The recently formed mixed choir, Lleisiau Penfro/ Voices of Pembroke, recently returned from a very successful and enjoyable visit to Malta.

The choir was formed at the request of the Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Joint Twinning Committee to further cultural links with the town of Pembroke on Malta which has a twinning arrangement with the two local towns.

The 57 members of the choir are drawn from all areas of Pembrokeshire, with the nucleus from existing choirs Cantorion Tyddewi and Griffon Choir. Five concerts were performed in Malta, but the members of the party still had time to see the sights of the island and savour the local culture.

The first concert was, appropriately, held in the parish church of Pembroke and was followed by a reception in the nearby hall. This was hosted by the Mayor and present were also councillors from Montenegro who were also to join a twinning arrangement.

A choir tie was presented to the Mayor and in return, plaques with the Coat of Arms of Pembroke were received by choir members.

Principal concerts were held in Siggiewi Parish Church, St. Georges Basilica in Victoria on the island of Gozo and St. Winstin Church in Valletta. At each venue, the choir performed a varied repertoire under the direction of their musical director, Brian Lavender.

He was ably supported by his son, Paul, as accompanist on organ and piano keyboard. Paul demonstrated his vast experience of organ playing by adapting easily to the variety of church organs, some of which were remote from the choir at the rear of the building.

During each concert, the choir was given a break from singing as solos were performed by both Paul on organ or by Fiona Care, who sang and also played the flute.

At all concerts, the funds raised were donated to a children's charity, Id-Dar Tal-Providenza, which provides care homes for the disabled. As a memento of the visit, the choir presented a framed picture of Pembroke Castle to a leader of the charity. The concert in Valletta was particularly memorable as it coincided with the annual 'White Night' festival in Valletta which meant the whole town was lit up and decorated. Large crowds came in to the walled city to enjoy free visits to attractions and because the church doors were wide open crowds gathered in the street to listen to the singing.

A further highlight of the tour was a visit to the residence of the British High Commissioner to Malta where an audience of local dignitaries was assembled. Following a well received open-air concert in the floodlit tennis court, the choir members enjoyed a buffet reception in the grounds and made a presentation to the High Commissioner. After an enjoyable visit, the members of the choir, plus some local supporters, returned to Wales, tired, but happy. They will be meeting again to decide their future activities, with the possibility of a further performance in Swansea nearer Christmas. Thanks are expressed to all those who made this visit possible.