There is a body of naturalists that consider all life forms on earth to be the product of evolution, and that humankind is simply one example of those life forms, albeit, fortuitously endowed with startling characteristics as compared to other species, of an employable thinking intelligence. Spiritualists on the other hand, consider humanity to have had bestowed upon it the special gift of soul, aligned with intelligence, and that this is not simply a product of evolution, but bequeathed to man by a force more mysterious than mere evolutionary chance. Folly Farm, Begelly, on Saturday was a place where those opposing views could be viewed in stark contrast. In the sheds, various life form orders ruminated in simple peaceful tranquillity, contented and comfortable, oblivious to the complexities of human life. In the adjoining theatre, however, another, more complex life form, was engaged in proceedings beyond the experience and capability of any of those resident animals. This activity, possibly supporting the spiritualist's view of humankind, is one that separates totally, humans from animals. This activity is the blessed, priceless, incomparable gift of the ability to create music with instrument or voice. Concomitant with this is the aptitude of an audience to appreciate that which others produce, and which, in most instances, lifts the soul of the listener and when so doing, make it a near religious experience. This art form is not available in any significant degree to any other group but humans, and represents the defining characteristic that separates animals and humans. A view might be taken that this suggests a greater purpose for mankind than mere existence. It further suggests progress to some destination that hitherto, has been rejected by mankind. The concert commenced with three pieces from the combined four local Male Voice Choirs, Pembroke and District, Haverfordwest, Tenby and Whitland. This was followed by guest artists Trebor Lloyd Evans (bass baritone), Tom Evans (baritone) and accompanist Eirian Owen. Harpist Catrin Finch followed the vocalists and the choirs concluded the half with three more pieces. Following the interval, the same format was employed to the concert's conclusion. Gwyn Griffiths, Christine Shewry, Christine Lloyd and Juliet Rossiter conducted the choir with three items in turn, utilising accompanists Carys Evans, Gill Williams, Jenny Griffiths and Hefina Jones from the individual choirs musical teams. The maximum capacity audience, royally entertained by all performers, were privileged to be able to say: "I was there on that night"! Trebor, Tom, Eirian and Catrin are artists of true international stature who together have won so many honours, a separate article would be needed to list them. Sufficient to say: Wales is truly fortunate to be blessed with such a wealth of musical talent as represented by these artists. The power and quality of Tom and Trebor are truly awesome and, with Eirian as their rock, they produced outstanding performances in both halves. Their final item, a song by Errol Brown of Hot Chocolate fame, was an indication of their ability to cross over into other genre's to entertain and confirm their versatility. It was plain to all present at Folly Farm that Catrin Finch is deeply in love with the harp and her instrument reciprocates that love totally, with both seeming to meld into a single entity during performance. There is an elfin-esque quality about Catrin's features, but this seeming fragility disappears immediately the moment she sits to play. Her musical expertise is absolutely stunning and coupled with her power, passion and interpretation, she is truly the complete musician. Pieces by William Mathias, Debussy, Carl Jenkins and others demonstrated her mastery of the instrument. An encore of a beautiful little piece of ragtime was icing on the cake! Catrin is heavily pregnant and will be out of action before many weeks. Our good wishes go with her for the birth. Most people are praying that her musical genes have already been passed to her child and that we will live to see and hear the result. The massed choir must be given great credit for the part they played in the evening's entertainment, not least in their ability to concentrate totally on their role, despite having to perform in near tropical conditions. Top conductors provide discipline and control when performance in trying conditions in the public eye is required and this our local choirs have in abundance in the four conductors named previously. No less an authority than Eirian Owen, musical director of Côr Godre'r Aran and conductor of numerous other major choirs, was moved to make known her approval of the standard the choir attained on the evening. Items deserving special mention and provoking thunderous applause were: Morte Criste, American Trilogy, Rachie and Comrades in Arms It is often overlooked that local choir members give their time and energy freely to support local fund- raising projects and this night was no exception. The whole purpose of the evening was to assist in raising funds for charitable means and over £61,500 was distributed on Saturday night: £15,000 to Hilary Harvey for Air Ambulance, £15,000 to Dr. Sally Williams, of Withybush Hospital Cancer Care, and £1,500 to Edward Perkins, of South Pembs. Royal Welsh Show Society Committee, to aid hosting of this prestigious event. Brian Murray and Vicky Hains, organisers of Dawn Walkers, were acknowledged as major fund-raisers to the event. Naturally, a huge fund-raising event such as this depends on major sponsors and Chevron consistently fills that role. It is quite astonishing the funds Chevron allocates to community projects over the course of a year and sincere, grateful thanks are due to the company for their generosity. Morgan Clark, general manager, was present to carry out the honours. Mrs. Morgan Clark, effervescent and vivacious, is undergoing something of a crash course in Welsh cultural life since moving here, but seems no worse for that! Your correspondent has been fortunate to be taken into her confidence and is able to reveal that Mrs. Morgan intends to learn the Welsh words of our National Anthem. Pob lwc Mrs. Morgan! We must mention the contribution Folly Farm makes to this and other charitable events by donating use of their venue; warm thanks are due to Chris Ebsworth. managing director. Last, but not least, mention must be made of the essential work of presentation as exercised by Phil Lloyd, together with the vital backroom work of Phil Thompson. This pairing could contain the seeds of a new double act to rank with the best in the business. A work in progress perhaps? Phil Lloyd's delivery, totally natural, is finely tuned to his audience, scores of whom know him personally. Understated humour and easy familiarity combine to put the audience completely at ease and therefore receptive to a relaxing absorbing evening's entertainment. General reaction was of an evening of unforgettable pleasure. A.S.