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Formed as the Borough Male Voice Choir, Pembroke Dock in 1952, it became the Pembroke & District Male Voice Choir in 1974.
This encompassed the catchment area of the Choir, but now includes choristers from Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, and as far afield as Haverfordwest, Neyland and Kilgetty.
Music transcends all artificial boundaries, and creates a harmony of voice and heart.
The Choir has travelled widely, having taken part in concerts in Germany, Ireland, many parts of England, not forgetting its home base in Pembrokeshire, with seven visits as part of the Massed Male Voices at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Much of the spirit of the Choir was and still is attributed to a remarkable man, know as Mr W P (Bill) Lewis, or more affectionately called simply - "The Boss".
In recognition of his services to music, he was honoured with an MBE in 1996, but sadly he passed away in 1999, having been conductor of the Choir for over 47 years.
His baton was initially taken up by Mr David Gwynn, his deputy for 15 years, but has subsequently been taken over Mrs Christine Lloyd, the Boss's daughter, with another family member, Mrs Jenny Griffiths, the Boss's grandaughter, now the accompanist.
It has often been said "There is always a good woman behind a good man", and nowhere is this statement more true, for without the whole hearted support of wives and families, the Choir would not enjoy its overall fellowship and would fail to function as efficiently as it does today.
It has also been remarked that an "army marches on its stomach", - without the sterling support of its women members in the form of its accompanists and soloists, namely Christine, Jenny, Alyson and Joan, the Choir could not survive.
Characters abound in the Choir, with members from all walks of life, from a physician, farmer,post-man, banker, engineer, painters, policemen, artists, oil refinery workers, coach drivers - the list is endless.
Membership has now topped over 50 choristers, with eight new chorists joining in 2007 alone. Further members are always welcome - any one with a reasonable voice and plenty of enthusiasm is always welcome.
Concerts are fronted by that indomitable character - Phil Lloyd, who keeps the audience on tender-hooks with his dry wit. In addition, the Choir has its own in-house artist-cum-cartoonist in the form of George Lewis.
Bookings can be taken up to 12/18 months in advance, such is the Choir's popularity, where services are given free of charge for all kinds of charitable causes.
The Choir normally performs upwards of 20 concerts per year.
The repertoire ranges from the classical Welsh Male Voice Choir compositions to lighter pieces from West End shows.
The current repertoire is listed below - *
The Choir always welcomes visitors the rehearsals, which are held every Tuesday evening at 7.30. p.m. at the St Teilo's Church schoolroom, near the old " Silcox Garage" at Pembroke Dock.
Visitors are made very welcome, and are able to sit and enjoy all the elements that contribute to a choir rehearsal! - The latest CD recording of the Choir is always available for sale at concerts or through the Secretary.
The Choir is an affiliated member of: Welsh Amateur Music Federation, Welsh Association of Male Choirs, and National Association of Choirs.
Current Officials are as follows:-
Conductor: Mrs Christine Lloyd.
Accompanists: Mrs Jenny Griffiths and Mrs Alison Griffiths.
President: Mr Phil Thompson (Chevron).
Chairman: Mr Frank Harries.
Secretary and MC: Mr Phil Lloyd, 8 Pembroke Ferry, Pembroke Dock
SA72 6UD
Tel No 01646 686928
Treasurer: Mr Henry Johnson.
E Mail: rodsplace37@hotmail.com
* Current Choir repertoire includes following:-
African Prayer, Alexander's Ragtime Band, Amen, An American Trilogy, Ar Lan Y Mor,Arwelfa, Autumn Leaves, By Babylon's Wave, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Bring Him Home, Bryn Myrddin, Calm is the Sea, Comrades in Arms, Cowboy Carol, Danny Boy, De ol' Ark, Deus Salutis, Do You Hear the People Sing, Every Time I Feel the Spirit, Shall We Gather at the River, Get me to the Church on Time, Give me that Old Time Religion,Groeswen, Glyn Rhosyn, God's Choir, Gwahoddiad,Kwmbayah, Let There be Peace,Laudamus, LLanfair, The Lord's Prayer, Love Could I only Tell Thee, Laudamus, Love Changes Everything, Morte Criste, Myfanwy, My Lord What a Morning, Nessun Dorma,Nidaros, Oh Isis and Osiris, Old Rugged Cross, Pan Fo'r Nos yn Hir, Rachie, You Raise me Up, Rhythym of Life, Rock-a my Soul, Roman War Song, The Rose, Sanctus, St Clement, Sara,Serenade, She, Siyahamba, Softly as I Leave You, Speed your Journey,Stout Hearted Men, Soldier's Chorus, Sunset Poem, Take me Home, There is a Balm in Gilead, There is Land, There is Nothing Like a Dame, Tydi a Roddaist, We'll Keep a Welcome, When I Fall in Love, When the Saints go Marching In, Working Man, Yfory. ......and there are more!!!!!! Humour is a core ingredient of the Choir and a sample of the work of the Choir's resident cartoonist, George Lewis, is included below:- INDEX PAGE.CONCERTS for 2008.
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