The glorious colours and abundance of the harvest were wonderfully apparent in the magnificent floral arrangements which filled St. Mary's Church last Sunday for the annual benefice harvest thanksgiving service.

Uplifting and celebratory music and singing were provided throughout the service by the church choir, the orchestra, the junior choir, director of music, Dr. John Harrison and assistant organist, Judy Davies.

Rector Andrew was delighted to welcome the Officer Commanding and members of 1274 (Tenby) Squadron ATC and the No 3 Welsh Wing chaplain Grayham Passmore. It was Rev. Passmore's pleasant duty to undertake the licensing and induction of our Team Vicar, Rev. Robb Wainwright, into his new role as chaplain to the Tenby squadron.

Benefice members are extremely proud to be associated with the staff and cadets of the Tenby squadron and look forward to a new and interesting relationship with them as Robb grows in his new role.

The squadron is always eager to receive new recruits and young people in the area would be assured a very warm welcome, should they wish to consider joining the ATC in Tenby.

Members of Sunday Club joined the congregation during the Eucharist and delighted listeners with their quirky, but meaningful harvest poem. It involved thanking God for the myriad of blessing we receive and asking for His help in growing as his followers. The young people had also collected and mounted gifts for the congregation, in the form of 'grains of hope'. These were blessed by Rev. Alex before the children distributed them.

During half-term, at 2 pm, on Friday, November 1, the Youth Group and members of Mothers' Union, under the leadership of Rev. Alex, will be holding a 'messy church' activity session in Church House. The theme is Jesus as the light of the world and the session will include games, crafts, a talk, worship and a meal together. This will be open to children of all ages, accompanied by an adult.

On Sunday, October 13, a harvest Songs of Praise will take place at 5 pm in St. Mary's, followed by another sumptuous Harvest Supper, expertly prepared and served by the Soupermen team.