The elders of Tabernacle St. Davids generously donated the chapel as venue for the concert to raise funds for Shalom House (House of Peace), the local respite centre. Patron, Baroness Findlay, of Llandaff, was unable to attend, but Margaret Burnett, main organiser, was a very able deputy. Three choirs donated their services to the concert, The Neyland Ladies, the mixed choir from Haverfordwest, Friends in Harmony and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir. Three top choirs for the price of one entrance ticket! In support were more Mayoral chains of office than you could shake a stick at. Not willing to risk missing a name, every local Mayor or Mayoress worth their salt was present, and due to choir numbers, almost in the laps of P&DMVC when they finally staged! Close, very close, but which group was the more nervous was difficult to judge. A highlight for the audience, choirs and casual visitor was the opportunity to admire artistic floral displays designed and constructed by Adrian and Freda. Quite outstanding, and very complimentary to this traditional, well-kept, and very pretty little chapel. One is led to wonder where the artisans are now that could repeat the standard of work of its interior. The three sided, tiered balcony, the pulpit, rails and pews with the splendid organ set high above the pulpit. Gone forever they are we know, but leaving behind an indelible signature of their craft for our admiring gaze. And speaking of admiration, we had the Neyland Ladies in their summer outfits of cerise blouses and long navy skirts. Very attractive they looked too, quite splendid. Lyn Kelleher, Peter Griffiths accompanying, led them in their programme of four items. The ladies always sing with precision and fine interpretation, with 'Praise be to You' to this ear at least, the most challenging. It has to be noted too that they are seen to smile quite often! Modestly, after applause it is true, but this is one of the many virtues of ladies and their ways. Perhaps though it was the thought of purloining of items of P&DMVC's regular programme that provoked those quiet smiles? We will never know. Friends in Harmony followed with a varied programme, one unusual item the singing of two melodies at the same time. 'Ave Maria' by the ladies and 'I Believe' by the gents, receiving deserved applause. 'Y Tangnafeddwyr' (words by Waldo Williams) excellent, and a version of 'Siyahamba' too. Jane James in charge, Pat Barker piano. A short interval followed in which Margaret Burnett spoke movingly of the work of Shalom. She was at pains to note that fun and high humour are often concomitant with tragedy and pain, with companionable care the most valuable of commodities. A long list of contributors and helpers were given due credit by her. P&DMVC's chance to contribute produced appreciative audience support. 'American Trilogy,' an emotional 'Danny Boy,' an intense 'O Iesu Mawr' to the tune of 'Deep Harmony' and 'Bring him Home,' with a thunderous climax of 'African Prayer' to conclude. Quality and ability produced to satisfy any discriminating listener. Chris Lloyd conducted and Jenny Griffiths accompanied. Then it was time to get really up close and personal in the limited space, as Neyland and Friends joined with P&DMVC to conclude the concert with 'Rachie and Tydi a Roddaist.' Close it certainly was, but considerably more fragrant than the norm we are led to believe. Phil Lloyd, presenter par excellence and humour personified, officiated with aplomb. Total raised for the appeal? £3,700-plus, topped up with £500 from Phil Thompson, of Chevron. Wonderful generosity from the company, as always. John Evans, chapel senior elder, gave the blessings. A polite gentle social scrum down in the basement for tea ensued, sorely needed by then indeed. P&DMVC chairman Frank Harries voicing the gratitude of all those present for their efforts. Back to the coaches then for the long late trip home, but a very good deed done and much pleasure dispensed.
A. S.