CHURCH SERVICES

Services for the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby with Penally, Gumfreston and New Hedges this Sunday (Christmas 1) include: St. Mary's, Tenby - 8 am Holy Eucharist; 10 am Sung Eucharist; 6 pm Evensong and Sermon. St. Nicholas and St. Teilo, Penally - 9.30 am Sung Eucharist. St. Anne's, New Hedges - 11 am Holy Eucharist. St. Lawrence, Gumfreston - 11 am Holy Eucharist. St. Julian's, The Harbour - closed for the winter.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Teilo's, Five Arches - Sunday Mass 11 am. St. Bride's, Saundersfoot - Sunday Mass 9.30 am. Priest: Monsignor Brian Kinrade (842692).

Tenby and District Probus Club

It was a delight to have the president of Tenby Rotary, Mr. Richard Caley, and his wife Margaret, for the Christmas lunch. The ladies were also there in numbers and added a colourful spectacle to the occasion. Thanks go to the Park Hotel for the way that they cared for the elderly members and put on such a feast. It was a great social occasion and many people have thanked the organisers for such a wonderful event. The second meeting in December was held on a foggy, frosty and chilly morning, but in spite of the weather, all was warm in the bowling club. Margaret provided mince pies and cake and the coffee was a little stronger than members are used to, thanks to Wilf Hardy. Anniversary boy for the day was Tom Hughes who was not in attendance, but was toasted in his absence. The secretary reminded members of the next Ladies' Day which is on January 31 when Margaret plans a turkey buffet. The AGM will be held on January 17. The morning was a new venture as members each spoke of a Christmas experience or read a poem or something. It made for a longer meeting than usual, but was a most enjoyable meeting. The next club meeting is on January 3 when the speaker will be retiring-president. Sandwiches need not be brought as he intends to keep it short. The club sends everyone best wishes for the New Year and may it be a peaceful one. For more information, contact Lew Day on 844633.

St. Johns Church

Worship on Christmas Eve morning was a family service, entitled 'The Christmas Story'. The Rev Nanette Lewis-Head welcomed everyone and thanked all who had helped with the 'Love Light' service for Ty Hafan the previous Tuesday evening and reminded friends of the invitation to lunch, at The Manse, on New Year's Day, in aid of support for Madagascar. She then handed over to the children of junior church and their leaders. Mrs. Marlys Thomas, with her daughter Sian and granddaughter Lara, lit the fourth advent candle. Further items, representing the Holy family were placed on the Jesse Tree with the help of Mrs. Hefina Thomas and Mrs. Sue Bonsor, who read the narrative. Junior church leader, Mrs. Sheila Noot, read two further passages of scripture from Isaiah 'The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light' and the story of the Nativity from Luke. Prayers were led by two of the junior church children and another of their leaders, Mrs. Sonia Hurlow. Before the presentation of the nativity 'Starry Night', in which all of the children, Angharad, Lara, Lewys, Maddie, Mollie, Mathew, Marcus, Rachel, Syd, Steffan and William, took part. Nanette welcomed the youngest child present, Darryl, who is the two-week-old son of Patience and John and brother of Wesley. 'Starry Night' told the story of that first Christmas as only children can, with their costumes, simple narrative and songs. Nanette thanked them and their leaders for their beautiful presentation and all their hard work that they had put in. Worship concluded with the carol, 'Come and join the celebration', enjoyed as all of the morning's carols had been. Thank you to Mr. Alan Adams who played the organ. A large number met for tea and biscuits in the schoolroom following worship. This was not the end of the day's celebrations. Many children with their families joined in the Christingle Service entitled 'Carols, candles and a crib'. Lara, Rachel and Connor read from Luke 2, and with help from very willing young people who opened parcels, some disappointingly empty, but others containing gifts which were placed in the crib, Nanette illustrated the true meaning of Christmas. A star representative of God's creation, a doll for baby Jesus, a lantern as a reminder that he came as a light to the world, and a crown, although a baby - king of the world. Young musicians from Junior Church displayed their skills, but it was the lighting of the Christingles, held by children in the darkened church, while they sang 'Away in a Manger' which, as always in its simplicity, was the most moving part of the service. St. Johns experienced a wonderful journey through Advent which led to the final reminder of the real blessings of Christmas. Thank you Nanette for guidance and all, young and old, readers, musicians, singers, actors, and not forgetting Mrs. Janet Drogan who operated the overhead projector for the part they played. All are welcome this Sunday at 10.30 am when the service will again be led by Nanette.

Tenby and District Duplicate Bridge Club

The Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 20, was by all standards a howling success. The food was very tasty and varied, thanks to the Fourcroft Hotel. While members were supping their coffee,  'Arnold' of the fox hunting brigade suddenly arrived in their midst and from the word go, there were gales of laughter. Marvellous entertainment. All the expensive raffle prizes were donated by committee members. Special guest was Gladys  Irvine who was honoured with a little presentation, which included absent Robert  Irvine for services rendered, willingly, during 2006. The final  entertainment, prior to the evening's individual duplicate bridge session, was the 'elimination bingo', well run by budding bridge player John Delahunty. Nicky Hancock scooped the considerable prize money. After six rounds of the hectic bridge with 10 tables in play, scores were added and this year's winner of the Christmas party bridge was Irene Delahunty. One could tell she was in the hunt by the squeals of excitement throught the play.  Second was Sheridan Bradley, while Gloria Walters was third. This year's booby prize, unexpectedly, was won by Carmel Wiseman. A great evening.  Friday, December 22: 1. Kevin Thomas and Doug Silcox 66; 2. Kay Allen and Nancy Mason 54; 3. Pam Evans and Mike Taylor 51.00. Duplicate bridge is played twice weekly, Wednesday and Friday, 7 pm sharp at the Kilgetty Community Centre. New members are always welcome. For further information, telephone hon. secretary Irene on 01646 622002. Good luck in 2007.

STEPS2HEALTH WALK

A bleak and raw grey day could not dampen the spirits of the Steps2Health walkers on Saturday (writes B.S.). It was a surprisingly large turnout that gathered outside Somerfield for this pre-Christmas walk with Paul and Barbara Morris, volunteer trained walk leaders. This may have been the last chance for Christmas shopping, but the walkers enjoyed the freedom from queues and jostling crowds as they went on a relaxing walk around Tenby's scenic route. Along The Esplanade and Paragon, then circling Castle Hill and along the North Walk to The Norton where we were all invited into the home of Barbara and Paul to enjoy hot mince pies with brandy butter and tea or coffee. This was an extremely festive and convivial end to our Christmas walk and we all very much appreciated the kind and generous hospitality of Barbara and Paul. The final walk of the year will take place tomorrow (Saturday), so, if you want to walk off the excesses of the week and enjoy some fresh air in good company then join us outside Somerfield for 10.30 am start. No charge!