Following their appearance in early November at the Massed Male Voice Choir Concert at Folly Farm to mark Texaco's 40 years in Pembrokeshire alongside Tenby, Haverfordwest and Whitland choirs, Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir have been busy rehearsing for their Christmas Concert at Monkton Priory Church on December 14. They have also been carrying out preparations in readiness for their scheduled appearance in 'Dechrau Canu' a televised mass male voice hymn festival in February 2005. On November 19, the choir held its Annual Dinner at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel when choristers, their wives and guests, enjoyed an evening of festivities, dancing at the latter stages of the evening to disco music provided by Father Dermody, the Catholic priest at Pembroke Dock, who had appeared earlier as the guest speaker, entertaining the assembled diners to an hilarious speech in which he recounted a number of his experiences in the course of his religious duties. Frank Harries, the choir chairman, in his address, spoke of the choir's progress throughout the year and of planned visits and concerts scheduled for 2005. He thanked in particular their president, Mr. Phil Thompson, for his continued support and for his presence at the choir concerts on so many occasions. The chairman also thanked all those officers and committee members who gave so willingly of their time and services and commended David Gwynn, the choir conductor, Chris Lloyd, deputy conductor, and accompanists, Alyson Griffiths and Jenny Griffiths, for all their sterling work. He made special mention of Phil Lloyd, the choir secretary and longstanding compere, who works so hard to make each and every concert and visit a success. These officials were presented with tokens of appreciation by the choir. The evening was arranged by Sam Thomas, the choir social secretary. On Sunday, the choir gave a concert at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Pembroke Dock, where they were welcomed by the ubiquitous Father Dermody, who thanked them for their continued work for charity and praised them on the quality of their singing, especially their rendering of 'My Lord What a Morning', which he said was sung with such meaning and feeling. The choir of 38 choristers, under David Gwynn, sang in all 12 pieces, three of which were conducted by Chris Lloyd, the deputy Cconductor, with items such as 'Yfory,' 'American Trilogy,' 'Sarah,' and three Christmas pieces, 'O Holy Night,' 'It came upon a Midnight Clear,' and 'In the Bleak Midwinter' setting the tone of the programme. Solo items of fine quality were given by Joan Lewis, soprano, who sang with the choir in one of the Christmas pieces and combined with Chris Lloyd, alto, in two duets, 'Panis Angelicus' and 'Hush Little Baby,' while Henry Johnston, tenor, sang 'The Samsday Carol' and 'I Wonder as I Wander.' Owen Jones, the choir's veteran bass, entering his 83rd year in December, sang a solo piece in the choir's rendering of 'Sarah', and also sang 'I Walk in the Darkness.' Sam Thomas, baritone, sang an evocative 'Silent Night', accompanied by Alyson Griffiths on the flute. Accompanists for the evening were Chris Lloyd and her daughter Jenny Griffiths, with assistance from Alyson Griffiths. The compere was Phil Lloyd, and the gentlemen of the choir were provided with a fine array of refreshments by the ladies of the church at the end of the concert. There are still tickets available for the Monkton Priory Church Concert when also appearing will be Pennar Junior School Choir, who were this year's winners of the Junior Choir Competition held annually by Pembroke and District Male Choir. The choir will close 2004 with visits to local senior citizens hmes for their usual round of carols. The choir thanked all those who have supported them in every way during the past year, not least the Observer which has been always true to copy and has provided them with splendid coverage. To all fellow choristers throughout the county they send seasonal greetings.
