Apologies are due with reference the St. Johns, Pembroke Dock, concert report of April 22, which related to the annual Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir-sponsored junior schools choir competition.

That report stated erroneously that Cosheston were winners of the competition.

Sincere apologies are offered to Pennar Community School who were in fact the competition winners, with Sageston second, Orielton third.

Cosheston were invited to St. Johns to join P&DMVC via an unrelated connection with Brian Hooey. Brian was the star turn on April 22 of course.

The three winning school choirs had top billing at the Christian Aid concert, supported by a church full of parents, family members and assorted groupies!

P&DMVC were there to help proceedings along, more than willing on this occasion, to take a back seat and watch the younger choristers go through their paces.

Rev. Roger Hart expressed his gratitude at money raised for the cause and for the efforts of all concerned. He led and closed with prayers and thanks.

Orielton were first up, with Iris and John Thirkettle conductor and accompanist respectively, with 'The Whole World in His Hands' and 'Be Bold Be Strong'. No lack of enthusiasm here from the children, with actions to accompany.

P&DMVC, inserted at intervals between the school choirs, gave of their best as is their norm, but truly, were batting on a very sticky wicket against such opposition! Their efforts received full appreciation from the audience all the same, and deservedly so.

Sageston gave us 'Candle on the Water' and 'Grandfathers Clock'. Sarah Benbow and Jess Llewellyn in charge. Again, no stage fright to be seen and full speed ahead the order of the day with plenty of smiles evident.

Last up were Pennar Juniors, with Claire Thomas and Debbie Kaijaks at the helm. Pennar chose to perform the two compulsory items, common to all competing choirs during the qualifying stages, 'All of the People' and 'Peace Perfect Peace'. It was obvious immediately why the adjudicators, (P&DMVC's Joan Lewis and Frank Harries) had awarded the first prize to the school. Their control, expression, harmonics and delivery were superb - deservedly clear winners.

Presentations followed thus: The Eric Rawles Trophy and a cheque for £50 to third placed Orielton by Gerry Gomo and that doyen of bassist longevity Owen Jones.

The Gordon Davies Trophy and a cheque for £75 to second placed Sageston by John Breeze and P&DMVC's soprano soloist Joan Lewis. The trophy is normally presented by Gordon's grandson Daniel, otherwise detained on this occasion. He demonstrated his good upbringing by writing a letter of apology detailing those reasons to the assembly. Well done Daniel.

Finally, The Wilf Johns Trophy and a cheque for £100, to first placed Pennar by Bob Ridley and choir chairman Frank Harries.

All other schools received cheques for £25 in recognition of their efforts.

Everyone connected with the competition is to be congratulated for the time and trouble involved in the whole process, adjudicators especially, assigned an onerous, difficult task.

A P&DMVC chorister was also the recipient of a long-delayed award on the same night. Peter Oliver, choir marshall, received a certificate for 15 years service from Mrs. Lloyd, choir conductor.

Presenter Phil Lloyd noted that P&DMVC's motives in sponsoring the competition were not entirely altruistic in so far as younger members might eventually be persuaded to join, thus reducing significantly the current average age. Tongue in cheek? You can never tell!

P&DMVC finished the concert in style in getting the audience to really rock. All performers retired at the concert's conclusion to reflect and enjoy refreshments kindly provided by the church ladies.

A.S.