PEMBROKE & District Male Voice Choir, with winning junior school choir Sageston, recently held its annual Christmas concert at Pennar Community Church.

After the welcome and blessing by the reverend Liz Squires, and after the entire congregation sang Hark the Herald Angels Sing, PDMVC started the night with two songs; it was already a grand night for singing.

However, the choir was outshone by the enthusiasm, and individuality of Sageston, as it romped through This Little Light of Mine, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, with a gusto that would have made The Boss (Springsteen that is), sit up and take notice.

After the PDMVC brought the first half to a close with We 3 Kings, verses sung by soloists Ron Rees, Chris Rooker, and Frank Harries, and You’ll Never Walk Alone, there were a few awards for choir long service to be presented.

Awards for 10 years’ service went to Tony Ward, Chris Rooker, and John Kilcoyne; for 15 years’ service to Gerry Gommo; for 25 years to John Shaw; for 30 years to Gareth Hopkins; and for an astonishing 60 years to Frank Harries.

The second half started with the congregation singing Away in a Manger, then Sageston blew all away with three wonderful renditions: Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Silent Night - with lovely harmonies - and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, to a standing ovation.

PDMVC then sang two songs, culminating in a most energetic Rock a My Soul, to which the audience gave a standing ovation also.

To end the concert, the two choirs got together to sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Closing prayers and thanks were given by Liz Squires, with £400 of the proceedings being donated to PATCH.

PDMVC, conducted by Chris, accompanied by Jenny, assisted by Carol and Aly, MC Phil.

Sageston School Choir, conducted by Sian Cole.