St. Nicholas and St. Teilo's Church at Penally is expectantly preparing for Christmas (writes D.L.).

The celebrations already began when we were honoured to host the Dinbych Group of WIs carol service on Monday and continued the day after in a celebratory mood when the church held its Patronal Festival for St. Nicholas.

There was a festive air and much merriment as members and friends of Penally Mother's Union met for a delicious Christmas lunch at Waves Restaurant, Lydstep.

The 'tea ladies', who have worked so hard with their monthly tea parties raising funds for the refurbishment of the kitchen, have set their sights on a target of £1,000 by Christmas. They are not far off this goal and are to be congratulated. Teas will resume in the new year.

The Village Hall held a Christmas fayre on Tuesday. Villagers and many others packed into the hall, taking up bargains for their Christmas shopping and enjoying the fellowship over tea and mince pies.

The church choir has an exceptionally busy schedule this month, visiting some of Tenby's rest homes, as well as leading the singing at the community carols at the Penally Village Hall on Friday, December 16, at 6 pm. This should be a fun evening, with Father Christmas arriving on his sleigh and a programme of well-loved carols and Christmas songs for us all to join in. There will be seasonal refreshments as well, so an evening to be recommended to get us into the party spirit and a great opportunity to bring church and village together in a shared celebration.

A new initiative for the church will be the service led by the Team Vicar, Rev. Michael John, on Tuesday, December 20, at 7 pm, when instead of the formal nine lessons and carols, the choir have arranged a service of carols, readings and poetry for Christmas, with members of the congregation taking part.

This traditionally will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

Christmas Eve, 6.30 pm, will see the ever-popular crib service with the first Eucharist of Christmas led by the Team Vicar when we shall welcome visitors and families from all over the area.

Christmas Day, 9.30 am, there will be a Sung Eucharist with carols.

There will be no services at Penally on Sunday, January 1.