Ever willing to support good causes in the community, the choir were to be heard supporting the fund-raising efforts of Pembroke Rotary at Monkton Priory on Saturday. No great act of persuasion was needed for them to sing at the venue, as by happy coincidence, it possesses some of the finest acoustical properties in the county. The disadvantage of course, for any choir not on top form, is that excellent acoustics can illuminate and amplify dissonance.

We are able to report there was no cause for concern in that regard on the night. The choir, accompanist Jenny Griffiths, paying close attention to Mrs. Lloyd, struck the right notes throughout the evening, to the pleasure of an attentive, appreciative audience.

The weather provided favourable conditions for the performance too. Past visits, have prompted silent wishes for polar clothing amongst choristers, but on this occasion, the cool, still atmosphere inside was perfect and a welcome contrast to that pertaining outside.

Rev. Martin Cox officiated with prayers and blessing and was complimentary of the choir and its musical team (a sterling group this, so vital to the choir).

As is normal, the choir's programme is augmented with offerings by soloists from within. Henry Johnston, on very good form with 'I'll Walk with God', and Joan Lewis, powerful and tender sweet by turns with 'I Dreamed a Dream'.

Later in the evening, Alyson Griffiths (flute) played a fine 'Ave Maria' from Rusticana and 'Sam' Thomas was first class with the difficult 'To Dream the Impossible Dream'.

A deep regret to those present was the throat infection acquired by principal bass Owen Jones, unfortunately removing his contribution from the programme. Everyone's favourite, a disappointment indeed to be unable to hear that fine voice on the night. A speedy recovery is to be hoped for.

The duet between Mrs. Lloyd and Joan Lewis caught the imagination of the listeners when they performed the (nowadays) little heard, Steve Conway song 'Good Luck, Good Health, God Bless You'. This was a memory jerker and no mistake, the audience (and choir!) dying to join the chorus one felt.

During the interval, David Omnet, acting for David Grainger, expressed sincere thanks on behalf of Rotary for the funds raised. He also was very complimentary of the choir and its musical team (including its peerless presenter,) and further, its significance for local charities.

Dave Evans had 'Happy Birthday' sung to him, to his acute embarrassment and the general merriment of all present!

A representative of Avon and Somerset Constabulary Choir was present to observe if your choir was up to standard for a combined concert due later in the year. He went away suitably impressed we understand. To practice harder, possibly?

Phil Thompson is due to retire from Chevron sometime in September. President of P&DMVC, Phil has worked very effectively behind the scenes to encourage his employer to support the choir in many ways. Hopefully his eventual successor will continue in the same vein?

Tom Roberts, choir VP, came all the way from England to hear the performance. The reality was probably more mundane if we did but know.

As in the past, visiting choristers who know the works are invited to join the choir at the conclusion. Chorister with the Vancouver choir, and brother to the popular local farmer Harold James, joined with others, to sing the last two items with P&DMVC.

'African Prayer' is a certain showstopper, an inspirational item on which the audience might reflect on the way home and a fitting ending to any concert.

Rotary members and the choir repaired to Pembroke Rugby Club where the Rotary ladies, Inner Whee,l had prepared a large buffet. P&DMVC chairman Frank Harries was warm in his praise of their hospitality.

HAKIN CONCERT

Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir also recently sang with Hakin Juniors at the school's first public performance at Hakin's St. Mary's, Waterloo Road.

As well as items sung by both choirs, there were two duets from Owen Jones and Joan Lewis, and Henry Johnston and Joan and a solo from Sam Thomas.

Rev. Alan Chadwick and Rev. John Jones led prayers and blessings.

P&DMVC and Hakin Juniors are singing together again at Reholboth Chapel on July 15.

A.S.