The all-singing, dancing and laughing series of events that made up the Texaco Charity Weekend of Family Entertainment at Tenby Leisure Centre, courtesy of Pembrokeshire County Council, was yet another feature of a great Jubilee celebration for West Wales at the beginning of the month.
Texaco, in conjunction with The South Wales Male Choir, has provided wonderful entertainment over the past years, but this year saw no fewer than four different events taking place in the Marsh Road sports hall, featuring international, national and local celebrities combining with choirs, bands and county young musicians providing a feast of entertainment.
That great actor Philip Madoc presented the 'Sights and Sounds of Wales' Concert in aid of The Lady Taverners on Saturday night. Some 100 choristers from Côr Meibion De Cymru provided the rich backing that saw a spectacular display of young county talent, with Neyland's In Step disco dance champions in sharp contrast to the wonderful melodious singing of the 'Good News Choir' - Côr Newyddion Da, under conductor Marilyn Lewis.
The ever-popular mezzo-soprano Beverley Humphreys delighted all with an Ivor Novello selection of songs, culminating with the men of South Wales, under director of music Haydn James, joining her for his arrangement of 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'
An unexpected feature of the male choir's performance was the accompaniment to their title track of their new CD 'Anthem,' for the arena concert hall was filled with the sound of the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra - on disc.
Roy Noble - unfortunately unable to appear at the 'Good Lord!' Gala Dinner in aid of the Noah's Ark Appeal - sent a message, also on disc, to complement the large number of special guest appearances by fellow supporters of this worthwhile appeal.
A sumptuous five-course dinner, in the spectacular setting of the concert arena, suitably decked out to celebrate Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee, was interspersed with entertainment by Beverley Humphreys, Brian Harries, Joffre Swales, Frank Hennessey, Phil Steele and Johnny Cash look-alike Ian Calford.
The sight of the Philip Madoc dancing a Samba with his wife Diane, drew many a call of "Good Lord! - I didn't know he could do that!"
Everyone expected great fun from Max Boyce and they were not disappointed. Max concluded a great dinner with a classic piece of Boyce magic - (Humpty Dumpty will never be the same again).
Host Lord Gordon Parry - suitably attired in scarlet and ermine, together with the former High Commissioner of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Roy MacLaren, provided an interesting interlude of conversation in a night that all present hope will become an annual event.
Monday night saw the other half of Wales's biggest male choir under the batons of Lianne Miller and Narberth's Juliet Rossiter take the stage to celebrate 900 years of the Order of St. John. Pembrokeshire's own Brian Harries skilfully and humorously guided the audience through an evening of entertainment when even more of the county's youth performed to their full potential.
The enthusiasm and talent of the brand new Johnston Brass Band under conductor Steve Parrott more than justified Texaco's support for the youth of Pembrokeshire. Support that continues for The Hynes School of Irish Dancing who have matured into a dance troop that can grace any concert hall. Spectacular dancing paved the way for the highly talented 1997 Texaco Young Musician of Wales, violinist Rakhi Singh, who enthralled the audience with a virtuoso performance.
A complete change of music finished off the Charity Weekend when three Country and Western bands took to the stage. This musical extravaganza was in aid of NCH (National Children's Home) and included performances from Ian Calford and the Railmen, Al Davey and the Alabama Cowboys and the ever-popular Sherri and the Side Kicks.
The evening was hosted by Mal Pope, who commenced with his well known rendition of 'Fireman Sam' and who made a special journey west to support NCH Cymru.
Total proceeds are to be donated to the charities and details will appear in the near future.