Hakin's Rehoboth Chapel is perched above the historical Milford Docks.

At the turn of the century, one would have been able to walk clear across the dock basin on the decks of the herring fleet that followed the shoals around the coast.

Latterly, a thriving cod fleet established itself fishing Irish and Icelandic waters.

Sadly today, and a sign of the times for so many other fishing ports, only a forest of yacht masts to be seen where once was work for hundreds and the hub round which the whole community turned.

No maudlin thoughts of that sort evident within Rehoboth Chapel however when Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir paid a visit.

A mite un-pre-possessing outside, the chapel inside reveals itself in a different light altogether.

Small, intimate, beautifully cared for, richly wooded in the pulpit area with attendant stained glass, it is a pleasure to visit. A truism probably, to observe all venues produce their own dynamic. Rehoboth was a prime example.

The chapel is not able to accommodate a large audience, but no disadvantage accrued, because the afore-mentioned dynamic was prominent in the confines of this intimate place, the vital symbiotic relationship between audience and performers that makes a night memorable, was so evident.

One gets a feeling in the bones; you know it, you feel it, a tangible flow to and from performers to listeners.

Three male soloists were absent for various reasons so the choir and its ladies were made to work a little harder on the night. No diminution of quality in performance, nor of enthusiasm from the listeners reportedable.

In fact, the atmosphere seemed inspirational, Allyson's flute never sweeter, Joan Lewis never more expressive nor in better voice, the choir markedly attentive and responsive to Mrs. Lloyd's directions and satisfying fully all the expectations of those present.

Contrast engenders interest and attention. The choir, driven on by accompanist Jenny Griffiths with the galloping 'When the Saints', and following this with the slow pain inherent in 'Danny Boy' and 'Bring him Home', had both in abundance from the audience immediately. Start as you mean to go on as they say!

Joan Lewis performed a wonderful 'Open The Gates of the Temple', intense, sung from the heart to the rapt attention of the gathering.

Allyson played a spiritual medley, (very nice), before the choir got the audience involved with some rocking numbers and a communal hymn.

Martyn Evans, Vicar to this chapel and others about the area, Pembroke Grammar School colleague of choir secretary Phil Lloyd in days of yore, spoke of his pleasure and gratitude for the concert.

He praised the choir and it's team for their musical excellence and dedication towards good works to the point of blush worthy-ness, (nobody from the choir prepared or willing to halt complimentary flow so thank you Martyn for those kind words!)

The choir started the second half with a further three items Allyson following with a classical medley, then joining with Joan Lewis to give us 'People Need the Lord', both able to reinforce the mood in the chapel of mutual affection.

Two further items from the choir after towards the concert's intended end, but the audience were loath to depart and made plain their demand for an encore.

P&DMVC, unable and unwilling to deny them, produced an emotional 'Morte Criste' as a finale.

Chairman Frank Harries then spoke to the assembly of the debt the choir owed to its conductor and musical team and to the great fortune of having the peerless Phil Lloyd as presenter extra-ordinaire. We can add our endorsement to that!

Time then for welcome tea and buns kindly donated by the ladies of Rehoboth, Frank Harries again with complimentary words of thanks to those worthy ladies for additional waistlines inches where none was required!

A.S.