Famous choir's blue plaque honour

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Two blue plaques are being unveiled to celebrate the achievements of one of the country's most famous choirs.

Treorchy Male Choir was formed in the Rhondda town in 1883 at the Red Cow Hotel, where a plaque will commemorate its cultural contribution to Wales.

The choir has also bought a plaque for its home of almost a century, Treorchy Primary School.

Pupils and the choir will perform at a ceremony at the school on Friday when both plaques are unveiled.

Rhondda Cynon Taf council is placing blue plaques around the county borough to commemorate people, events and buildings that have made a big contribution to the area.

It's been the best thing I've ever done Norman Martin, choir member for 62 years

Although formed in the late 19th Century, the choir was disbanded during the upheaval of World War II but reformed in October 1946.

It went on to enjoy enormous success, with triumphs at the National Eisteddfod and regular radio and television appearances.

The choir, which has performed all over the world, has also moved with the times making recordings of football anthems and Bob Marley classics alongside the more traditional Welsh choral music of its origins.

For Norman Martin, who has been in the choir for 62 years and is its longest-serving member, it is the sheer pleasure of performing that has kept him going.

"It's been the best thing I've ever done and it's given me complete happiness and joy in my social life," he said.

"Although we're 100 men, we're like a family. Everybody knows everybody and it's a lovely atmosphere to be in."

He said it was important to recognise the achievements of any people or organisations that promoted Treorchy to a wider audience.

"The choir has got the complete support of the town - I'm sure they're very proud of the choir," he said.

"We've been to all parts of the world taking the name of Treorchy to all parts of the world."