It has been 60 years since Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir was first formed in 1952, so 2012 has been a significant celebratory year for the choir, with Friday, September 28, seeing a major event in those celebrations.

Folly Farm, through the good offices of manager Chris Ebsworth and his staff, generously hosted the event. A number of local important sponsors, WP Lewis among them, supported the evening, with RWE's NPower the primary, generous, contributor.

The decision was made that P&DMVC needed another star to support them, make the evening a really special one for their followers and maximise the sum going to Macmillan, so who better than Aled Jones for the role. It is in the realms of possibility that his presence contributed to the concert being a complete sell-out, tickets like gold dust for weeks previously!

Phil Thompson was, as usual, a major influence behind the scenes oiling the gears. Few realise just how much he contributes to these occasions and his reward for those efforts on the night? He was banned from presenting or telling jokes! There's gratitude for you.

A highly attractive programme seller contributed help, Colin Ross (no, not you Colin!) assisted her sales. As Mrs. Pembrokeshire, Fiona James is competing for the Mrs. Wales and possibly an international title. Yes, Mrs., not Miss! Fiona is building a portfolio of service to her community to that end, helping at charitable events such as this. One is tempted to think that there is little point in others turning up against Fiona, but other judges may have a different view!

P&DMVC are fortunate to possess a presenter with attributes enough to front up any show. Another career awaits Phil Lloyd if he so chooses; thank goodness he hasn't so far! He kept the audience highly amused and entertained throughout. A Tour de Force of presentational skills from start to finish, as even Aled Jones had to recognise publicly after Phil caused a moment of comic embarrassment for him at concert's end. Phil contributed hugely to the success of the evening,

It must be a family trait, we feel! Mrs. Lloyd, choir conductor, daughter Jenny as accompanist, led, encouraged and inspired the choir with her presence to produce one of their finest performances in memory. A contribution as significant as any on the night, speaking volumes for the work the musical team puts in at every choir practice.

Knowing how crucial was the night for their image, choir members gave everything their conductor demanded of them, and she demanded everything they had!

And what of Aled Jones? Well naturally he gave the consummate professional performance, as was to be expected from a professional of his stature and experience. But more than that occurred. He mined a bond that grew during the evening with the warm, appreciative Pembrokeshire people that appeared to rather surprise and delight him. Gradually, comfortable and at ease, his empathy with them encouraged that invisible link so vital to performer and audience for best performance to fully develop; audience and performer united. One has often been to shows where this fails to occur. On this occasion it was patently and strikingly evident and made the night.

The two halves of the concert took the usual expected form, the choir, followed by Aled, then choir, then an interval, all interspersed with Phil Lloyd's unique contributions.

Following the interval, choir chairman Frank Harries presented a concert proceeds cheque in excess of £5,000 to local, colourfully dressed representatives of Macmillan, who appeared to be quite overwhelmed initially.

Pauline Davies and Sue Rees, local leaders of the group, expressed their grateful thanks for the generosity of audience and sponsors alike in emotional terms. Nobody could doubt what it meant to them.

We believe that Macmillan is the primary focus of RWE NPower's social budget, including the employees at the new recently commissioned gas power station.

After the presentation, Mrs. Lloyd, great friend Joan Lewis at her side, took to the stage to duet with 'How Great Thou Art', a performance warmly applauded and appreciated.

The concert returned to its usual format of choir, Aled, then choir, the audience enthusiastically applauding the variety and quality of music presented by all performers.

Aled had brought his own musical team with him of pianist and guitarist. All of the items by Aled were complemented by their wonderful musicianship and especially that of the guitarist. At the completion of Aled's programme, there were naturally loud calls for an encore which he was good enough to satisfy, unaccompanied it must be said except for his starting note; a hard thing to do.

Before Aled finally left stage, though, Phil Lloyd inflicted on him the little embarrassment noted earlier (taken in excellent part by the way by Aled) though uproariously funny for the audience.

Aled's final duty was to present Owen Jones (principal baritone) with his badge for 60 years consistent unbroken service to P&DMVC since choir formation. What a fantastic achievement! Ninety years of age and still with a voice to die for.

The choir went on to complete their programme, but audience insistence on an encore was impossible to refuse here too.

As it happened, a contingent of Mansfield MVC choristers had travelled down to support the evening and those choristers were invited to join P&DMVC for 'Morte Criste'.

The Welsh National Anthem was an essential and fitting finalé to a wonderfully fulfilling evening of entertainment in the name of a worthy charity. We fully anticipate that this concert will live long in the memory of all those present.

A.S.