From the heart of Pembrokeshire. This is the slogan on Tenby Male Choir’s pennants which are displayed when they perform in Wales, Britain and abroad.

I think that THEY are the heart of Pembrokeshire as they support local churches and charities, as well as supporting each other at times of need or celebration. Once again, a very busy week saw them helping local causes and supporting Arthur Mullins, a longstanding member of the choir from the bass section.

On Tuesday, July 25, the choir performed at St. Johns Church to raise money for church funds. The boys looked resplendent in their DJs with daffodils and were in fine form again, Ian awarding them another eight out of 10. Dave Blackmore was back with us and did a very good job introducing the numbers and encouraging audience participation. Dave also tells the audience that there is a list of 10 things on the ‘to do’ list for visitors in Wales. One is to hear a male voice choir sing and another is to buy their CD! It’s only five months till Christmas and a Tenby Male Choir CD would make a very welcome present for a music lover. Paul Varallo provided some moving solo pieces in the intervals between the three sets and his efforts were greatly appreciated if the applause was anything to go by. Once again, he sang in several different languages.

The audience are asked to sing a verse of Climb Every Mountain in most concerts, after which they are told by Dave Blackmore or Ian Williams that they are the best they have heard that day or were better than the previous week’s audience! There was no doubt in my mind that this audience did an excellent job and they received much deserved applause from the choir. The choir’s rendition of the Rhythm Of Life always surprises the audience with its extremely fast tempo. I am in awe of the fact that they sing the words so clearly and don’t get out of breath. I have seen other choirs genuinely impressed when TMC have performed this at joint events.

When it was time for the final number, once again the audience were asked if any choristers from other choirs would like to join them. Four choristers joined them, one of which was an ex-member of TMC. It was good to see Dave Llewellyn back with the boys after such a long time.

On Friday 28th, the choir were singing at the picturesque Lawrenny Quay. Despite the fact that some choristers were not available due to other commitments and the weather decided to be some what inclement (a polite way of saying it was raining again), the choir did a magnificent job entertaining the hardy locals and people from further afield. The choir greatly appreciate the dedication of Pembrokeshire folk who supported them on such a miserable evening weather wise. It was also a reunion of old friends of choristers who had not met up for some time. Being a member of a choir has proved a bonus socially for TMC. Whilst on our Malta tour, Charlie McFee met an old friend who he hadn’t seen for over 20 years whilst walking in Valletta and Phil Mumford met an old junior school friend (last seen in the late 1950s) who now lives on Gozo. Who needs internet social media? The marquee provided by the Lawrenny Arms kept everyone dry and the choir were provided with a free drink and some lovely refreshments as a thank you. A stall selling cakes and a raffle were organised to raise funds for Minwear Church. The church was founded by the Norman knight Lodomer and was granted to the knights at Slebech in 1150. Wilbur drew the short straw on the night and was MC, as well as MD for the night. For the final set, he volunteered Gavin Wright to be MC. Ian has surprised Gavin before as when the choir were performing at Trebah Gardens in Cornwall last May he handed over his MD job to a delighted Gavin. Gavin made an elated leap in the air when he finished. Both MCs did a really good job at Lawrenny and helped to keep the audience entertained. Well done both (look out Dave)!

On Saturday 29th, the choir were asked to sing at the wedding of Arthur Mullins’s granddaughter. This was held at St. Issell’s Church in Saundersfoot. It goes without saying that the bride and bridesmaids looked beautiful, but it has to be said that Arthur really scrubs up well and was the smartest man in town. If you have seen the choir perform, you will know that they have a variety of uniforms which are worn on different occasions and on Saturday they had been told to wear their maroon blazers. Peter Neate wasn’t sure which uniform he was supposed to wear and opted for his DJ. This is not the first time that a chorister has turned up in the wrong uniform, but it doesn’t happen very often. Several of the guests voiced their appreciation of the choir’s performance and afterwards refreshments were kindly provided for the choir and guests before the wedding party set off for the reception at Upton Castle.

The choir will be organising a BBQ and performing at the spectacular location of Cresswell Quay tonight (Friday). The tide will be in so hopefully some of the audience may arrive by boat, always a joy to behold for someone who was land locked for 30 years. Next week, they will be singing al fresco again, this time at Saundersfoot Harbour on Tuesday evening (weather permitting) and on Thursday we return to St. Mary’s Church in Tenby.

Thank you for reading this and have a good week what ever you decide to do. Here’s hoping for some good swimming weather.

Di Mumford