A chilly autumnal evening, not conducive to leisurely strolling about town, had some effect on the attendance for a Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir concert in support of funds for St. Johns Church, Tenby, the choir's second visit of the year. It was certainly warmer inside than out. It's usual to see the lower floor more or less full for these concerts but on this occasion the church ladies had to be satisfied with a rough 50 per cent occupancy.

This was the choir's first concert after the usual summer break for re-charge of batteries. Nearly seven weeks since last setting eyes on their conductor Chris Lloyd, the choir had taken to worrying would she still remember them and turn up! Would they remember her? Choristers took to carrying a photo of her as memory aid it was said, jocularly we think, though one had doubts.

In the end, there was little cause for concern. After self-elevation to her box, (no small accomplishment this while retaining a degree of decorum and dignity!), a hard critical stare over the glasses to ensure attention was nailed on her, an indicatory beat and the first chord from Jenny Griffiths piano; well, it was like slipping thankfully down into a nice hot bath of aromatic salts after a period of uncertainty.

All that old familiar welcoming warmth and wrap around-ness that one looks forward to after a long time apart. It will take a couple of weeks to dovetail perfectly again, but this was a solid start.

Several choristers are seriously unwell at present. Phil Lloyd made a point in his opening remarks to wish them a rapid return to good health and back to the bosom of the choir.

Judy Brew, of St Johns, introduced and welcomed the choir. Judy took trouble later to explain that she is no church elder, no-one special really, just a plain ordinary member of the church. Judy, listen up! Everyone is special, but especially if you have the hot water boiler ready for the concerts end cuppa. No higher calling exists!

Chris Lloyd took the choir through the three opening items before the audience had the chance to appreciate Owen Jones's at his best. 'Goodbye' from the show The White Inn. Owens's voice over the summer rest period saw little diminution in power or quality despite his years. The audience were hugely impressed.

Alyson Griffiths followed Owen with a flute solo 'Annie's Song', a very nice offering indeed, clear and note perfect.

The choir returned for a further three items before the interval. An opportunity then for the audience to gain relief from hard pews, stand, and give it all in the congregational hymn. Phil Lloyd spent a short period entertaining the listeners in his usual fashion before the choir returned to stage.

Joan Lewis, modesty personified always, thought the listeners might like 'How Lovely are Thy Dwellings'. How this lady is able to come to stage time after time and produce work of so professional a standard is simply remarkable. Just perfect!

Sam Thomas had the unenviable task of following Joan Lewis, but made a manful and popular job of 'One Day at a Time'.

One can only speculate what a predominately English holiday audience made of 'Oes Gafr Eto' by the choir; (pop up coloured goats at intervals courtesy of George Lewis, choir resident artist extraordinaire). Possibly something on the lines of 'They're not all in St. Davids obviously' assuming audience awareness of the allegory!

The choir completed the concert with two conventional items to bring matters back to relative normality.

The audience were unsure if it was impolite to ask for more. Chris Lloyd realised this, made a suggestion that was accepted with alacrity by the listeners. Gwahoddiad in all its glory completed the evening.

Tea and buns after? Yummy. Dennis O'Connor offered the choir's appreciation to the church ladies. Well done Judy Brew, ardderchog!

A.s.