As usual for RNLI concerts, there was a good number of RNLI supporters present as well as visitors from many parts of Britain. Despite a rather murky, dark and raining evening, there was lightness and brightness in St. Mary's, and a warm welcome was given to everyone by the Rev. Michael John.
Michael talked briefly of the excellent charitable work of both the choir and the band, and of the work of the RNLI, and then, he spoke a short prayer.
In introducing Dr. John Harrison, Director of Music at St. Mary's, Michael explained that the conductor of the band, Robert Thompson, could not be present on this particular evening, but that Dr. John had 'stepped in' once again, to guest conduct.
Dr. John Harrison is a real God send to the musical scene in Tenby and district. He has many gifts in this area of life and has helped our choirs and other groups on many occasions.
He began by introducing the band's first four items one at a time. The first was a lively march 'The New Recruit' and the second, 'Jamie's Patrol'. Both were warmly applauded. Next, the band played the very beautiful tune 'The Young Amadeus', composed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart. Finally, they played a collection of Welsh tunes entitled 'A Welsh Cameo', which the audience thoroughly enjoyed.
The band appear to have a number of new members and it was good to see them 'in strength'. Dr. John then introduced Tenby Male Choir, its conductor Christine Shewry and accompanist Jill Williams.
Their first four pieces, introduced by Christine, showed the choir in top form. Singing four items from their summer '06 repertoire, the audience were clearly moved by the lovely harmony and excellent enunciation. There was resounding applause and many murmurs of appreciation following their fourth piece.
When the band returned, it was to give the audience four very different pieces, 'Barnard Castle', 'Old Gumbie Cat', a delightful shepherd's song from France called 'Bailero' and a piece entitled 'Instant Concert', which consisted of a number of tiny extracts from classical pieces. There was loud applause following this and it was repeated when Dr. John introduced Bob from the band who was celebrating his ruby wedding that day!
Tenby Male Choir's final four pieces were also diverse, displaying their talent for singing popular and religious music, accompanied beautifully by Jill, but also singing 'Eli Jenkin's Prayer' a cappello. At the end of the final piece, the MD invited any of the audience in Tenby on September 16 to come to the Gala Concert on that evening as it is an evening full of promise for those who love good music.
Howard Griffiths, chairman of the Tenby Station branch of the RNLI, then came to the front of the church to talk about the RNLI in Tenby and to give sincere thanks to all involved in making the evening such a success.
He told the audience that, in 150 years of service in Tenby, the RNLI had saved 700 lives, though the service had been in Tenby for 182 years.
He talked about the new 'Hayden Miller' £2.5 million lifeboat, and invited visitors to go along to visit the new £6 million lifeboat house. He said that Tenby was the busiest lifeboat in Wales, and in 2005, the fund-raisers had managed to raise £30,000.
He then went on to thank the choir and the band for their regular support for the RNLI here and to confirm that £1,004.40p had been raised that evening. He couldn't explain the 40p, he said!
A most successful evening, in the view of everyone, was enjoyed, with the culmination being a delicious buffet in Church House after the concert, prepared and served by the ladies of the RNLI committee.