THE wettest of evenings contrasted with the warmest of receptions when Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir sang at Carew Wesley Methodist Church, in aid of Carew Cheriton Control Tower, on Friday October 12.

Despite the near-monsoon conditions outside, over 70 people packed into the chapel and the choir responded in fine measure.

Deric Brock, chairman of the Control Tower group, welcomed the choir and extended thanks at the interval before audience and choir combined in the chapel rouser, ‘When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder’.

With the 100th anniversary of the Great War armistice so near, it was fitting that Remembrance was a strong theme for the choir.

Members performed ‘Lest We Forget’, ‘Mansions Of The Lord’ and a medley of First World War songs, with the audience enthusiastically joining in.

Soloist Alyson Griffiths, on flute, appropriately chose ‘Autumn Leaves’ as her first item, and followed up with a piece from ‘Les Miserables’ in the second half. Conductor Christine Lloyd similarly selected popular pieces for the choir from ‘Les Mis’.

Ron Rees again delighted everyone with his solo choice - ‘Hallelujah’ from the pen of Leonard Cohen, with Christine Lloyd joining in the choruses from the piano.

Jenny Griffiths was the accompanist, and MC Phil Lloyd was in his usual fine form. Everyone voted the concert a great success, the sound made all the better by the excellent chapel acoustics.

The warm welcome extended into the splendid refreshments in the Schoolroom and thanks to the chapel ladies were extended by Choir Chairman Tony Ward.

* Leading up to Armistice Day the choir has two special concerts where Remembrance will be a central theme. On Friday, October 26, they will sing at Warren Church (7pm) and on Friday November 9 the Choir joins with Neyland Ladies Choir for a Remembrance concert at Pennar Community Church (Bethany), Pembroke Dock (7.30pm). This is being organised for Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, and tickets can be obtained from the Centre, Tel 01646 684220.