CALDICOT Male Voice Choir members were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of longstanding and legendary second tenor, chorister Colin Jones on April 9 at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

Friend and fellow chorister, Lyn Gauntlett, said: “Colin had suffered ill health for a few years and was admitted on April 8 but sadly passed away the next day. The choir fittingly and poignantly paid tribute to Colin by singing Welsh hymn Gwahoddiad conducted by Shirley-Anne James at our practice on Monday.

“Colin moved from Tredegar to Caldicot in 1963, leaving his job at Ebbw Vale Steelworks to work as a fitter and turner at the newly built, giant RTB Steelworks at Llanwern. He joined the choir soon after it was founded in 1963.

“He remained a stalwart, loyal chorister for 53 years. He was the first to be presented with a gold lapel badge and certificate for completing 50 years of continuous service at the 50th Anniversary Concert in 2013 by Assembly Member John Griffiths and musical director Siân Hatton.

“Colin was heard to say that the hardest decision he ever had to make was to retire from the choir in 2016 and he was presented with a well deserved lifetime achievement award and conferred as an honorary vice-president on August 4 that same year.

“Colin served for many years on the committee. He was chairman from1973 to 1974 and spent several years as choir librarian, holding on tenaciously to musical copies unless you could prove beyond doubt that you didn’t have a particular piece.

“However he is perhaps best known for his role as impromptu leader and ‘beer conductor’ of many afterglows, His party piece of balancing a full pint of beer on his head while the choir sang Bobbin’ up and down like this is legendary from California to Wiesenthal and beyond.

“He handed these roles onto baritone David Gould (often referred to as Colin’s apprentice) and choristers Karl Gregory and Alyn Dawe. Colin was one of the team that initiated the building of the choir hall in 1996, the progress of which he captured on video. A DVD copy of the film is in the trophy cabinet in the hall.

“Colin toured extensively with the choir to Canada, the USA, Holland, Germany and Austria as well as on two cruises and many tours and concerts throughout the UK.

“Even though he was small in stature, Colin was a huge character in the choir and played several major roles both chorally and socially, A strong supporter of Caldicot Rugby Club as well as the choir, there is no doubt that together with his distinctive side whiskers, cheeky grin, imposing presence and strong opinions – which he was never afraid to express – he will be remembered as a truly great chorister and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”