TO the strains of ‘This is the Moment’ Pembroke and District Male Voice choristers bid ‘au revoir’ to three of its stalwart members when they sang at the Lawrenny Arms on Friday, July 27 - the last concert before a summer break.

It was a very appropriate choice by Conductor Christine Lloyd as it is a favourite piece of many choristers, and especially of first tenor Ken Chichester who with his wife Carole will soon be heading to Australia to live, joining his son and family there.

Ken joined the Pembroke choir ten years ago, having previously sung with Kenfig and District Male Voice. ‘This is the Moment’, from the musical Jekyll and Hyde, was among the repertoire chosen for the 2011 Welsh Association of Male Voice Choirs massed concert at Manchester, and has been sung many times since.

Also making their final staging was second bass Tony Davies, who is retiring after 40 years as a choir member, and first tenor David Folland, who is moving to Wiltshire. David joined the choir four years ago.

In a surprise presentation, Ken Chichester was presented by Conductor Christine with a certificate marking ten years of membership. Recently Tony Davies was awarded his 40-year certificate - special reminders for both of their long and happy association with the choir.

The weather had changed dramatically for the Lawrenny concert, but in the large marquee, the choir were well away from the heavy rain showers. The audience enjoyed a varied programme and also solo items from flautist Alyson Griffiths, who played ‘Cavatina’ and ‘Bright Eyes’ to warm applause.

The MC was Choir Secretary Phil Lloyd and the Jenny Griffiths and Carol Rees shared the accompaniment.

After the August break, the choir returns to action with several concert dates in the autumn, leading up to a special remembrance concert which will be held at Pennar Community Church, Pembroke Dock, on Friday, November 9.

Then the choir will be joining with Neyland Ladies Choir at an event marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.