September 15 was Battle of Britain Sunday, which commemorates the great victory won by the Royal Air Force, saving Britain from invasion in 1940.

Sir Winston Churchill described the action on September 15, 1940, as 'one of the decisive battles of the war' and it signified the Luftwaffe's greatest defeat.

The congregation at St. Mary's Church were pleased to welcome members of the local ATC Squadron, 1284 Tenby, to the service.

Team vicar, Robb Wainwright, himself a former member of the RAF, was conducting the service and received the standard following the processional hymn. Rev. Wainwright is soon to be installed as the chaplain to ATC Squadron 1284 Tenby and so it was gratifying that he was the member of the clergy team to have his hand on the joystick (now known as the flight yoke), so to speak!

Among the music performed throughout the service, Dr. John delighted the congregation with Walton's Spitfire and Walton Davies's RAF March Past. The inspiring and emotive hymn, O Ruler of the Earth and Sky was also sung.

At the time of intercession, prayers were said for all members of the armed forces. In remembering the anniversaries of the deaths of local people and church members, we lifted up to God a dearly loved former Sunday Club teacher, Claire Webb, who passed away on September 19, 2012.

When the children from Sunday Club joined the congregation, we were told about their activities and these involved learning about the armour of God. Our modest and supportive church warden, Clive Webb, gamely stepped forward and allowed the youngsters to dress him in a variety of items; body armour, sandals, helmet and the like. He certainly looked like a force with which to be reckoned by the time they had finished.

Arrangements for the celebration of the Harvest Thanksgiving in the benefice churches are as follows;

Sunday, September 29: 11 am Penally, followed by bring-and-share lunch.

Thursday, Octber 3: 7 pm St. Anne's, New Hedges.

Sunday, October 6: 10 am Benefice Harvest Eucharist St. Mary's, 3 pm Gumfreston.

Sunday, October 13: 5 pm Harvest Songs of Praise, St. Mary's, followed by 6 pm Harvest supper, Church House.

Sunday, October 20: 3 pm Youth Harvest, St. Julian's.