Bethany Chapel has undergone something of a makeover in recent times. Austere looking outside certainly, but it retains its old majesty inside. The internal facilities have been completely transformed, too, and all manner of activities can, and are, accommodated there now. The social hub for the Pennar and Bufferland areas these days without doubt. It was originally built to hold very large congregations, sadly no longer the norm, but the capacity available became a distinct advantage for the large audience present to witness the winners of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir's Junior Schools Choir competition. Floor level and balconies were totally full of families and supporters for the three choirs. It is not outside the bounds of possibility that some came to listen to the main support act, P&DMVC, but best not to speculate without firm evidence! Traditionally held for Christian Aid week, the concert was a major success, raising in excess of £1,000 at the final count. P&DMVC have strong connections with Bethany of course. The late Bill 'The Boss' Lewis was organist and member and also P&DMVC conductor for over 40 years. His daughter Christine (P&DMVC conductor) was married there to Phil Lloyd, hon. sec. of the choir, and there is more, but space forbids. Judges had taken considerable time visiting all schools in choosing the winners from those that entered, but finally settled on Pennar 3rd, Monkton Priory 2nd and Sageston 1st. It must have been a nightmare decision for the judges because for the lay audience there was so little obvious to separate them. They all came with buckets of enthusiasm, energy, commitment and no little skill. Inspiration and guidance from teachers we imagine must be the driving factor in their willingness to give up spare time to practice and reach such standards. For Pennar, leader Claire Thomas, accompanist Debbie Kajaks. For Priory, leader Carol Cole, accompanist Juliet Rossiter. For Sageston, leaders Sian Cole, Sally Morris, accompanist Mathew Whitfield Additional thanks must be offered by P&DMVC to the multi-talented, personable, Juliet Rossiter (conductor Whitland MVC) for stepping into the breach as accompanist to P&DMVC on the night. Normal accompanist Jenny Griffiths was compelled to conduct the choir in the absence due to illness of her mother Chris Lloyd. Chris's absence is unheard of normally, so she must have been seriously poorly. All associated with P&DMVC wish a speedy return to rude health to Chris, of course, not least, to lessen in future the barely contained terror bravely conquered by Jenny on her first public appearance at the rostrum. Jenny, don't worry, you did great! Yes, really and truly! Your Ma would have been (and no doubt is by now) proud of you! Presentations on behalf of P&DMVC were £50 to Pennar, plus the Eric Rawles Shield, £75 to Priory, plus the Gordon Davies Trophy, £100 and the Wilf John Cup to Sageston. Children's choir representatives accepted the awards from P&DMVC chairman Tony Ward and Jenny Griffiths and president Phil Thompson. Daniel Breeze, Gordon Davies's grandson, was good enough to be present to present his grandfather's trophy. Rev. Roger Hart (Rtd.) thanked all for the generosity shown and recited the appropriate blessings. And what of P&DMVC in all this? Well, they were never going to outshine the school choirs in the eyes and ears of the audience, no matter how brilliantly they performed, but they weren't there for that in any case. The aim and hope is that the quality the choir brings to a concert of this kind will inspire today's children in the tradition of choral singing, be that male voice, mixed or ladies' choirs. That they will grow eventually to take present choristers places and be the providers of pleasure to listeners and themselves through song, and continue the good and valuable work in the community, P&DMVC and choirs similar, accomplish. If you want to make a difference and be a part of that, then come and join P&DMVC. See their website at http://www.pembrokeanddistrictmalevoicechoir.com">www.pembrokeanddistrictmalevoicechoir.com

A.S.