Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir are back serving the local community after their contribution to the Massed Choirs Concert at the Albert Hall. Amazingly, for the 56 years of their existence, this was the choir's first ever visit to the Templeton United Reformed Chapel. This diminutive, but very nicely appointed chapel had major work done on its fabric in 1818, 1839 and 1879, and no doubt more unrecorded work since then. Inside is to be seen a beautifully constructed balcony running around two sides and over the entrance door. Cast iron marketry fitted to the balcony face sets off the top class workmanship of the wooden construction. The elevated central pulpit, beautiful in its polished finely matured timber, is framed by two large stained glass windows. The chapel is as pretty a one inside as you are likely to see. Where pray, would you find workmen today to build with such obvious love and care? Your scribe is unable to admit, though, that it quite compares with the beautiful Tabernacle in Pembroke, but nevertheless it is very worthy. It has to be said at this juncture that it was a bit of a tight squeeze to shoehorn a choir of 30-plus into the space allotted. Choristers need to be on especially good terms in these circumstances, good personal hygiene being an essential requisite! All buildings need funds for basic maintenance and this was one of the purposes of the visit. The other was the opportunity to celebrate Easter with Templeton's residents and as a consequence the offerings from the choir were bound to reflect, and be directed towards, this so important a time in the religious calendar. 'Glyn Rhosyn', 'All in the April Evening and 'Balm in Gilead' were examples of the tone of the concert Janice Goodwin, chapel stalwart and organist, treasurer Mr. David Belt and Mr. David Gibbs, all played a part in smoothing the visit. Nanette Lewis- Head, staunch friend to P&DMVC, gave the blessing. The audience were not to be let off without contributing to the evening and joined with the choir at beginning and end in communal hymns. David Thomas, Henry Johnson and Allyson Griffiths supported strongly in their solo pieces. Once again, though, the choir's musical team 'knocked 'em dead', so to speak, with two items of their own. With choir conductor Chris Lloyd on piano and vocals, Jenny and Allyson sang quietly, but most movingly, two short items, 'Died of a Broken Heart' and 'Room at the Cross for You'. The audience seemed quite enraptured with their contribution and the applause level indicated this considerable appreciation. At the concert's conclusion, audience and choir alike repaired to the chapel annexe where the ladies committee had prepared a more than generous buffet. Chairman Frank Harries offered profuse thanks for the largesse. It must be put to this, and similar, chapel ladies committees though: How on earth are the choir to maintain their present sylph like figures if they are required by manners to accept and satisfy the givers of such hospitality? It was an indication of the choir's dedication to their calling that the task was tackled manfully and without complaint!
