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It was said to be worth whole battalions for its morale-boosting power, and was sung both by British and by German soldiers. But the origins of Pack Up Your Troubles lie not in the trenches, but in and around the cathedral city of St Asaph Denbighshire.

Composer Felix Powell and his brother George (pen name ‘George Asaf’) were born in St Asaph and lived in the High Street, where their father was a house painter and lay clerk at the cathedral. There the brothers spent their formative years, with Felix singing in the cathedral choir until his voice broke.

Local historian Denise Hodgkinson has located the birthplace of the Powells. It’s now in use as a beauty salon!

Sacred music might seem a far cry from the light tone of Pack Up Your Troubles, but according to today’s music director, Alan McGuinness, the skills the Powells would have learned at the cathedral would have stood them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

As a gifted pianist, Felix and his brother must have developed a taste for show business, after performing in so many services and social events in the community.

Location: High Street, St Asaph, Denbighshire, LL17 0RF
Image: Felix Powell

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