St. Andrew’s Church, Narberth, has launched a restoration project.

On the evening of Thursday, May 25, the church was filled with a large audience who came to hear wonderful musical entertainment presented by Tenby Male Voice Choir. This event represented also the launch of the restoration project for Narberth’s parish church and a Grade 2 listed building with many features of both local and national importance.

Invited guests included the newly-elected Bishop of St David’s, the Right Rev. Joanna Pentherby, other clergy representing Narberth churches and St. David’s Diocese, the Mayor of Narberth, Clr. Ruth Platt and Pauline Griffiths, curator of Narberth Museum. The Bishop spoke, along with Rev. Martin Cox, Rector, about the need to restore such a lovely building not only for the present day, but for future generations and to create a community space open and welcome to all.

The concert began with a minute’s silence to remember and pray for the victims of the Manchester bombing earlier in the week.

Tenby MC for the evening, David Blackmore then introduced a range of music by the choir from solemn and moving pieces, to lively modern songs, including audience participation. During two short breaks in the choir’s performance, there were impressive performances on the flute by Greenhill music student Genna Hurds who had come to the concert fresh from AS-Level exams that day - very much appreciated by all. Her playing was accompanied by Mark Thompson.

After the concert, the audience were served refreshments provided by the church fundraising group and other generous donors and the ambiance was enhanced by the sound of birdsong through the open doors on to a lovely summer evening, enjoyed by all.

Fundraising continues throughout this year for the restoration project and the church looks forward to welcoming all those who are able to come along to the various events to add their support for the improvement of this lovely building.