The summer of 2008 saw us in Lorient, making a valuable political contribution to the alternative festival, which the organisers had marginalised from the main event. We sang for Amnesty and Palestine, and met up with Cornish, Welsh, Irish and other Celtic groups.
One of the largest demonstrations in Cardiff for years, against the proposed Military Academy at St Athans, saw an equally large police presence; but the choir refused to be intimidated by the ever-present cameras. The issue of police tactics and violence - not seen since the Miners Strike - was a recurring theme, particularly during the many protests against the war in Iraq and bombing of Gaza throughout the year. Later in 2009, the death of Ian Tomlinson during a London demo saw us outside Cardiff Police station to protest at police brutality.
The Middle East continued to dominate the choir’s campaigning activities. The Israeli Ambassador’s official visit to the National Assembly saw a large demonstration in Cardiff. In January the devastation wrought by Israel’s violent invasion of Gaza inspired anger and protest around the world. We organised a fundraising concert with Frankie Armstrong and other artists, for the victims of war in Gaza, stood together with the Muslim community in vigils and marches, and raised thousands of pounds for medical aid to Palestine. We sang at the UNA when Jeff Halper, of Israeli Committee against House Demolitions came to give a moving presentation of his work in solidarity with Palestinians defending their homes; and returned to the Peace Gardens to mark Conscientious Objectors Day.
March was another busy month. On Gwyl Dewi Sant we joined the celebrations on the streets of Cardiff and led the singing on the main bandstand outside City Hall. On the 25th anniversary of the Minersí Strike it was a moving occasion to revisit Onllwyn - singing the songs of struggle which meant so much to our audience, including Tyrone O Sullivan and the Women Against Pit Closures.
We took part in the annual commemoration of Ireland’s tragedy, the Great Hunger,in Cathays Cemetery - probably for the last time on St Patrick’s Day.
We made a valuable contribution to the Merthyr Festival as it celebrated the achievement of the Chartist Movement, and hope to be involved in further commemorations later in the autumn. We also returned to Hay to support the broad left’s alternative Hay Festival.
We suffered the tragic loss of our dear friend and comrade Di Corker. The Friends Meeting House was packed to capacity with her friends and family to remember her life, a testimony to the great love and respect everyone felt for her. She will be sadly missed.
The European elections have brought to the forefront the dangers of Fascism, as the BNP attempt to present a respectable face. The choir was on the streets leafletting for Searchlight; taking part in the commemorations of the antifascist fight in Spain and Europe during 1936-45; and singing songs of solidarity at meetings. The resurgence of the right during times of fear and recession underlines the importance of carrying on our campaigning.
It was brilliant being able to welcome new members into the choir, including Tom, Ellora, Amy and Suneil. This year we reissued “Best of Côr Cochion”; but our increased numbers hopefully will enable us to record some of our newer repertoire, and in particular the Palestinian songs.
Thanks to members for bringing new songs this year. "Haleliwia,"and "Banks of Marble" have become strong favourites.
We look forward to welcoming the New York Labor Chorus in July, and the possibility of attending the Great Labor Choral Consipiracy in Washington in 2010.
In solidarity,
Wendy