The South Pembrokeshire Travel Fund For Sick Children held their annual Food, Flowers and Music evening at the Church House, Tenby, last Thursday. Despite having to change from their original date and consequently clashing with a public meeting at the De Valance, the evening was a great success and enjoyed immensely.

The food demonstration was given by Roger, owner and chef of The Blue Dolphin Hotel and Restaurant (St. Mary's Street), ably helped in the kitchen by his partner Bryony. Roger's specialty is fish and his starter of Seared Spiced Mackerel on a Red Onion Sauce and a main course of Sea Bass on Spinach with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce had everyone licking their lips.

The members of the audience were able to judge the flavours for themselves as each had a sample.

The sweet course that rounded off the demonstration was a wonderful Chestnut and Brandy Cheesecake on an Amoretto Biscuit Base, topped with caramalised sugar shapes served with a Cranberry and Orange Coulis with Creme Anglais. It looked mouth-watering and tasted the same.

Everyone was delighted that Roger had brought the recipes for all the dishes that he had produced.

The music was provided by Alexandra Powell on the harp. Fifteen-year-old Alexandra has now been learning the harp for just one year and had been due to play with her tutor, Mrs. Jean Williams. Sadly, Jean's husband Heddwyn, a well-known figure locally, died suddenly on the previous Saturday and Alexandra bravely took on the performance solo!

Playing 14 pieces between the food and flowers, her performance was so skilled that it was hard to believe that she was so new to her instrument. Her tutor would have been very proud of her, as were her family and the audience.

Flowers were in the capable hands of Jan, Jane and Heidi from 'Four Seaons Florists,' joined by Audrey from Tenby Floral Art Club. 'With Christmas in Mind', they produced lovely table arrangements, large displays and many new ideas for the festive season.

Coffee and biscuits and a bumper raffle run by Mrs. Margaret Hill completed the evening.

The chairman of the Travel Fund, Mrs. Wendy Bell, warmly thanked all those who had taken part to make the evening such a happy and successful one, the fund committee for all the hard work behind the scenes and the audience for supporting the event.

She reminded them that the Travel Fund was a 'local organisation, helping local children.' She assured everyone that they would be back in 2004.