Roy Noble and his wife Elaine were guests of honour at the Tenby Male Choir annual lunch on Sunday.
More than 80 choristers, friends and supporters of the choir gathered together at the Fourcroft Hotel for what proved to be a most convivial occasion. In an entertaining but reflective speech, Roy Noble, choir president since 1987, recalled his own family connections with Tenby, and commented upon the hard times suffered by some of his ancestors. An example was the five (out of 11) siblings who died of typhoid at the turn of the last century when the family was living in South Parade.
Terry Evans, elected chairman at December's AGM, welcomed the president and the many friends and supporters of the choir who were present, including John Wright and Stuart Burnley, past chairmen of the choir, who had travelled to Tenby specially for this occasion. There was also a warm welcome for past musical directors, Christine Shewry and Graham Stubbs (present with his wife Pat).
As new MD Ian Williams had said in his report to the AGM, he was able to take over a good choir thanks to their skills and efforts.
Terry said he wanted his speech to be one of thanks to the many people whose hard work and dedication enabled the choir to be a success. Firstly he thanked last year's officers of the choir, chairman Alun Rees, secretary Eric Mullins, and treasurer Gavin Wright; they had provided a very solid foundation upon which the new committee could build. He then thanked Bob Turnbull for his efforts in selling CDs and organising the day's raffle. He also thanked the ladies' group, The Friends of Tenby Male Choir, for their invaluable support.
The chairman then announced the presentation of three bouquets of flowers. Firstly to Roy Noble's wife Elaine, for allowing and encouraging Roy's connection with the choir; secondly to Sue Williams, for allowing hubby (and musical director) Ian to give up so much of his free time; and finally to choir accompanist Jill Williams for her enormous contribution to the choir, both musically and socially.
At the end of the meal, the diners repaired to the lounge where choristers entertained their guests with some informal singing. This was still in full swing long after darkness fell. All in all, an excellent time was had by everyone present.
The next important event for the choir is the Choir Festival Competition in Torquay on February 16. It is hoped to provide a free public recital of the programme early in February, at a date and time to be confirmed. Thereafter begins a season full of concerts and performances, both in Pembrokeshire and further afield: the first official appearance of the choir in Tenby being the Gymanfa Ganu at St. Johns Church on Sunday, March 2.
Information about the choir and details of its 2008 programme are available on the official website: http://www.tenbymalechoir.org">www.tenbymalechoir.org
There are also clips of the choir singing available to download. New choristers are always welcome. Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays and most Thursdays at Tenby and County Club on the Croft. Guests are also welcome.
Anyone requiring more details should contact the secretary, Neville Boughton-Thomas, on 01834 810002.