Displaying the stance so beloved of professionals, with a keen desire to impress and score well under pressure, Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir managed to mark their card with a triumphant hole in one in front of some of the most discerning golfers around, when they paid a visit to SPGC clubhouse the night of November 23.

There may be critics who consider the foregoing paragraph to contain, and possibly exceed, the limit of permissible golfing cliché's in one paragraph. So be it.

The club secretary had done well to fill the clubhouse to the doors, (threats to handicaps a weapon there possibly?) so standing room only for stragglers.

In his introduction, Phil Lloyd noted that the audience truly appeared as though they were looking forward to the visit so evident was the air of anticipation. Not one to deny such expectations, Mrs. Lloyd led her choir through the first items of a varied, light, and entertaining programme that reflected a venue less formal than the choir normally experiences.

A venue such as this allows a lightening of choristers' attitudes, feelings and sense of fun, this becoming evident later in the evening.

Choir soloists were on very good form, Henry Johnston with Lass with the Delicate Air and Sam Thomas with Love me Tender.

An added pleasure was the contribution from Joan Lewis, Chris Lloyd and Jenny Griffiths, serenading their choir with Can't help loving that Man of Mine from Showboat. Very moving for the choir you know though tears were fought back bravely, (just!).

Two special visiting ladies from the audience were welcomed by Phil Lloyd. Chorister Huw Morgan's niece from Louiville Kentucky, (what a distance to come to listen to P&DMVC!) An honour though all the same Huw, tell her.

The second lady was from Australia and her husband had served as a navigator in 461 Squadron Sunderland Flying boats based in Pembroke Dock during the war where they did so much to reduce the E-Boat threat to convoys. Chorister John Evans is closely connected with the Sunderland Trust and had helped the lady during her visit to catch up on old friendships and activities of the Trust.

Phil Lloyd, on one of his post interval meanderings, produced a pearl of a joke with a golfing flavour and it was a long time before the audience were able to gain some semblance of control and allow the concert to progress.

The choir was the cause of a deal of merriment for the audience when they took to the stage for The Song of the Jolly Roger. Stuffy dignity was not on display for this particular item needless to say, and it produced a deal of amusement for the listeners so what odds? The choir can turn on the charm too though and this came via two romantic items that caused a misty eye or two out front.

Joan and Chris returned with a lovely duet, We'll gather Lilacs, and Sam Thomas took on a very difficult piece (with great success it must be said), Serenade from the Student Prince.

The choir thought they had brought the evening to and end with two finishing items but no, it wasn't to be. Vociferous, persistent demand ensured two encores were necessary before the choir got the chance to taste some of Janet's tasty delicacies.

Harold James, popular county figure of standing, director at SPGC and an avid golfer who should really be sporting a 10 handicap, spoke generously and appreciatively of the choir and soloists contributions towards the night's entertainment.

Audience feedback garnered later was such that the night could truly be called a great success.

Want to hear P&DMVC again soon? December 6, Tabernacle, Pembroke, for their Christmas concert with Stackpole School as star guests. Tickets available now. Be there!

A.s.