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John Williams
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This page was first published in April 2002
John sings in the first tenor section of the choir. He joined us in January 1997 after being invited by an ex-member, 'Geordie' Wright. John reckons that this was one of his better decisions as the choir gives him, like the rest of us, so much pleasure. He is Welsh speaking and is one of the choir soloists. At most concerts he chooses to sing in his native tongue and always gives an explanation of the song in English to the audience!
He was born in North Wales but moved over the border to Chester when he was five years old. Welsh was frequently spoken at home and he consolidated this whilst at university in Bangor. It was here too that John first began choral singing in a male voice choir, although his background is steeped in traditional Welsh chapel singing and eisteddfods. (music, singing, poetry etc competitions which take place throughout Wales).
John's first job was in the paper-making industry in Kent where he worked from 1964 until 1980. He gave this up to become a Grammar School teacher in Maidstone where he still teaches mathematics, computing and accounting. He used to row for his school, then his college, and later for Medway Rowing Club. He now keeps fit by cycling to work daily - setting a good example by always being seen wearing a cycle helmet.
Whilst his main hobby is singing (John also sings with Maidstone Choral Union, a mixed voice choir) he also enjoys photography, computing, and has recently acquired an allotment. He is, with an eye to his future retirement, amassing hours of videotape for editing later!
John and his wife Joan live in Maidstone and they have two adult daughters. He is also the proud grandad of two girls and looks forward to seeing more of them in retirement.