brothers who sang again with the choir
We sang Happy Birthday in English and Welsh at the park
Then back to the Midford coach blazed with the CMDC marque
 
In Penarth, Barry and Newport parks we continued to sing
Then Victoria Park, Cardiff, to finish this marvellous thing
Throats getting sore, limbs aching, feeling tired, but proud
Then blasting out the National Anthem with pride and aloud
 
Gwynlais gave a speech full of admiration, praise and pride
Of Rob and the chorists their efforts which they did provide
10 Bandstands, 54 songs performed to gain money they sought
And with £10,000 raised, going far past what they thought.
 
Cor Meibon De Cymru is a choir, a band of true men
Who raise money for charity ever again and again
A choir supportive, friendly and never at rest
So come along and join us and sing with the best
 
Written by Mike Sedgemond