Hardly a safari in one of Silcox's most luxurious coaches, but Nant y Ffin Hotel, Llandisilio, was a step further than usual as a venue for Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir's annual dinner - it proved to be an excellent choice. An organisational triumph then for choir social secretary, campaigner, television personality, comedic presenter, and all round good egg Dennis O'Connor. Nant y Ffin's staff were diligent and attentive, the food first class, enough wine available to relax conversation at table, the meal progressing to coffee and award time.

Before presentations, however, there must be speeches. That's the iron rule on these occasions. Looked forward to with anticipation by some and trepidation by others, they are a method through which the membership is able to express appreciation for the significant contribution various people make to the life of the choir. In that regard then they are essential.

First up was president Phil Thompson. Phil was brief, witty and pertinent, and spoke of his immense pride of his position within the choir, was appreciative of the work it does in the charitable field and of those in P&DMVC who make it happen.

Next to speak was chairman Frank Harries. Frank expressed thanks to the whole musical team without whose efforts nothing could be achieved. He paid tribute to those choristers the choir had lost over the past year, welcomed Doug Bottomley, who had been unwell of late, and Allyson Griffiths, who had been unable to return due to family commitments since the loss of her chorister father Glyn. John Hillier was wished a speedy return to good health.

There was a welcome for all new choristers attending their first dinner, especially the one with too much hair for his own good and the contentment of fellow choristers!

The chairman finished by looking forward to the 60th anniversary year of P&DMVC in 2012, plus the Massed Choirs visit to the Manchester MEN arena.

Secretary Phil Lloyd rose to present long service awards to a number of choir members present. It is remarkable that the choir attracts the major commitment it does for its work. There are no significant rewards of any kind for service given, no matter how long, merely a token of appreciation on behalf of members,

Recipients were: Phil Thompson 10 years, Doug Bottomley 15 years, John Marenghi 25 years, Sam Thomas 25 years, and for 50 years and the biggest cheer of the night, John Llewelyn Price.

Bouquets for the ladies are an essential token of appreciation, too, and a number of choristers were called to present those to Mrs. Lloyd, Jenny Griffiths, Joan Lewis and Mrs. Chris Thompson. Phil Lloyd and Phil Thompson's were believed to be less horticultural and more liquid in nature!

Dennis O'Connor is fond of a bit of mischief and had arranged a little fun at the expense of new chorister, Byron 'The Baron' Williams. The Baron took it like a man!

Waiting in the wings through all this was Dennis's crowning triumph of the night; his invitation to three young ladies to entertain the diners. Marged Rees, harpist 15-years-old, sister Ffion Rees, 13, both from Ysgol Preseli, and Gwenno Eynon, piano accompanist.

Fluent Welsh speakers all, there were bilingual introductions to all items performed. To say the performance 'knocked everyone in the aisles' would be a major understatement. The quality, technical excellence and sweetness of every duet from the girls, the lovely Welsh nature of most of the material chosen, the beauty and skill in Marged's mastery of the harp, Gwenno's subtle accompaniment, was of such a quality it is certain that the audience will never ever forget the night.

It is terribly easy to criticise the young as a whole when only a tiny minority misbehaving colours one's perception. Listening to those girls on that night would have revived anyone's faith, belief and conviction that goodness, talent, commitment and inspiration is alive and well in our children. Nothing more could top such a performance and so it was timely to board the bus for home and reflect upon how splendid a night it had been all round.

A.S.