NEYLAND Ladies Choir have recently staged a special RNLI themed concert at St Mary’s Church, Hakin to celebrate the 90th birthday of long-standing chorister, Dorothy Beckett.

The ladies wanted to mark the event with a special concert to acknowledge her many years singing with the choir and also her 74 years of fundraising for the RNLI.

Attended by all of Dorothy’s family and members of Angle Lifeboat RNLI, the church was full to capacity with all proceeds for the evening going to the RNLI. Choir President Simon Hancock welcomed everyone and spoke of Dorothy’s popularity in the choir and the local community.

The choir shared the programme with the Milford Haven Junior Town Band under the guidance of Rachel Stalbow-Best. The young musicians, introduced by Sian Garside, played a medley of pieces and received great applause from the appreciative audience. Soloists were Mali, Ella-Mae, and Olivia. Faith and Nia from the main band helped out.

Jan Mathias, who had been part of Hakin Point RNLI group with Dorothy, thanked her for the dedication and  support to the charity for over 50 years.

The choir performed a varied programme of favourite pieces and, in particular, resurrected Christopher Robin is Saying his Prayers in which Dorothy had a solo part and once again moved the audience.

Noreen Hadfield delivered a ‘This is Your Choir Life’ to reflect on Dorothy’s 30 years as a chorister with Neyland Ladies Choir. With screened photographs prepared by Sheila Griffiths, the audience was treated to some of the highlights and funny experiences of tours and events over the years.

Under the direction of Lynne Kelleher and accompanied by Miranda Davies, the final part of the evening was a rendition of Happy Birthday during which choir Chairlady, Jayne Edwards, presented flowers and a birthday cake which had been made by chorister Sue George.

Dorothy's son Adrian thanked the choir and the Junior Band for a wonderful start to his mother’s celebration weekend.