We can agree can we not in general that; there are those who wish not to sing; there are those who wish they could sing, but don't; there are those who do sing, but shouldn't; there are those, despite their limitations, who combine to sing to a reasonable standard and there are those like Brian Hoey who can really sing!

Brian travelled from Dublin to entertain a very large audience gathered in St. Johns, Pembroke Dock, in support of funds for repairs to the roof of Cosheston Church, and entertain them he did, right royally. He was instantly at home with the audience and they were instantly at home with him. He was able easily to hold the audience in the palm of his hand throughout the evening by the quality of his voice and personality.

Brian is one of those people, modest about their great talent, easy of manner, funny in a quiet understated way, without side or pretentiousness of any kind, but performs and entertains to a high standard.

Some of us listened to him singing and experienced a small and most unworthy pang of envy at the effortless range and intense tonal quality he produced. Others, silently, and utterly fruitlessly, speculated about what position in the queue they were in when these gifts were being distributed by Him up there! Fruitless indeed, therefore nothing more to do but sit back and enjoy!

'For You Alone', 'O Sole Mio', 'The Holy City', 'Bless this House' and many others gives the flavour to Brian's performance and it was a hugely popular one. Interspersed with song were stories of a decidedly Irish flavour which kept everyone highly amused. Brian, thank you so much, and we are very, very, glad you came! Brian's accompanist, and deserving of special commendation, was Andrew Davies, of St. Johns. Supporting the evening, lest we forget in our admiration for Brian, were the stalwarts of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, as ever to the fore where fund-raising in our community is required. A shock was in store for them, though, because if the choir ever fondly imagined they were to be second star billing to Brian, they were rudely brought to earth later by a children's choir from Cosheston Junior School under Glenda Evans (school head), who had come to support the evening.

One of P&DMVC's specially requested items was 'When the Saints go Marching In' and they performed this to very warm applause. However, the children had decided they would perform this number as well and show the choir how it should be done, and their applause was tumultuous! A standing ovation to be precise!

The choir could have been cast down as a result of this but, generous as always of other performers' efforts, they joined in with genuine warm congratulations to the children for their tremendous performance.

Other songs like 'Diolch Iesu' and 'I Believe' by the choir followed, but after this, they were required to go home to bed. The children that is, not P&DMVC! Never perform with children or animals is an old saw in the theatre, but that is for the un-charitable. P&DMVC's raison d'être is the charitable and they were delighted to perform with the children to such an extent that the children were persuaded to join with them in an impromptu 'Siyahamba'.

As to what went before, that act may have been construed by some as P&DMVC attempting to bask in the reflected glory of the youngsters. That thought should be banished from your thoughts immediately.

Who could think such a thing?

The choir sang 'Danny Boy' as a tribute to Brian, who seemed visibly touched by the emotional interpretation induced from the choir by conductor Mrs. Lloyd, a song so very close to Brian's roots. Rev. David Reed, of Cosheston Church, conducted prayers, thanks and blessings and, as usual, Phil Lloyd was at his urbane best as presenter. The fund is hugely grateful to Chevron for covering the costs associated with Brian Hoey's visit, together with Irish Ferries who donated his travel ticket.

The ladies invited the choir, Brian and assorted guests to sample goodies and tea after the concert and were thanked warmly by chairman Frank Harries for this largesse.

It is has been confirmed by your correspondent directly from Mr. Hoey that he enjoyed his visit to St. Johns just as much as the assembly gathered there to listen to him!

A.S.