Tenby Male Choir rehearse every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the County Club on The Croft. Ian may well think that they they are all looking at him intently for his guidance. They are in fact enjoying the iconic view of Tenby harbour. Their dulcet tones permeate through the stone walls and drift down towards North Beach. Passing holidaymakers often pause outside the club to listen to them and their applause drifts back up to the rehearsal room. The choir are very lucky to be able to enjoy this superb location.

Not all their venues are as comfortable, I remember that a few years ago, ITV were filming the choir singing on Castle Beach for a feature about Tenby. There was a very small canvas shelter to house the piano. Typically, it had been a sunny day, but the clouds were gathering and as a downpour hit the beach the choir all tried to huddle in the meagre shelter and immediately started singing ‘I believe for every drop of rain that falls’ giving their soggy audience something to laugh about until the rain stopped and the sun returned.

The choir formed in 1975 and since this time they have been lucky to attract new members to boost their ranks. There are currently 49 choristers, although due to other commitments, it is rare for everyone to be available for every performance.

We also have a few choristers willing to take on the extra responsibility of singing solos. One of these is Tom Pearce who has been with the choir since 1975. His rendition of My Little Welsh Home, usually sung with two other Welsh songs was written by William Stanley Gwynn Williams. It tells the story of a Welshman living in warmer climates who dreams of his old home, the mountains and the music of a small stream running by. The song ends with the touching words ‘And when God my soul will take, It is there I want to sleep, With those dear old folks that loved me long ago.’

I am immediately transported to the valley above Pontypool where I grew up when Tom sings this song

Eddie Stapleton joined the choir in 1979 and has entertained audiences at the Giltar Hotel and at numerous after glow celebrations. He has a wonderful sense of humour and is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Raucous laughter and loud applause follow his sessions.

Eric Mullins, one of our handsome set of basses, joined in 1980. He is very much a favourite with the ladies when performing in Tenby and also provided solo spots on our Malta tour.

Duncan Hilling, who is in his 90s, joined in 1992. His solo spot in The Fields of Athenry is heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time.

Paul Varallo has been a major contributor to solo pieces since he joined in 2000. Paul transports us to various countries singing in Welsh, Italian (Sicilian and Neapolitan), French and sometimes English. Paul does a sterling job entertaining the audience whilst the other choristers take a break.

Kevin Morgan became a member in 2005, and along with John Butland who joined in 2011, they provide a harmonious duet in Working Man.

Our newest soloist Terry Williams joined us last year and has quickly been propelled into stardom singing a solo in Take Me Home.

Many of our choir members come from villages and towns outside Tenby, and although most of our concerts are in Tenby, they also like to get out and about to explore other venues. Three of my favourite ‘away locations’ are Lawrenny Quay, Cresswell Quay and Saundersfoot harbour. To listen to the choir singing whilst watching the sun sinking down and birds returning to their nests for the night is quite magical.

If you are a charitable organisation or raising funds for a local project and would like the choir to support you at a venue outside Tenby, please let us know. Applications need to be received by September and should be addressed to our secretary David Stewart-Walvin at [email protected].

The choir will sing at Cresswell Quay in the evening of Friday, August 4, where the choir will also organise a BBQ. We look forward to seeing you there!

Di Mumford