Supporters of Tenby Arts Festival enjoyed a fund-raising supper at Church House, Tenby on Saturday, June 13.

Candlelit tables set the scene for a feast of delicious home-baked savoury dishes, salads and succulent roast beef accompanied by new season Pembrokeshire potatoes generously donated by Heymen Ltd. Delicious hot and cold desserts followed and second helpings were actively encouraged.

After coffee had been served, Margaret McCracken gave a very amusing rendering of Pam Ayres poems.

Some of them were well known, others very touching and one, 'Ode on Expenses', extremely topical.

Having lived for some time in Berkshire, Pam's home county, Margaret's accent was perfect and she managed to achieve just the right combination of wry mischief in her performance.

Now in it's 19th year, the 2009 Tenby Arts Festival (September 19 to 26) includes a performance by harpist Catrin Finch, who has been described as 'one of classical music's most exciting and prodigiously brilliant young stars'; the Allegri String Quartet; 'A Bite at the Opera' - a delicious offering presented by Hatstand Opera at St Brides Spa Hotel; Massed West Wales Male Choirs; Alison Neil as 'Just William'; and the Symposia String Quartet.

Many other artists will appear throughout a packed week, there will be plays in pubs, walks, talks, fun on the beach and something to appeal to everyone.

To end the festival on a high note, Jacqui Dankworth will be singing in her inimitable style.

She can be soulful, bluesy, delicately subtle and powerful all in one breath.

For a full programme, please ring 01834 845341 or log on to http://www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk">www.tenbyartsfest.co.uk