Inspired by recent royal events, St. Mary’s Church, Begelly, held a royal tea party in their newly-refurbished church hall.

Although the weather was outside was frightful on the day, the tea, sandwiches and cakes inside were delightful. All was beautifully presented, and everything went down a treat.

At the event, the winner of the popular botanical quiz was announced as Lynda Hickling from East Williamston parish, who had every question correct.

The hardworking team (Eira, Val, Margaret, Vicky, Brenda, Margaret and Jenny) helped raise over £420 on the day towards church funds.

This was the first function to be held in the church hall since its refurbishment, made possible by a grant from the People’s Postcode Lottery of £9,000. The hall now has a new ceiling, is properly insulated, has energy efficient heaters, new flooring and is freshly painted. Added to which, with a grant from the Church in Wales, the hall now has an up to date ceiling projector and screen, with DVD and sound system, all available to those who wish to hire the hall.

Two local community groups meet here regularly - the Begelly Joy Bells (handbell ringers) and the Knit and Natter Group who are encouraging new members. They meet every other Thursday from 11 am to 12.15 pm. Come along for a chat and bring your knitting (or something similar) with you. They next meet on May 31.

The church/ hall car park is also about to have an extension and makeover, made possible by a generous local benefactor. It is hoped that with these new facilities and greatly improved off road parking, that the church hall may become a more prominent feature of community life in Begelly and Kilgetty.

St. Mary’s next fundraising event is a bingo night at Kilgetty RAOB on Friday, June 8, at 7 pm, and a strawberry tea on Sunday, July 1, at 3 pm, in the community gardens. The next event in the church hall is Messy Church on Saturday, June 2, from 11 am. Children of all ages are welcome to this, accompanied by a parent or adult, for craft, fun and free food.

To know more about any of the above, please contact churchwardens, Eira John (01834) 812830 or Val John (01834) 812970.