A concert, but not a concert in the true sense of the meaning.

A celebration, but not a celebration as it might generally be understood either.

Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir's concerts (it is to be hoped) are normally occasions of joy and pleasure, or at least they are designed to be so.

Celebration normally provokes the same connotations of meanings of joy and pleasure as does concert for most.

On this day, however, the gravity, the solemnity, the intensity of the occasion, its purpose and origins could offer little joy nor pleasure to those attending, for all were there simply to honour those, even if able, would not, nor could not, be present.

Bitter sweet would be an emotion nearer the mark for most.

It is accepted that everyone will have their own view of the legitimacy of some of the campaigns over the past years, centuries even, that our Armed Forces have been asked by politicians to undertake on our behalf as citizens. No comment will be made on that legitimacy or otherwise in this report.

Such a concert, such an occasion has one purpose and one purpose only, and that is to make plain, to demonstrate in the simplest way to our Armed Forces, our gratitude, thanks and sorrow over injuries sustained, sacrifices made, up to and including the ultimate sacrifice, made on our behalf, to honour and thank them, to honour and remember them and never ever forget what they were, and are, still being asked today to give.

The Mayor of Pembroke, Aden Brinn, the High Sheriff, Tom Lloyd, Phil Thompson, chairman Pembrokeshire Macmillan committee, Lord Lieut. the Hon.Robin Lewis, and Mrs. Dilys Hanmer MBE, hon. president of Macmillan, were all in attendance, together with a completely full church, to demonstrate the support of the community.

The newly-installed vicar of Monkton, Paul Nash, whose first experience of the choir this was, officiated throughout with quiet, effective, dignified efficiency.

The choir and its musical team produced a relatively short programme of music designed to reflect the occasion, with the two soloists contributing strong items.

After conclusion of the programme, the choir and instruments were moved efficiently to the rear of the church to allow the banner carriers room for their display. Mrs. Lloyd played the inspirational and moving 'Nimrod', while positions were formed.

The Act of Remembrance was followed by a beautifully played 'Last Post', then by the mandatory two minutes silence, before the famous exhortation 'They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old'.

Standard bearers from all the Armed Forces, Cadet and Veterans Associations, in tight disciplined slow order, presented their banners to the altar.

The choir followed this by singing the anthemic, wonderfully triumphant, totally defiant denial of spiritual mortality, 'There is no Death'.

The communal hymn 'O God Our Help in Ages Past' followed whilst the standard bearers recovered their banners with the same silent strict disciplined order to finally exit the church.

One must note here the solid discipline demonstrated by the Cadets, some of who were little older than 14-years-old at such an iconic and unfamiliar event for them.

National anthems closed the concert, but in bringing this report to a close, it was impossible not to feel deeply affected by the occasion, carrying as it did so many painful memories for the majority who attended and the effects on their lives over time in one way or another. All, including the youngest there, owe everything we have today to those who gave, and still give now, that which our Armed Forces provide.

Funds were directed to the Mayor's charities, namely the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Support. Presenting the concert as usual, Phil Lloyd was at pains to point out P&DMVC's Christmas Concert, star guests, Stackpole School, scheduled for the Tabernacle Chapel, Pembroke, on December 6, at 7 pm.

Seriously mis-quoting Henry V here at the Battle of Agincourt 'Men and Women of Pembroke home or abed on the night will think themselves accursed they were not there'. End of serious mis-quote! You're sure to like it, why not go!

A.S.

FOOTNOTE: The evening raised the magnificent sum of £800 which, as mentioned previously, will be donated to the Mayor of Pembroke's charities, The Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Many thanks are extended to Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir for their wonderful performance and to the public for coming along to support the evening.