THE 1960's
Cor Meibion Cwm Garw had it's founding as The Garw Glee Party on 30th August 1962 in the Blaengarw Ambulance Hall.It's first piece was "O! Peaceful Night" under the baton of the founder and musical director Mr. Ieuan Rhys Williams.
The choirs inaugural concert was in Nebo Chapel, Blaengarw and the first performance outside of Wales was at Redditch, Birmingham in 1965.
There followed entries into various competitions begining with the Loughour Eisteddfod in 1966. By 1969 the choir had progressed sufficiently to win the Cwmbran Eisteddfod.
THE 1970's
1970 saw the choirs first visit to Scotland (Whitburn)
In 1972 the choir celebrated it's 10th Anniversary with a concert in Noddfa Chapel, Pontycymer and was honoured with guest appearances by the Morlais, Pontypridd and the Bridgend Police Choirs.
In 1974 there was success at the Ammanford Eisteddfod despite a drop in the number of choristers. A recruitment drive was held over the following years and was so successful that in 1978 the Garw Glee Party was re-named Cor Meibion Cwm Garw.
Memorable events of the late 70's were firstly, a concert with the Welsh Guards in 1979 and also taking part in the " Thousand Voices" concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
THE 1980's
During the 80's the choir again appeared at the "Thousand Voices" concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in '82, '84 and '87. They also had a second concert with the Welsh Guards in '82. It was also in '82 that the choir paid it's first visit to Germany to perform at the Elmstein Choir Festival. In 1983 the choir celebrated it's 21st Anniversary by making a record.
1986 saw the choir invited back to Germany to sing at a concert attended by dignitaries of the West German Association of Choirs.There were two visits to Salisbury. At the first the choir sang at the Roundhouse Theatre and on the second visit they sang at the "Cuckoo Fair" service officiated by the Bishop of Salisbury.
There were also two further visits to Scotland, this time to Aberlady just outside Edinburgh.
Also in 1986 the choir won the Miners' Eisteddfod with it's performances of Mozart's "Ave Verum" and "Gloria"
In the summer of '87 the choir appeared with Mike Doyle in his weekly variety show at Porthcawl
THE 1990's
More tours followed during this period, one to Huntington and also Folkstone and a return visit to Salisbury.
There were two more visits to Scotland and a third concert with The Band of The Welsh Guards.
Two more wins at the Miners' Eisteddfod in '92 and '93,and also in '93 the choir made it's third visit to Germany
The choir joined forces with The Wrexham Salvation Army Band for a concert at LLandaff Cathedral, Cardiff
THE NEW MILLENIUM
Return visits were made to Huntington and Salisbury. New venues included Wigan, Sidmouth and Chippenham. Joint concerts were held with The Band of The Corps of Signals, The Band of The Royal Welsh Regiment and also The Band of The South Wales Police.
Above are some of the highlights of the past. As for the future, well, North, South, East or West,whether in the local area or indeed, at home in our valley, the choir has, and will continue, to fulfil it's aims of supporting charitable causes and, we hope, of bringing pleasure to those who come to hear us.