The Choir
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The 'Neath Port Talbot Cancer Challenge Singers' choir was formed by Joan Lewis, MBE, in 1999 to act as a spearhead for the Neath Port Talbot Cancer Challenge Charity which Joan had formed in 1997. The mixed choir has over 70 memberspage and is under the musical directorship of Carl McLean.
Although based in the Neath - Port Talbot area of South Wales the choir frequently visits other parts of the UK and has toured Europe on many occasions, having been to France, Spain, Italy, Ireland and Jersey. While on tour the choir has helped to raise money for local charities.
Since its formation the choir's activities have contributed approximately £50,000 of the £450,000 raised by the Neath Port-Talbot Cancer Challenge Charity.
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Music Director Carl McLean
Carl David Mclean was educated at Sandfields Comprehensive School and Gorseinon College. It was at Gorseinon, he started singing in the College Choir under the direction of Mrs Penelope Ryan.
He then moved to the University of Wales Lampeter to read a Welsh degree. It was here where his love of the Welsh language flourished. He particularly enjoyed studying literature from the 6th, 12th and 20th century. It was here, he formed the Student’s Union choir. They frequently participated in the Eisteddfod Ryng- Golegol which was held at different Universities across the whole of Wales. He also established the University Orchestra, which he conducted.
During his time at Lampeter, he formed and directed various bands and small ensembles for various Charity and Musical productions. During his last year, he was particularly proud to be asked to take over the baton of the University Choir which he did with great enthusiasm.
To this day, Carl is as busy as he has ever been. Since joining the Cancer Challenge Singers, he has written two Welsh medium musicals on the life of the famous Welsh Pirate, Barti Ddu and Merlin. Barti Ddu was staged at the prestigious ‘Millennium Centre of Wales’. At present, he is writing a Welsh novel which he intends to complete for a prestigious competition at the National Eisteddfod.
To date, Carl is Head of Welsh at Glyncoed Comprehensive School, Ebbw Vale and also sits as Chair of the Secondary Cluster groups in the County of Blaenau Gwent. He is also assistant examiner for the WJEC. He frequently encourages young pupils to take part in Eisteddfodau, both at School and National level. He has also written two English medium musicals for young people during his time teaching at Dwr y Felin, Neath.
Carl is married to Beverley and they have two daughters, Evie and Rosie. The family are also huge supporters of the Cancer Challenge Choir.
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