ROCKING their way back on to stage, despite an unavoidable delay due to last November's snow, one of West Wales' most popular groups of the '70s and '80s, Deep Joy, recently played a successful reunion gig at Pembroke Dock's Pater Hall. All proceeds from the gig, which raised almost £1,500, went towards Wales Air Ambulance. For their return, band members Peter Burke (keyboards), Kelvin Thomas (drums), John Butland (rhythm guitar) and Brian Pratt (vocals), who played their last gig just over 18 years ago at Tenby's De Valence Pavilion, were joined by bass guitarist Martin Hill. During the sell-out night, Deep Joy breezed through a selection of numbers from the '60s, '70s and '80s, much to the delight of the audience. "It really was a great occasion and everyone agreed it felt good to be back on stage again," said band member John. "Although we hadn't played live together for a number of years, since we decided back in April of last year that we were going to play this gig, we've put in a fair amount of rehearsal time, which I'm pleased to say came together on the night, as we probably played better than we did in our younger days," he added. The band are now planning to play again together in the near future, with a possible date lined up for the Lions' paella night. "We'd just like to thank all the people who attended the gig in Pembroke Dock for their support and help in raising a terrific amount of money for such a worthy cause," said John. "We'd also like to give a special thanks to our support DJ Barry Ormond, who gave his services free, Bruce Campbell, for providing us with such a wonderful sound, and also F. B. Mason for sponsoring the sound equipment." Anyone interested in booking the reformed Deep Joy for any future charity gigs or events can contact John Butland on 01834 843547.