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Pembrokeshire Herald

Choral concert raises funds to bring back St Mary's bells

CHORAL voices rang out at Pembroke's St Mary's Church in a joyful effort to raise funds for the return of the church bells. The Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir performed their latest concert in a busy spring programme, drawing a large and appreciative audience to the parish church. The event was a fundraiser to help restore the bells to working order in the church tower. The Vicar, the Rev Heidi de Gruchy, welcomed both choir and audience, and the project's background was outlined by the St Mary's Bell Conductor, Frances Bunker. In a heartwarming display of teamwork, Rev Heidi stepped in during the choir's opening item, 'Rachie', when the music stand on the keyboard collapsed. Her husband, the Rev William Lambert, who is the choir's accompanist, played on seamlessly as she held up the sheet music. Once equilibrium was restored, the choir continued in strong voice, with humour and introductions from MC Matthew John keeping spirits high throughout the evening. Highlights included 'Anthem' from the musical Chess, songs from Les Misérables, and the spiritual 'My Lord, What a Morning'. The encore, 'American Trilogy', brought an added touch of fun, with three members of the audience—including a visitor from the Wirral—joining the choir onstage at Matthew's invitation. Rev William also performed two solo piano pieces, showcasing his musical talents with Chopin's 'Polonaise' and Debussy's 'Clair de Lune'. Among the evening's notable moments was the concert debut of new baritone chorister Jonathan Price. He will soon be joined by other recruits in the baritone and bass sections. The choir continues to encourage more local men—especially tenors able to reach the higher notes—to come forward and join this welcoming group. The choir's next concert will take place on Sunday, May 4 at 3:30pm at Monkton Priory Church. They will be joined by old friends from the Mansfield Male Voice Choir, with around 60 choristers expected to fill the historic venue with sound. More details are available on the choir's Facebook page. Cover image: Bringing back the bells: The Revs Heidi de Gruchy and William Lambert are pictured at St Mary's Church with Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir chairman Huw Morgan (left) and new chorister Jonathan Price. (Pic: P&D MVC)