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Bill McLaren Tribute

March 2010

"On behalf of the McLaren family and all who attended the tribute to Dad I would like to thank the choir for the wonderful,uplifting sound that filled Murrayfield and our hearts. Dad had great fondness for Wales, the Welsh people and Welsh singing so we could imagine him joining in, as he would have done in his own living-room. You graced a unique occasion in your special way and brought much joy to all who had the pleasure of listening. Our thanks to you all."  Linda Lawson

 

The event on Thursday 11 March 2010 was hosted by Scottish Rugby at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium in front of nearly 5,000 people. Dougie Donnelly, the BBC sports presenter conducted proceedings as the crowd heard tributes from legends of the sport including Andy Irving, Gavin Hastings, Gerald Davies ( a Vice-President of the Choir), Mike Gibson, Bill Beaumont, Colin Deans, Jim Renwich and Hugh McLeod

 

Photo: Stewart Attwood, The Herald & Times Group.
Bill McLaren, 'The Voice of Rugby'
Bill McLaren's daughter Linda with husband Alan Lawson and Joy Amman Davies, Musical Director

Gerald Davies, Vice-President of the Choir,  linked up with Hugh O'Neil Choir Chairman and Roy Pugh, General Secretary.

Speaking on the Choir's return, Hugh O'Neill said
' The Choir enjoyed a warm welcome in Edinbugh and we feel privileged to have been invited to participate in such a memorable occasion. The tributes to Bill during the evening from some of the legends of world rugby spoke volumes about the high regard in which he was universally held.'

Welsh Rugby Union President Dennis Gethin with Joy Amman Davies, Musical Director and Choir Chairman Hugh O'Neill
BBC sports presenter John Inverdale with Joy Amman Davies

Big screens showed specially created match footage accompanied by some of Bill McLaren's most memorable commentaries. His family had specially asked that the Morriston Orpheus Choir sing Cwm Rhondda and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as the musical tribute. The Choir was led by its Musical Director Joy Amman Davies and accompanist Jo Scullin.

 

Guest Book comment from  Dougie Donnolly,  BBC sports presenter and MC for the evening 
"May  I just add my thanks and appreciation to you all for making the journey to Murrayfield to help us remember a great man. The Choir made an unforgettable contribution to a memorable evening. It was also a real pleasure to meet Joy at the reception afterwards ! Every success to you all in the future."


Another Guest Book entry, this one is from Tom Anderson
"Just returned from an emotional but brilliant evening celebrating the life of Bill McLaren. The choir's performance was truly superb. On a night of great Scottish passion, your choir added something perhaps a little unexpected but quite quite brilliant. I and many others I spoke to were enthralled and captivated so this note is simply to say thank you for reminding us of all that is great about Wales.You are welcome back north of the border any time."


Ready to go to the rehearsal at Murrayfield
Jo Scullin is all set to play
Scottish International and British Lions prop Euan Murray joins the bass section for the rehearsal!

 

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