Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, hosted a gala concert in the De Valence Pavilion, to support The Avenue Centre. He opened proceedings by stressing to the full house that it’s when people come together that communities are built. And the whole evening was a real testament to that thought.

The Quaynotes choir got the show going with a swing, with some real favourites from shows and films, after which Richie Westmacott (from the band, Elephant Gerald)  rocked the audience with three numbers, starting with Steve Earle’s ‘Copperhead Road’.

Then after the Quaynotes two soloists - Lucy Morris and Mirelle Ryan - had some of the audience on their feet applauding, and a few more excellent songs from the choir, it was time for people to really come together, as the Avenue Centre and the Quaynotes joined forces.

As the Quaynotes sang some James Bond numbers, Richard Young appeared on stage behind them as the hero himself - brandishing his gun in true 007 style!

Then the Quaynotes’ MD, Dave Howells, handed his baton to Neil Griffiths, who came up to conduct ‘Stand by me’ to rapturous applause from the audience… and the choir.

And it didn’t stop there! Eileen Thomas, the accompanist, gave up her seat as Marion Hamer accompanied the Quaynotes and the audience in ‘Calon Lan’. And in ‘All you need is love’ Jon Caple, Simon Wooley, John Morris and Anthony Morgans joined the choir, followed by Mark Price and Richard Young who sang ‘Hallelujah’ with the Quaynotes.

The final song of the evening - Dancing Queen - was an absolute triumph, with Daisy Cloud, Anne Marie Harding, Priscilla Williams, Darren Astbury, Kim Wooley, Maggie Schofield and  Andrew Mason joining the choir, and the whole audience joining in.

As Clr. Blackhall closed the evening, thanking the presenter Carol Cole and everyone involved, he reminded everyone about his earlier comments on community. Not that anyone needed reminding, as the whole evening had been a brilliant example of what happens when people really do come together.