Pontypool choir conductor bowing out

Musician Walford Hutchings, 78, from New Inn, was appointed as musical director for Pontnewydd Male Choir in 1970, three years after being made the accompanist.  Mr Hutchings was awarded an MBE at the beginning of this year for services to music and the community of Torfaen, and after 45 enjoyable years with the choir will call it a day in December.

He said: “I still enjoy it, but after some health problems, I reluctantly decided it would be time for me to go.  It’s been an incredible year so far, so I thought the end of the year would be the right time to go, if there is a right time. I’m pleased to be going out on a high.”