Tenby Male Choir were pleased to arrange a concert for a charity new to their 'portfolio' when they sang at St. Johns Church, Tenby, in aid of The South Pembrokeshire Travel Fund for Sick Children, on July 24. It was a beautiful summer evening as the audience and choristers gathered at the venue, and 'though the audience was not as large as in previous weeks, around 80, there was much enthusiasm and appreciation for the renditions of the choir. At the end, were calls of 'encore', but having sung 17 items, plus two anthems, the choir were 'sung out' by 9.35 pm. The ages in the audience were different, too, and ranged from a dear little baby of five-and-a-half- months, who was very, very quiet and good, to much older people. An introduction to the choir, MD and Jill was made by Dave Blackmore, who told the audience something about this very worthwhile charity, which endeavours to assist with the travelling costs of families whose children require to travel to hospitals for specialised treatment. The hospitals can be anywhere in the UK and the fund sets-up petrol accounts or purchases rail, coach and taxi fares. All applications are made via GPs or other health professionals. Over the past 15 years, the fund has grown, and demands are ever-increasing. Up to now, over 100,000 miles of travel has been funded in this way. The choir, in their support of various charities, local and national, are pleased to assist such worthy causes. In its first section, the choir sang a good variety of music in Welsh and English and it was interesting to regular followers to hear the different dynamics being introduced to old favourites by the 'new' MD Ian, especially in 'Shenandoah' and 'Gospel Train'. Paul Varallo and Eric Mullins were the choir soloists this week, and sang in choir 'breaks'. Again, in their second set, the choir sang in Welsh and English, but in 'Arglwydd mae y nosi', sung unaccompanied until the last three bars, even the MD noted that, as Jill picked up the choir in their last three bars, the men were in perfect tune! As Ian said: "Quite an accomplishment after three verses unaccompanied." Paul and Eric returned to sing their solo items and finally, the choir sang a set of six pieces, the finalé - as often - being 'Morté Christé'. As David invited any visiting male choristers to join the choir, it was good to see no fewer than six men come forward. The final verse, sung with enthusiasm, caused much applause and calls for 'more'. The words of thanks were given by Mrs. Wendy Bell, chairman of the South Pembs. Travel Fund for Sick Children. She spoke of her delight at the excellent entertainment and the high standard of Tenby Male Choir, but, she said, there are advantages in being the only lady in such a choir, and presented accompanist Jill with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. After the concert, Mrs. Bell invited all of the audience and the choir to a supper in the small schoolroom at St. Johns. This was because the large schoolroom was being occupied by the Arts Club painting exhibition. However, as many in the audience were visitors to Tenby, lots of them wandered around the exhibition as they were having their supper, and more than one was heard to say they'd be back the next day to look again at the pictures with a view to buying something. So, those who came to the concert, got an excellent evening of entertainment, and some supper, if they wanted it, for £5. And had the satisfaction of knowing that they were contributing to helping some very poorly children get to their hospital appointments. That's a very good bargain in 2007! Although the weather has been rather mixed so far this summer, Tenby Male Choir have managed three open-air concerts at the harbours of Saundersfoot and Tenby, but are having a well- earned rest during August - except for Tuesday rehearsals. In September, there are four concerts, on the 6th, the 15th, the 18th and 27th already lined up and it is hoped that the choristers will feel somewhat refreshed when they return to the public eye after a few week's break.
