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A CHORISTER with half a century of service was honoured at a recent performance by the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir.
Winston Owens, a baritone, was presented with a framed certificate by choir chairman Huw Morgan during a concert at St Mary's Church, Angle — one of the choir's many engagements this year. The award marked Winston's remarkable 50 years of dedication to the choir, having joined in 1975.
Over the decades, Winston has performed in countless concerts and served as a mentor to many new recruits, helping guide them in both voice and confidence. In that time, he has sung under just four musical directors: founder W.P. 'Bill' Lewis, followed by David Gwynne, Christine Lloyd, and current musical director Juliet Rossiter.
The Angle concert was very well attended, with a warm welcome extended by Chris Hirst. Master of Ceremonies Matthew John opened proceedings by revealing that it was Chris's birthday — prompting an impromptu rendition of 'Happy Birthday' by the choir and audience.
The evening also featured two notable firsts: a soloist debut by Mirelle Ryan of Pembroke Dock, and the choir's first public performance of Elvis Presley's classic The Wonder of You, which has been recently added to their repertoire. Accompaniment throughout the evening was provided by the Rev William Lambert, who is also Priest-in-Charge of the Angle Peninsula churches, including St Mary's.
Mirelle delighted the audience with four songs, and the choir is looking forward to welcoming her back for future concerts. Juliet Rossiter gave her approval to the choir's Elvis debut, praising their performance after only a few weeks of rehearsal.
After the concert, refreshments were served in the village hall, with thanks given by Huw Morgan to the church ladies for their hospitality.
The choir's next appearance will be at St John's Church, Tenby, on Tuesday, June 17, starting at 8:00pm — the first of two visits to the venue this year.
Pictured in St Mary's Church, Angle, are (left to right): Male Voice Chairman Huw Morgan, 50-year chorister Winston Owens, soloist Mirelle Ryan, Stage Manager David Halsted, Secretary David Powell, and Accompanist the Rev William Lambert.
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