As last year, the venue for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir's annual Christmas Dinner was Nant y Ffin, Llandysilio. Facilities there are ideal for a larg-ish gathering, not to mention the service and standard of food available.

As last year, the food was excellent, hot, and the staff quick and efficient about their duties. It makes such a difference when a ready smile and helpful hands are offered.

Some chose the coach and others cars, then after a deal of socialising all sat to enjoy the meal provided. We were honoured with a special guest turning up, yes! James Bond. See the photo! Well we all thought it was James.

Chris Rooker, 1st bass, had organised the occasion with quiet efficiency that included a large number of raffle prizes. Was anyone desperate to win a prize? Not at all, but the excitement is infectious every time, is it not, so triumph and disappointment were present in equal measure during the draw.

After the excellent meal, chairman Tony Ward rose to address the assembled choristers, wives and partners. Tony produced probably one of the shortest speeches in living memory, timed at one minute 15 seconds, before handing over the microphone to Phil Lloyd (choir secretary). Tony had a bit of a cheer for his efforts, too, well appreciated by most there.

Phil Lloyd had marginally more to say than Tony, but only just! His duty was to show the choir's appreciation for the work the musical team put in throughout the year.

The choir would be nothing without them, their value inestimable to the life of P&DMVC. The choir is fortunate, too, that they all possess appealing and attractive and patient personalities, an additional bonus that for choir members.

Bouquets were presented by a number of choristers in turn to Jenny Griffiths, Alyson Griffiths, Joan Lewis (unfortunately absent due to poor health) and last, but not least, conductor and inspiration, central to all things important for P&DMVC, Chris Lloyd.

Chris Rooker had organised entertainment to follow the dinner in the shape and voice of country and western singers Sharon Woolley and Richard Sellen. Sharon distributed tambourines and maracas to some in her audience to help things along and that livened things up more than somewhat, especially on the Jenny Griffiths table!

The interval and raffle brought further excitement, but would it be too much for some? No indeed, no one keeled over as a result and the music continued, with the evening eventually winding to a conclusion. An excellent evening truly, with the owner and his barman joining the fun by bashing out a few goodbye tunes on the two pianos.

Time for home then for Horlicks and pills or the nearest open Rave club?

Thank you ,Nant y Ffin, from P&DMVC.

Don't forget the choir's last concert in the Tabernacle, Pembroke, Tuesday, December 10, with tickets available from choristers or the Town Hall.

Stackpole School, winners of P&DMVC's annual primary school choir competition, are singing. Those who know of Elizebeth Thomas's leadership will know she always produces something special from them. Don't miss it. Funds raised will be split between the Dean Evans Trust and Gateway.

Come in hordes, do!

A.S.