At their annual general meeting on Tuesday, January 6, it was clear that a busy year of concerts lay ahead for the choir, that has now in excess of 50 choristers, and which celebrates 57 years of singing for charity this year, having raised well over £50,000 in that time.
Their secretary, Phil Lloyd, read out a list of engagements at venues throughout the county, including St. David's Cathedral, and a number of visits which would be new to the choir. These were in addition to a visit to the Albert Hall, London, in April, to appear in the annual Massed Welsh Male Voice Concert, and a combined concert at Folly Farm in September with Haverfordwest, Tenby and Whitland Male Voice Choirs. In completing the list, the secretary said there might well be an additional concert here or there, if time or space allowed.
The treasurer, Henry Johnston, presented his report and assured the choristers of a healthy financial situation and that provision had been made for the production of a new choir CD to be recorded this year.
Choir president, Mr. Phil Thompson, spoke of the fine reputation that the choir had built for itself in Pembrokeshire and beyond, and spoke of the many compliments he received on their performances and on their full commitment and involvement in the community.
He said this was so evident at the recent carol concert at Monkton Priory Church, where two local school choirs and the male voice choir sang to a capacity audience of parents, grandparents, and other members of the community, who showed their appreciation by a standing ovation for a unique and moving occasion.
He again thanked them for allowing him the rewarding position as their president.
Frank Harries, the choir chairman, thanked the president for his remarks and said how grateful the choir was for his unstinting service on their behalf. He also extended special thanks to chorister Chris Rooker who on behalf of his employer Felinfoel Breweries had presented crested white polo shirts to each choir member, and to W. P. Lewis and Sons (Vauxhall dealers) for their gift of embroidered maroon sweaters also to each choir member.
The chairman in turn thanked all the officers and committee members for their contribution to the smooth running of the choir and made special mention of the new choir monthly newsletter 'The Voice', which had been introduced by social secretary Dennis O'Connor, which he said was a really useful information and news broadsheet. He also commended the work of chorister Garth Hopkins in establishing a choir website (http://www.pembrokeandistrictmalechoir.co.uk">www.pembrokeandistrictmalechoir.co.uk) which is a mine of information with even some audio choir pieces included. This site has proved invaluable in publicising the nature and work of the choir and has attracted considerable interest.
The chairman also thanked chorister George Lewis for the number of framed prints that he had generously provided for presentation to visiting choirs and the continuing supply of cartoon observations on choir activities that he produced on a regular basis.
In closing, he spoke in tribute of the role played by Mrs. Chris Lloyd, their musical director and conductor, who had honed the choir to peak performance level by informed, intense, and inspired practice sessions, balanced always with good humour and patience. She had been ably supported in this by accompanist Jenny Griffiths and Alison Griffiths, assistant accompanist.
Choir soloists over the year had also played a large part in the choir's popularity, and to Joan Lewis, soprano, Henry Johnston, tenor, Sam Thomas, baritone, Alison Griffiths, flautist, and Owen Jones, their veteran bass soloist and a founder member of the choir, he extended well deserved thanks.
Officers for 2009 were appointed unopposed: chairman - Frank Harries; vice-chairman - Gerry Gomo; secretary - Phil Lloyd; treasurer - Henry Johnston; assistant secretary - Glyn Smith; social secretary - Dennis O'Connor; press secretary - Tony Stewart; choir marshall - Peter Oliver; librarian - Winston Owens; bass rep - Owen Jones.