Despite the cold weather, and despite the snowy roads and pavements, the Festival of Daffodils at St. Johns Church, Tenby, last weekend, was a great success.
The sanctuary looked glorious, with its thousands of daffodils and beautifully artistic displays relating to the theme of 'Hands Together,' but the entrance to the church was especially attractive, too, with the spectacular seven-foot high cross of daffodils placed outside in the garden, the pots of spring flowers lining the paths, and the waving hands of welcome in the porch.
The festival opened on Friday and a steady stream of visitors began arriving. This did not stop until Monday night, after the concert with Tenby Male Choir began. This was the final event in a weekend choc-o-block with activity.
On Friday afternoon, the church was full with worshippers who had come to celebrate the Pembrokeshire Network groups. After a rousing service, tea was served for about 70 in the lounge by the ladies of St. Johns, and Mollie expresses her thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who gave her so much help.
In the evening, the weather was so cold that the performance by the Quaynotes was threatened with cancellation for a few minutes. However, the audience, though small, were determined and enthusiastic, as were the choristers, once the MD decided to go ahead.
A most enjoyable evening then occurred. A wide selection of music was sung without interval, which demonstrated some excellent individual talents, as well as giving opportunity to the choir to display their diversity.
On Saturday, the visitors continued to arrive, and the Tenby and District Band performance, the Irish dancers and St. Mary's handbell ringers all did well.
The evening 'Noson Llawen' was a sell-out. Ian and Sue's cawl, 'caws a bara', is always a draw, of course, but Ron Hurlow's programme of entertainment is also very popular. It's not possible to describe all the 'acts', though the highlight for many was the appearance of their minister dressed up as 'the angel Gabriel' singing 'I'm the star of the show', which will be long remembered!
On Sunday, a large congregation attended morning worship, which was led in welcome by two dear little girls in full Welsh costume. Almost all of the children were 'dressed up' for the occasion and the service was 'interactive' It was a happy, joyful occasion, followed by a 'faith lunch.'
In the afternoon was a concert of music and literature, led by the Mezzin quartet, and in the evening, the highlight of the weekend, the Cymanfa Ganu.
Conducted by Graham Stubbs and accompanied on the organ by Dr. John Harrison, the chapel rang to the sound of Welsh music. Taking part were St. Mary's Choir, resplendent in their red robes, the Cymrodorion Ladies Choir in Welsh dress (minus the hats) and Tenby Male Choir in uniform.
The singing of the congregational hymns was most moving and rousing and, despite the fact that the heating wasn't working, everyone left the chapel with a very warm glow in their hearts.
The ladies making Welsh cakes did a sterling job whenever they could, given the weather. The coffee mornings attracted good crows, and the Tenby Male Choir concert (reported elsewhere in this paper) was a most fitting end to a very happy, celebratory weekend.
Sincere thanks go to Ann Maggs and her team for a wonderful festival.