Pembroke and District Male Choir held the second concert of their 60th anniversary year at St. Katherines Church, Milford Haven - familiar ground for presenter Phil Lloyd, of course, having come from the town originally.

St. Katherines is a very well known landmark due to its size and position, though built for congregations more numerous than those seen today. Nevertheless, the centre of the church was relatively full on the night. Two massive rows of pillars supporting the main roof make seating valueless on both sides of the church for concert purposes.

There is a wonderful example of a classical timber roof above the altar and choir stalls speaking volumes of times when timber costs and availability were less of a consideration. The church is famous for its acoustical excellence and is famous, too, for possessing a clock that actually tells the correct time, even though recent maintenance work displaced the hour hand very slightly out of true.

Other details concerning the clock are interesting too. The clock these days is regulated by automated radio control rather than having to climb the tower, though the original masterpiece of a pendulum regulator still exists in the entrance. For changes like summer time, the clock stops and starts automatically when the clock and the corrected time match. The clock originally had four illuminated faces, but the two that showed light to seaward had to be removed during the Second World War. The church has the faces still, but they are kept in a secret location in case of theft. Enough about clocks you say?

Well indeed there was a concert, too, and a plethora of Mayoral chains on show.

Mayors from St. Davids, Pembroke Dock and Milford were present, together with the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council - not a chain-gang though, as was satirically heard commented!

The concert supported charities chosen by Milford's Mayor David Friend, The Nat.Autistic Soc., St. Non's ward for dementia sufferers and Hope (multiple sclerosis) - all very worthy, you'll agree.

First class acoustics require a deal of care by choirs, surprisingly, and no one was more intent in exercise of that control than Mrs. Lloyd on the night it can be vouchsafed.

The first three items set the standard, before the choir gave way to a second public appearance of the recently formed quartet, Mrs. Lloyd, husband, daughter (accompanist Jenny Griffiths) and son, and excellent they were. More confident and assured for their second public appearance, they will be a popular future item at other concerts should that be their choice.

Henry Johnston followed with a solo, 'The Lost Chord'; no great tenor-iol gymnastics required for the item, but very nice to hear it again done so well.

The choir continued with 'Shenandoah' and two items from the MEN arena end of March programme.

At the interval, Mayor David Friend spoke of the work of his charities and the always, desperate need of funds, before thanking all of the P&DMVC team for enabling further funds to be contributed. The audience then had the chance to stand and sing the communal hymn, followed by a further three items from the choir.

A Joan Lewis solo, 'He's my Saviour and my Lord', preceded David (Sam) Thomas and his solo of 'One Day at a Time'. It is certain that David himself would pay tribute to Mrs. Lloyd over his development as a soloist, which has been significant.

The choir completed the concert with three powerful numbers, with the audience evidently looking for an encore, but just at that exact moment, retired former Canon John Davies approached the stage to give blessing and offer prayers for the event and the moment passed.

Members of the audience and all the choir and musical team retired to take tea and refreshments and to socialise in the church hall. Frank Harries (choir chairman) called on those present to appreciate the efforts of the ladies of the church over the repast.

P&DMVC can be seen performing next at St. Johns, Pembroke Dock, for St. David's Day.