WELSH voices welcomed the newly installed Vicar of Monkton, Rev’d Heidi de Gruchy, in her first week in her new church.

She in turn welcomed Pembroke and District Male Voice choristers to Monkton Priory which, with its superb acoustics, is a favourite venue for the choir.

Also Vicar of Pembroke and Lamphey, Rev’d Heidi was joined by her husband, Rev’d William Lambert, and a large congregation who showed warm appreciation for the programme choices of Musical Director Juliet Rossiter, which included the stirring Morte Christe and Gwadhoddiad.

Soloist was first tenor Peter Halifax, accompanying himself on guitar. He sang four pieces including, for the first time, ‘Working Man’.

MC Matthew John always promotes the choir and his invitation to male members of the congregation to join in the finale fell on receptive ears. Four joined in for ‘American Trilogy’, including Rev’d William and Matthew’s father, Steve John.

There were special thanks for guest accompanist Peter Griffiths, on loan from Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir, who has helped out at several concerts and practices while the choir seeks a permanent replacement. 

At the start of the evening, Ed Morris, of the first bass section, presented a cheque to choir chairman Huw Morgan from the Pembroke Farmers’ Club, following on the choir’s recent very successful concert at Lamphey.

Earlier in the month the choir returned to St Johns Church, Tenby, one of two visits made there every year.

The choir’s next concert is for Remembrance, on Friday, November 1 at Pembroke Town Hall.