In 66 years of existence, criss-crossing Pembrokeshire and beyond its borders, the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir had never ‘discovered’ the community of Walwyns Castle - until now.

All that changed on Thursday when, at the invitation of the vicar and churchwardens, the choir sang in the ancient and beautifully maintained St. James’ Church.

Choristers were given VIP treatment, being conveyed from Pembroke Dock by luxury coach, courtesy of Mr. Rob Edwards and family, of Edwards Coaches, Tiers Cross.

They were warmly welcomed by a large congregation and by the vicar, the Rev. Canon Dr. Rhiannon Johnson, and amply fulfilled her wish that the church again ‘rang to the roof’ with music and song.

The programme chosen by conductor Christine Lloyd, both light and traditional male voice pieces, included items the choir will sing with 800 other voices at the Albert Hall massed concert next month.

In another ‘first’, the choir enjoyed a saxophonist as guest soloist. Steffan Evans, of Narberth, delighted with two pieces, accompanied on piano by his teacher, Emma Halls. Steffan, who has recently passed his grade four examination, impressed everyone with his mastery of the instrument.

Regular choir soloist Alyson Griffiths on flute chose a trio of spirituals for her second half spot - Michael row the boat ashore; Nobody knows the trouble I see, and Just a closer walk with Thee. Jenny Griffiths was the choir accompanist.

MC in his own inimitable style was Phil Lloyd, who especially welcomed an American visitor, David Stoops, from Waco, Texas. David, keen to hear a Welsh male choir, had made special arrangements to come to Pembrokeshire when visiting relatives in the UK.

A sumptuous tea was provided by the ladies of the church in the nearby former school and they were thanked on the choir’s behalf by chairman Tony Ward.