At a almost full Regency Hall in Saundersfoot last Thursday, Tenby Male Choir gave a concert in aid of that most worthy charity, Cancer Research Cymru/Wales.

Welcomed by the chairman of the Saundersfoot branch, Gloria Dugmore, the choir entertained an enthusiastic audience, many of whom were local supporters of both the choir and the charity.

There were several soloists that evening and they contributed towards making up a diverse and satisfying programme which ranged from classical, to popular, light music 'from the shows'.

Tenby Male Choir's first three numbers were amongst their most popular, providing smoothly romantic music and lively, fast-paced rhythms.

This was followed by their first soloist of the evening, Robert Hodge, a Year 12 student at Greenhill School, Tenby. A talented musician, Robert chose to play a Nocturne by the Irish composer John Field to open his programme. The performance was one of beautifully simple clarity.

He then introduced his companion Laura, a 16-year-old flute player, who entertained the audience with a a joyful little Haydn Sonata in G.

This captured the mood of a summer's evening in this pretty little seaside town.

The first choir soloist was David Llewellyn, new to singing solo. David sang 'Somewhere' from West Side Story. We look forward to more of this clear tenor voice in solo.

When the choir returned to stage, it was to sing three more varied pieces, 'Dashenka,' evocative of the wandering gipsy life, 'She,' a beautifully controlled and timed piece, and 'Amen', which in its pace and volume, provides the alternative 'Tenby sound.' This was greeted with much loud applause.

Following a drinks interval, the choir returned to sing its first Welsh piece 'Pan fo'r nos yn hir,' followed by 'Cavatina', perhaps better known as 'She was beautiful', and fast becoming a favourite amongst audiences, and finally 'Stout-hearted Men', which was greeted enthusiastically when announced, and even more enthusiastically when sung.

Robert then returned to play Brahms' Rhapsody number 2 in G Minor. A wonderfully dramatic piece, Robert played this with confidence. Laura had just completed an aria by Bozza, on flute, which had been soothing and gentle and Robert's Brahams had provided distinct contrast. However, he finished his programme by playing 'Moonlight Dance', a lively and happy piece which provided a showcase for his excellent skill.

In their last section, Tenby Male Choir introduced the very polished Eric Mullins to sing his inimitable 'If I were a rich man', a performance much enjoyed by the audience at Saundersfoot. The choir's last piece was 'American Trilogy' and they then led the audience in community singing of five items reminiscent of 1940s and '50s singalongs.

After the concert, Gloria thanked the choir, soloists, MD and accompanists and announced that the concert had raised well over £500 for Cancer Research that evening alone. The choir has, of course, raised money for the charity and many others over the last 26 years.

Gloria mentioned David John as the instigator and enthusiastic encourager of the initial idea behind this Gala Concert in the Queen's Jubilee year.

On Saturday evening, choir members, wives, Friends of Tenby Choir and supporters, enjoyed a social evening on board the 'Catalina'.

Going out from Tenby Harbour at 7.15 pm, the boat visited Caldey and St. Margaret's to view the sea birds and seals.

A delicious buffet had been prepared by the ladies and choristers and despite the rather 'exciting' ride out, the waters were calm as we anchored near Caldey to eat, and the sea was very smooth as we sailed back to Castle Beach, the men singing a variety of music, from 'Calm is the Sea' to 'Take Me Home.'

A most enjoyable time was had by all, including a small family waiting for the boat to come in on the beach, listening to the sounds of singing coming across the water.