Sir,
It seems to me that it is time for us to take a serious look at the state of Tenby and to act accordingly. In spite of continual warnings signs, we appear to be doing very little to address the wrongs. Things are not getting better! In many cases they are getting worse! How many letters have been published, which express concern and sadness about the upkeep of Tenby and the behaviour of both holidaymakers and residents? These letters have come from many places and people have taken the time and trouble to write them. My husband and I abhor the filth and decadence that we see around us. We are not alone in our views. Apathy, disinterest, selfishness and willfulness may clearly be seen. What example are we setting for the future generation?
There is always the whining of 'shortage of money'! Yet money appears to be available when it suits! Perhaps we need to get our priorities right! One day, we'll regret the actions that we didn't take and the weakness of our support. Then there will be no going back to put the matter right. We can't afford to be ignorant or to bury our heads in the sand. It's no good moaning at those who are in office, if we don't make an effort ourselves. Often, we have the authorities that we deserve - because we don't bother or give them our support. This is not just a battle for Tenby, but for the entire nation! Don't we have any pride in our town? Don't we care about our reputation? Are we simply going to give in and allow moral corruption?
Strong words may be, but strong feelings also! Let us hope and pray that soon strong actions will emerge and unity in the people of Tenby. We need to be overcomers who are unafraid to stand on their convictions. We have a beautiful inheritance that we have failed to treasure. Let us set the matter right, before it is too late! I enclose a poem which I felt led to write also!
LOST PARADISE
What's happened to our lovely town - our jewel of the sea?
She's become distinctly tarnished - or so it seems to me!
Not all the blue flags in the world can put the matter right!
Pollution of our little town is what we need to fight!
Over the years we've sat at ease, taking things for granted.
Not really pushing out the boat - being so half-hearted.
What's happened to the pride we had? Just look around our town!
How much effort are we making to stop it running down?
Yet there is light in the darkness - in spite of all the gloom!
Some folks have more uplifting views - apathy has no room!
But Tenby is still uncared for, with little jobs undone.
She isn't such a pleasant place, despite the folks who come.
Some are filled with disappointment at changes they may see.
While others never come again, to relax in Tenby.
This isn't just a local flaw - it's part of life today.
Ignorance and disinterest have travelled down our way!
The centre of our lives is self and we desire 'the best'!
How often, self may be deceived - unable to connect!
There are many sights that dazzle! There's much to catch our eye!
Sadly, the things that are of worth are those that we pass by!
We're losing sight of all that's good, when we're not in control!
We pick up all the negatives- not aiming for the goal!
Complacency can have no part, while understanding can.
For we need to work together, to form a better plan.
Our town deserves her dignity- we are in need of pride!
From taking care of her today we mustn't turn aside.
Our attitudes have got to change - of that there is no doubt!
For a diff'rent way of thinking will turn things inside out.
What happened to our self respect - the standards that we hold?
Why give in to the common place? - It wasn't so of old!
All visitors should be welcome, while we should give our best,
To make their stay enjoyable and full of interest.
We shouldn't be dictated to, nor should we be abused,
When giving hospitality - but sometimes folk are rude.
It's for us to set the pattern and to restore our town,
By treating her with dignity, which can be handed down.
Some landlords are responsible, when they are serving drink.
Others simply take the money and do not pause to think.
Out of the pubs come the drunkards, at night or in the day.
With foul language and behaviour. Is that a holiday?
Once Tenby was a seaside place where folks would come and go.
She was cared for - not neglected - and people loved her so.
Could it be that she was aging? Was a facelift required?
Was Tenby needing surgery - or was it not desired?
The Tourist Industry we need, to meet financial needs.
There is so much unemployment - on that we are agreed!
It hurts to see our little town displayed in such a way.
Encouraging all and sundry, to 'booze around the Bay'!
Is this what we have settled for? Have we become so weak?
Have we no strength of conviction - not even pow'r to speak?
Do we really value Tenby?... Then, we cannot sit back,
Quietly putting up with things and taking all the flak.
This is the time to take action, if changes we would see.
Tenby needs a better image - I'm sure you will agree!
Let's think of our children's children - the legacy we leave.
Stand up and be counted, we must! That is what I believe!
Roddy and Jenny Stevens,
'Koinonia Cottage',
Summerhill Road,
Wisemans Bridge.