By Robert Lloyd
There has been a British garrison in the German City since 1945. It is also the home of many Welsh men, in the form of QDG ‘The Welsh Cavalry’.
The two day event which has become a popular fixture in the German city’s calendar exploded into life with a firework display and Beating of the Retreat in the gardens of Schloss Neuhaus.
Mel Harries, Chairman of Côr Meibion Llanelli said: “We were delighted to accept the invitation to attend the British Festival and spend time with the boys from the Welsh Cavalry.
“The welcome we have received in Paderborn has been exceptional. We already have links to Germany with our twin choir in Laudenbach. The Queen’s Dragoon Guards have helped us build on those links. Our thanks go to QDG for inviting and helping organise the event, especially Sergeant Major Matt John who has been our link man and is also from Llanelli.”
On Saturday, Paderborn changed from a German city to a piece of Britain.
The ‘Best of British’ street festival showcased the delights of British food and drink with some unique British entertainment including the wonderful sound of Côr Meibion.
Eifion Thomas, musical director for Côr Meibion said: “It has been a wonderful experience for the choir to entertain 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards and perform at the British Festival.
“Côr Meibion choristers always relish a challenge and a foreign tour. This has been another memorable journey as the choir is approaching its 50th anniversary.
“Performing at the Dom Cathedral in Paderborn on the Sunday of our visit was also a huge honour for us also. It was a treat for us to bring our talents to Germany to entertain the troops and the people of Paderborn.”
The Festival finished in style with a Military Musical Extravaganza at Paderborn Schutzenhof.
The Paderborn Garrison Military Wives Choir also performed in addition to Côr Meibion Llanelli. The Band of the Heeres Musikkorps 1 from Hannover represented the German Army. The event was capped off by a spectacular Laser Lightshow.
Robert Mansel, Regimental Sergeant Major for QDG said: “It has been a wonderful weekend for the Regiment, seeing old friendships reaffirmed and new ones forged, it has been a particular honour to spend time with and host Côr Meibion Llanelli.
“The Festival celebrated everything British and when the Choir took the stage to sing everyone was mesmerised.
“I witnessed a few tears in the crowd when the choir sung Myfanwy, especially the solo piece by Eifion Thomas, it was truly amazing.The Regiment is looking forward seeing the choir again next year where we will be parading at the Royal Gun Salute in Cardiff over Easter.
The 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (The Welsh Cavalry) will be deploying to Afghanistan next year for the third time and on return will be moving from Germany back to the United Kingdom as part of the restructuring of the British Army.
Picture: Cor Meibion Llanelli musical director Eifion Thomas, Regimental Sergeant Major Robert Mansel and Cor Meibion Llanelli chairman Mel Harries.
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