The choral legacy of Frank Harries, BEM, longest serving member of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir who died in January at the age of 95, will long live on, thanks to the generous support of his family.

Their funding has enabled the choir to purchase smart black zipper jackets with the choir logo and the words ‘P&DMVC Remembers Frank’ underscored with a musical bar.

A donation from Pembrokeshire Cider Company has also contributed to the purchase of the jackets.

First outing for the new jackets was on Friday, July 11 when the choir sang to the many patrons at the Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay. On a very hot evening, it was shirtsleeve order and no ties, with jackets donned just for a photocall with choristers joined by Frank’s son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Christine Harries, and other family members.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter’s programme choices varied from Welsh hymns to Elvis Presley numbers and songs from musical shows. MC Matthew John’s usual appeal for additional voices for ‘American Trilogy’ was answered by a record ten individuals, including members of Tenby Male Voice and Cor Meibion de Cymru, and Matthew’s Dad, Steve.

In the heat a breeze off the water was welcomed by choir members but posed problems for accompanist Rev’d William Lambert. Up stepped choir president Clive Collins who kept a steadying hand on the music sheets and the show continued uninterrupted.

Another song linked to Elvis – ‘I’m Going To Walk’ – and Welsh hymn ‘Calon Lan’ ended a memorable and warm choir date, along with the Welsh National Anthem.

Thanks to the Cresselly Arms team and choir supporters on the raffle a substantial sum was raised, benefitting the choir’s chosen charity, the Craig Maxwell Family Genomics Fund.

Next choir concert will be on Sunday, July 27 at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke Dock, at 7pm.