Martin Cox (vicar) was kind enough to grant permission for the use of Monkton Church as the venue, for what was, by common consent, a simply wonderful and enthralling concert by Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and Mansfield and District MVC. The two choirs, soloists and musical teams, were inspired by the reaction of a capacity audience and the magnificent acoustics to produce a truly memorable performance for everyone present. The charity benefiting from the efforts of the performers was that inspired by Martin Roberts lately orthopaedic surgeon at Withybush Hospital. The fund is designed to help disadvantaged children from Pembrokeshire. Peter Kraus, the representative, accepted a cheque for £400 in aid of the work and was fulsome in praise of everyone concerned for the assistance. Mansfield MVC are old friends of P&DMVC and this was their second visit to the town, although the last visit was eight years ago. How that time has flown! Mansfield's musical director Meryl Chambers, accompanist Margaret Vall and co-conductor Ian Bride were intent on showing that their choir could perform to a high standard in the home of male choral tradition and achieved that most honourably with top quality renditions in all their items. A very clever, witty arrangement of Sing A Song of Sixpence was a particular highlight. The choirs combined at the start and finish of the concert with 'The Rose' and 'Morte Christe', respectively. Following the first combined item, P&DMVC set the concert tone with their usual high standard, which some suggested might have been designed to inspire Mansfield to maintain or even exceed that level of performance. It was matched at the very least, most knowledgeable people agreed! Both choirs did indeed perform superbly. There were some other first class performers present, in addition to the two choirs of course, to entertain on the night. Mansfield brought a young soprano, 16-year-old Heidi Bride, and together with her tenor father Ian Bride, brought the audience to its feet with one duet. For P&DMVC, The Nightingales were true showstoppers with two simply quite beautiful songs. The quartet of Joan Lewis, Jenny Griffiths, Alyson Griffiths and Christine Lloyd are proving to be something very special to listen to. 'Deus Salutis' sung to the tune of Deep Harmony was deeply moving, but the beauty and emotion delivered when singing unaccompanied, 'Lift Thine Eyes' from Mendelssohn's Elijah was a truly wonderful experience for those present and could not have been bettered by professionals in the field. The audience, on filing out, indicated that it had been one of the best concerts heard for a long time, well, since the last P&DMVC concert in Monkton as a matter of fact. The choir was altogether too modest to agree openly. Choirs, spouses, friends and supporters retired to the Quins function room at concert's end where the two choirs presented mementos in memory of the occasion. Artist in residence George Lewis providing P&DMVC's beautifully presented picture. The ladies and stewards of the club treated everyone to something sustaining, so thank you ladies and gents for the hospitality! Both choirs also wish to thank the choir wives who supplied high tea in the church hall following the afternoon rehearsal. Mansfield have earned the distinction of being able to join the South Wales Association of MVC's as associate members and may join with P&DMVC at the Albert Hall in 2009. Alwyn Humphreys is a notoriously hard man to satisfy Mansfield, so be warned, you will have to work very, very hard to please him, so best of luck!