IS this Wales’ oldest chorister? Roy Harvey, 95, has been a member of the City of Newport Male Choir since 1973 and despite his ripe old age says he has no plans to give up just yet.

The former painter and decorator developed a passion for singing from an early age and joined St Stephen’s Church choir, Newport, at just eight years old.

Since then his talent has taken him around the world and he has visited Germany, Belgium, Holland and Ireland performing with the City of Newport Male Choir over the past 39 years.

In 1990 he joined choirs from around the world to sing at the World Choir 10,000 Voices at the National Stadium in Cardiff, alongside Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Tom Jones and Dennis O’Neill.

But he says the highlight of his long career was when he and the choir sang for the British Ambassador at the French Embassy in Paris around 15 years ago.

To commemorate his longevity the Somerton grandfather was treated to a surprise birthday party by his fellow choristers at Newport’s YMCA last Thursday to celebrate his January 25 birthday.

The second tenor, who is also a keen pianist and gardener, said: “It was wonderful, I was surprised - they kept it a secret from me.”

Chairman Colin Shurmer added: "It was absolutely splendid, he was gobsmacked. If he's not the oldest then he is one of the oldest male singers in Wales. He's a valid member of the choir whose been there, done it and worn the t-shirt as they say."

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