Having completed their recordings for the new CD/cassette due out in March, Tenby Male Choir continues now with their winter rehearsal schedule and the preparation for the St. David's Day concert at St. David's Cathedral.
Having welcomed several new members into the choir in recent months, Tenby Male Choir is sad to be losing one of its stalwarts. Watkin Lowe, who has sung for the choir for many years in the baritone section, is leaving the Tenby area.
Watkin is an ex-Chief Inspector of the police in Tenby, so is well-known in the town. Watkin served as steward in the choir for the last two years, but he also worked in other ways for the choir, particularly in publishing the gala concerts and obtaining sponsorship, together with his fellow chorister, Eric Mullins.
Watkin was honoured at the Tenby Male Choir annual dinner last week, by being given life membership, and he responded with gratitude and humour. He had enjoyed many happy times with the choristers and it is hoped to see him visit the choir in future.
Also to be missed is Watkin's wife Sheila, who has been an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of the Friends of Tenby Choir. Over the years, Sheila has given the choir much support.
A well-known figure in her own right, Sheila worked as a tourist guide in some of the best known Pembrokeshire beauty spots, amongst them Carew Castle and Dylan Thomas's Boathouse. She is very knowledgeable about the county and its attractions, and will be a loss to many.
Her organisation of a pig-roast for the Friends of the Choir at Carew last autumn, will be long remembered.
Watkin and Sheila were also presented with a beautiful watercolour, depicting the famous Tenby Harbour scene, painted by fellow-chorister and very fine artist Stan Caswell. This will be a permanent and special reminder of their times in Tenby and with the choir.