Probably every male voice choir in Wales has an obligations to sing prior to, or on St. Davids Day itself. Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir were no exception; their tradition is to visit St. Johns Church, Pembroke Dock, for a concert and cawl supper to celebrate Wales 'patron saint.

Prior to concert and entering the church the choir were asked to gather in the Henry and Ruth Johnston room attached to the Community Centre. Henry was, of course, a former long serving P&DMVC chorister and soloist who gave long service to the church choir too. He served St .Johns faithfully in many important administrative roles and so valuable was that contribution the church honoured the couple by naming the room after them. A well-deserved honour it must be said that eventually saw Henry honoured as MBE for his services to the community.

Ruth, sadly, is no longer with us and Henry has re-settled in Knighton, singing with the Rhayader MVC. We wish him, his new wife and new life our very best.

A satisfactory and loyal audience was present to support the choir. Vanessa Owen, yes, the one and only Vanessa Owen, presented the choir in the absence of the vicar Nicki Skipworth. Vanessa was glowing in her praise of the support the church has always received from P&DMVC and that will continue. Vanessa has been no mean contributor herself to that same cause, it should be noted. Part of the fabric of the place is not an exaggeration in her case.

Naturally there was a strong Welsh theme from choir and soloists alike. Owen Jones in as good a voice as ever with 'Pystyll y Lan', Sam Thomas, 'Working Man', Chris Lloyd, Joan Lewis, Alyson Griffiths with 'Hedd Perffaith Hedd, Chris and Joan with 'Dafydd y Gareg Wen' and Alyson, finally, with a very nice flute solo of 'Haul yn Machlud'.

Special mention here must be made of the ladies of the choir. They bring such variety, harmony and diversity of music to all concerts. Jenny Griffiths, accompanist of course, an essential part of that team. Without such abiding and perpetual quality of contribution one might experience much less interesting concerts. Ladies of immeasurable value without doubt to P&DMVC.

The choir contributed their share naturally, 'Down in the Valley', 'Myfanwy', 'Rachie', among others with a strong Welsh flavour to add body and strength.

The proof of the pudding is always audience reaction. We can report total enthusiasm from listeners to that which was offered.

A shorter concert than normal, it must be noted, but the 'Ladies of the Cawl' could not be kept waiting! The community hall is easily able to seat a choir and audience for a feast and there was plenty to go round. Phil Tallett and his crew laboured manfully to satisfy the needs of those present on this most traditional of occasions.

Phil and Chris Lloyd received a surprise call from Irish tenor Brian Hoey. Brian is very well known and loved in these parts, having been star guest at a few of P&DMVC's concerts in St. Johns. He called to wish the choir happy St. David's Day. Now wasn't that just great of him to take that much trouble, but entirely typical of him if you knew him.

Brian is due to join P&DMVC and Cosheston School for a concert in St. Johns, Pembroke Dock, March 26. You wouldn't want to miss that now would you? Dewch yn llu.

A.S.