Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir's recently made their first of two scheduled two visits to St. Johns, Tenby. Something did feel a little odd about the visit, on reflection though. Ah yes, no Nanette Lewis-Head there to offer the welcome and pay blushing compliments to the choir as was her normal practice. Graham Powell (church elder) was an able deputy however.

Before reporting on the concert, a pleasurable snippet to convey to you.

For the last few months P&DMVC have had a young man come to every practice, mad to join the choir! Regrettably, the minimum joining age is 16 so David Coombes of Pembroke Dock is prevented from joining just yet, though he knows most of the music already if you follow his lips! He was in the audience with his father, presented, and lauded, at one point on stage by Phil Lloyd. When you eventually meet a young lady David, please ensure she has an equal passion for male voice choirs as she does for you. The choir need young men like you. Bring your friends too!

Other notable items worth the mention were: David Brinn staging for the first time; Les and Carol Meddings (choir VPs) from Hagley making their umpteenth visit to Tenby to coincide with the choir performing; a birthday for Winston John, and a wedding anniversary for Ronnie Rees (choristers).

Presenter par excellence Phil Lloyd was injudicious enough to mention ages when talking of certain ladies within the choir, this report will of course refrain from indiscretions of that nature!

Ian Grice (deputy conductor with the Mansfield choir, with whom P&DMVC have strong ties) was visiting Tenby for anniversary celebrations with wife Rachel. He joined the choir as guest chorister for three items.

Was there a concert as well? There certainly was, and a first class one at that, with the choir in excellent trim, fully attentive of Mrs. Lloyd. A full crew of soloists this week added colour and contrast. Owen Jones, back with a lovely deep fruity bass, in some measure caused by the last vestiges of a cold. He received resounding appreciation for his contribution of 'I'se a Waitin', well deserved.

Henry Johnston (tenor) with 'Love Changes Everything' hit a final top note that had people looking around to see if plaster had been dislodged from the ceiling. Good one Henry!

The ladies excelled as they always do. Joan Lewis, continuing her revival of old favourites, 'Hymns My Mother Used to Sing', sweet and tender as could be and a duet with her dearest friend, Mrs. Lloyd a highlight, as ever. They do combine beautifully it has to be said, like minds, strong beliefs, phrasings and emphasis lending real meaning to the words of 'God Will Take Care of You', outstanding harmonies too.

We must not forget the choir must we, providing, as they do, the meat of the concert, ably accompanied by Jenny Griffiths.

A simple list of items sung can bring a glaze to a reader's eye oft-times. Better to concentrate on the effect on the audience, the signs to be read in the conductor's demeanour, the confidence and body language of the choir and delivery of the conductor's interpretation.

The conclusion on the night was that the choir passed all those tests with distinction. The road they travel with Mrs. Lloyd therefore must be the right one. She demands lightness, contrast of tone, full expression to words, light and shade, smiles even, (what next we wonder!), hubris and earth shattering finales where required.

If the choir continues to give her what she demands, all will be right with the world, audiences will be replete, so too her choristers.

Another soloist, ('Sam' Thomas), gave the audience 'Jimmy Brown' and sang it with such effect as to cause a mote or two to appear in eyes of some listeners.

Allyson Griffiths (flute) played a wistful and thoughtful 'Somewhere Out There' to the pleasure of all.

The choir bowed out with 'Kwmbayah' and 'African Prayer' to the delight of all present.

The ladies of the church were generous in refreshing the choir following the concert. Chairman Frank Harries, as ever responding with warmth and gratitude for the generous provisions.

A.S.