SIXTY years of success by Pembrokeshire family business Halsted’s DIY Ltd was serenaded in the sunshine with an open-air concert in front of their premises on the Commons, Pembroke.

Business principal David Halsted is also chairman of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and he turned to fellow choristers to add a memorable musical flavour to the anniversary celebrations on Saturday, August 1.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter kept order, assisted by MC Matthew John, with Bev Davies at the keyboard. Guest soloists Mirelle Ryan and Kees Haymans added to a delightful programme.

For the finale, ‘American Trilogy’, directed by Deputy MD Ian Williams, several former choir members and friends from the large gathering joined the choristers on stage, among them Pembroke’s Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Grimes, who had officially opened the event.

Chief supporter in the audience was Mrs Myfanwy Halsted who, with her late husband Derek, set up the business in 1966. Sons David and the late John took over the running of Halsted’s 30 years ago and it remains one of the longest serving and popular businesses in South Pembrokeshire.

This unique concert ended another busy week for the choir this summer. The previous Tuesday, choristers sang to a ‘full house’ of over 80 people - including visitors from Germany - at St Mary’s Church, Angle, where they were welcomed by Chris Hirst.

Making a most impressive debut as soloist with the choir was flautist Elys Phillips of Pembroke, one of her four pieces being a splendid setting of the Welsh National Anthem. Musical team and choristers look forward to welcoming Elys at future concerts.