Last day of spring, but only the sun suggested summer was perhaps, on the way. A cool and boisterous wind made the fabulous Broadhaven beach an uninviting place for once, so the intimacy and warmth of Broadhaven Chapel was a welcome retreat. The chapel lies in close proximity to the Slash Pond. Not what you might imagine, but the original site for the production of culm, used all round South Pembs at one time in blacked stoves. The Point House, Angle, built a legend on culm and an incredibly useful and economic fuel it was, too, for the general populace at the time, if not a might dusty.

Tony Davies (second bass Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir) was the instigator of the invitation for the choir to sing in aid of his, and the chapel's, charity.

The audience were the fortunate, very privileged first to have the opportunity of purchasing P&DMVC's new CD! Recently recorded in PD's Garrison Chapel, it's a must for anyone with eclectic musical tastes, but rapid sales will also ensure more room in Phil Lloyd's wardrobe where the majority reside at present, so buy, buy!

A diminutive chapel the Baptist (small, but perfectly formed as they say) and kept in pristine condition decoratively. A handsome wooden balcony topped by some nice fretwork sets the chapel off a treat. A video camera was in evidence that night so is a You-tube showing likely? We know not.

The Rev. Helen Dare welcomed the choir, said some nice things about them, some true, others awaited approval from audience response later, before Phil Lloyd (fresh from his Albert Hall presentational triumph) presented the evening.

Jenny Griffiths was accompanist, Carol Rees recovering still, bless her. A special guest came to listen and judge performance. Reg Williams (first tenor). Reg's legs not being what they were these days was seated judgementally in row one. Kathy, Reg's wife, and Janette, his daughter were in charge.

Choir went to work with three items before soloists Joan Lewis and Sam Thomas performed 'I don't know how to love Him' and 'One Day at a Time', respectively. Alyson Griffiths provided a solo flute introduction for 'Mansions of the Lord', before the choir joined her, then finished the set with two others items.

The audience also had their chance to open lungs with a congregational hymn.

A very short break was taken for Tony Davies to explain where the funds raised were intended to go. Help for Obstetric Care in Uganda the intention; Tony's medical speciality prior to retirement.

Back to the choir then for three before Alyson played a medley of attractive numbers. Ron Rees (first bass) soloed with probably, Bob Dylan's most famous protest song ever, 'Blowing in the Wind', and finished with a short mouth organ flourish exactly imitating the old Bob himself. Ron won for himself a good deal of applause for that item it must be said.

Choir completed the evening with two items before embarking on a piece newly learnt; 'As long as I have Music'. Some trepidation was observed in the body language and facial expressions of conductor Chris Lloyd prior to start, but to her obvious joy it all went off swimmingly. So well in fact, that the choir were compelled to respond to calls for an encore.

Reg Williams joined the front row and therefore could do no less than offer his seal of approval of the evening. Helen offered a final prayer of thanks to the very appreciative audience.

The ladies of the chapel had prepared substantial light refreshments in the Community Hall, enough for choir and audience alike. John Hillier (vice-chairman) proffered his, and the choir's, appreciation to them for their efforts.

A.S.