There is always a very good turnout of supporters for RNLI events and the concert at St. Mary's Church on Wednesday, August 31, was no exception. An audience of 200-plus gathered on that misty, tho' balmy evening to hear Tenby Male Choir sing alongside Tenby and District Brass Band and Kidderminster Male Voice Choir, to help raise funds for this most worthy cause.

Tenby Brass Band and Tenby Male Choir have been performing this annual event in Tenby and also in Saundersfoot for some years now, but it was good to welcome the presence of Kidderminster Male Voice Choir under the baton of Derek Westwood and accompanied by Mrs. Margaret Tillott, all of whom were staying at the Giltar Hotel. The Rev. Michael John warmly welcomed the large audience to St. Mary's and reminded us all of the wonderful work of the RNLI.

Firstly, Rev. John introduced Tenby Brass Band and their leader Robert Thompson. Robert then introduced his band's musical items, most of which were pieces well known from films or TV programmes. The band began with 'Aces High' from the film 'Battle of Britain,' and then in complete contrast, a selection from the film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.' The third and final piece in this set was the adagio, from the theme music for 'The Onedin Line.'

Kidderminster choir were next in line to perform and with a rousing opening number entitled 'African Prayer', which has become part of the South African National Anthem, they got off to a good start. This was followed by two pieces from 'Les Miserables' and then the very famous Puccinui 'Nessun Dorma.'

There was very loud appreciation from the audience for this well loved aria, so the choir did a lively encore 'Di doo ron ron ron, di doo ron ron' The band took the stage once more to play firstly the theme from the film 'Braveheart', then from 'Sister Act' the tune 'I will follow him', and a Lloyd- Webber piece from 'Cats.' The band's final item was that exciting music from the film 'The Great Escape', which was much enjoyed. At this stage, Robert said, the band must now make it own escape, which was a pity, as they were not around to receive further applause at the end of the concert - or the buffet supper!

Tenby Male Choir made their appearance after the band had left. They sang four pieces, including the wonderful 'Nirvana' and 'Shenandoah', which were very much enjoyed, and after their final item 'Amen,' they were rewarded with a storm of applause.

Tenby's MD Christine then announced that Tenby Male Choir and Kidderminster Male Choir had agreed to sing two numbers together, despite having had no rehearsal time at all! The first piece, 'The Rhythm of Life', was conducted by Derek and accompanied by Margaret, and the second piece, 'Morte Christe', was conducted by Christine and accompanied by Jill. For this final piece, any men who were members of a choir and who knew the piece, were invited up out of the audience, to participate. Several men did so.

The applause at the end was tremendous, with many calls for an encore, but at this juncture, Mrs. Janice Thomas, chairman of the Tenby Lifeboat Fundraising Branch, came to the front of the church to give her thanks to everyone who had helped in making the evening such a success. It had been, she said, a most enjoyable concert and had raised over £1,100 for the RNLI.

The concert ended with the singing of both National Anthems and afterwards the choristers enjoyed a delicious buffet in Church House, supplied by the RNLI committee. This was much appreciated. Later, a number of choristers from Tenby and Kidderminster enjoyed social time at the County Club on The Croft.

As Tenby Male Choir begin to prepare for their trip to Italy in October, they have just a few concerts to do before then, including their appearance at Tenby Arts Festival in St. Johns Church on September 22.

M.N.