OVER many years, Chevron management, formerly Texaco, have proven themselves to be staunch, loyal supporters to many local organisations that work for no reward, only that of the good of the local community. This policy has been responsible for funnelling hundreds of thousands of pounds into community projects where previously organisers would have been hard pressed to raise hundreds. Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir is an example of such an organisation and over many years the choir have raised thousands of pounds performing in response to various organisations' appeals for help. Two recent Chevron managers, influential in continuing support of this policy, are head of technical dept., Mr. Ed Wagner with wife Carol, and head of operations, Joe Robison with wife Shani. Naturally, this support needs approval of the refinery manager, Morgan Clark, and this has been generously forthcoming. Regrettably, however, these two managers' time at the refinery has come to an end, their careers continuing, we believe, in California. A small function for refinery staff had been arranged by PR Phil Thompson at the St. Bride's Hotel, Saundersfoot, to say a fond farewell to these popular visitors from the USA, Phil, coincidently, being the P&DMVC president! An after-dinner surprise for the guests was the presence of the choir with musical team, Christine Lloyd, Jenny Griffiths and Allyson Griffiths, to serenade guests from a balcony and to sing an appreciative short tribute programme for the work these most popular people have done on behalf of the people of Pembroke and district and to further demonstrate to them the value, esteem and fondness in which they are held. All four recipients of this tribute were observed overwhelmed, but truly delighted, by the efforts of the choir in wishing them a Welsh thank you and God speed. After the formal programme, the choir mingled with guests to sing 'We'll Keep a Welcome' and 'Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau'. On behalf of the choir, chairman Frank Harries presented to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner a framed picture containing a painting of Pembroke Castle by choir artist George Lewis and a photograph of the choir. George had thoughtfully inscribed both songs on the rear of the framed picture in case Mrs. Wagner wished to brush up on her Welsh! This was not quite a final farewell because Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are to attend the concert of the massed choirs at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend of March 24, when P&DMVC will be one of the many choirs performing under the direction of conductor Alwyn Humphreys, This is Alwyn Humphreys and not Alwyn Hughes as your correspondent mistakenly reported last week. This was in reference to a final rehearsal in Neath! Apologies are offered to Alwyn for the distracted slip.
