SWAN SONGS
A SINGER with incurable cancer has recorded a CD of his songs as a lasting memory and to raise money for his local hospital.
Robert Templeton-Morris, 64, of Bryntirion, Bethesda, Gwynedd was diagnosed with an incurable form of bone cancer a year ago and given between nine months and three years to live.
The former North Wales policeman said: “I started feeling unwell and having pain in my groin which spread down to my legs. It was prostate cancer which has now been cleared but it had gone too advanced and into my bone.”
Last September, Bob had trouble walking without the aid of a frame or stick and has given up driving.
He said: “Walking kills me really,” he said, “but my spirit is fine.”
Twice-divorced Bob has two daughters and is taid to three grandchildren with a fourth on the way.
He joined the police when he was 21 and was with them for 20 years.
After retiring in 1994, he took over a post office at Trawsfynydd.
After returning to his native ‘Pesda, he also kept hens and worked at Next, Bangor.
Bob has led a busy life, representing Wales in international fly-fishing competitions.
When he was 53 he suffered a heart attack and has five stents.
Between 2006-9, Bob was publican of the Llangollen pub frequented by musicians in Bethesda and would join their ‘jamming’ sessions on Wednesday evenings. He then started writing his own songs.
B Bob sai said: “I ha had a guitar and k knew a about th three or f fou r ch chords.”
One of th the musici cians, Jez S Shea, suggested Bob should record his songs.
Bob said: “We recorded 14 songs in one afternoon with me singing and playing my guitar in one take at my house.”
The bass, drums and backing were added later.
Bob’s melodious ‘ country’-style album, “Life goes on . . .” tells of his life and loves with an essence of wit. His hero is Leonard Cohen whom he enjoyed seeing perform at a concert in Dublin. He is also a fan of Bob Dylan’s lyrics.
At the CD’s launch at Bethesda Cricket Club last month a total of £667.90 was raised for North Wales NHS charity Awyr Las and Alaw cancer ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd which has already received the money.
Bob said: “It was a hell of a good night. Some friends of mine had come from Manchester and Mold. The club was full.”
He has now been asked to sing at Snowdon Rocks with fellow cancer patient, Alarm singer Mike Peters on June 24. Bob will be taking the train up, and be accompanied by a friend.
Then, the following Sunday, if his health holds out, he plans to play at The Heights, Llanberis.
Bob is pleased that songs from his album have been played on the radio.
Holding back the tears, Bob said: “I always knew I was going to die someday, now I probably know how. I decided to record the songs because they will be there after I have gone. Awyr Las has helped me and I’m glad to do something to help them.”
Among the 11 song titles are The Beach Cafe, Come with me once more, The many ways I love you and one Welsh song, Fy nghi, fy ngwad beic a fi.
Among the artists who have contributed to the album are Jez Shea, Dave Hopewell, Hel Dinky, Caren Brown, Cai Shea Ben Stammers, Hannah Coates and Sam Durrant. The CD can be downloaded for £3 at bandcamp.com with all the money going to Awyr Las.