TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD
Members were delighted to welcome as their speaker for October, the Rt. Rev. Dewi Bishop, former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon and previously Rector of St. Mary's Tenby, now enjoying his retirement in Tenby, together with his wife Rhiannon, a member of the Guild. Bishop Bridges is always a popular speaker. In a light-hearted account of his early days in the ministry, he kept everyone entertained with anecdotes at the same time imparting many snippets of information of which they were unaware and speaking of differences in the life of young curates then and now. He was warmly thanked by chairman Rosemary John, thanks which were heartily endorsed by everyone present. Tenby Guild performed very well at the Arts and Craft Day at the Ivybush Royal Hotel in Carmarthen, coming third overall and obtaining highest marks in the exhibition for a tapestry picture in the craft section and also in the flower arrangement section and second highest in the cake section. The Guild is grateful to all those taking part and especially grateful to the supporters who helped to make this a most enjoyable day. The final event of the month was the lunch at Carrington's where once again members thoroughly enjoyed an excellent meal and were delighted to welcome back Siriol Griffiths, at present a resident at Park House Court, but who was able to join them on this occasion. Thanks go to Mr. Peter Parker and his staff for making this possible. Members now look forward to their meeting on Thursday, November 1, at 2.15 pm, when Mrs. Heidi Griffiths will be demonstrating 'Simple Christmas Flowers For The Home'. The venue will be St. Johns Church Hall and the Guild shall be delighted to welcome any prospective new members.
St. Johns Church
It was a beautiful sunny autumn morning when worshippers met at St. Johns on Sunday. The choir opened with 'Holy, Holy, Holy', sung unaccompanied. The words of welcome were read by Megan. She was thanked by Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, on this her first time for reading the welcome, although she had been a visitor since she was a baby. In her own welcome, Nanette said that this time of worship was one for remembering God's forgiveness and his love. Mr. Tony Scullard, church secretary, thanked everyone who had supported last Sunday's Gift Day, which had resulted in a total of £760. Mrs. Marian Griffiths read from Genesis 32, 22-31, 'Jacob wrestles in Peniel' and Luke 18, 1-8, 'The parable of the widow and her judge'. After welcoming the children, including those who were visiting over half-term, Nanette spoke to them with the World Cup final rugby match in mind. She spoke about the importance of coaches in football training and said that followers of Jesus have a head coach for their lives in Him. She then referred to the second of the day's readings and how, to use modern language, the widow in the story pestered the judge for her rights until she had her own way. God says keep praying, pester me for the right things. Nanette continued to explore the two Bible readings in her sermon. Jacob asked for God's blessing after he had wrestled with him. He came to God with the weight of his wrong-doing towards his brother on his conscience - Jesus used the parable of the widow to teach his disciples to be persistent in prayer. The widow, because of her persistence, received her blessing. In our seeking for God's blessing, we must rely on the grace of God and upon our need for each other. Final words were 'We abandon ourselves when we gather in worship, to the power of the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, come'. Prayers of intercession were made for the needs of God's people throughout the world and for those nearer to home. Worship ended with the choir singing 'God be with you 'til we meet again'. Thank you, Nanette, once again for your guidance, also to the choir, organist Mrs. Pat Stubbs, Megan and Marian. Mr. Richard Laws will lead worship, to which all are invited, this Sunday at 11 am.
Salvation Army
The corps was blessed by the weekend visit of the Salvation Army youth group from Hillingdon, London. On Saturday, the group of 24 young people and their leaders gave a festival of gospel music, song and dance in Church House, St. Mary's Church. Their songs and music from the brass band were based on their Christian faith and it was encouraging to see so many young people telling others of Christ. Of particular interest were the gospel dance group and the tambourine group in which all the girls joined. The group led the meetings on the Sunday in the Salvation Army hall and again many of the young people took part. They were also very pleased to go to Park House Court in the afternoon and join in a service with the people who live there and their families. This was a very special weekend for the corps in Tenby and also for the group from Hillingdon, who were making their first visit here. Activities during the coming week at the Salvation Army are Catherine's Coffee House on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am and the Over Sixties group on Friday at 2 pm. Sunday meetings are at 10.30 am and all are welcome to the meetings and all week day activities which take place in the Salvation Army Hall in Upper Park Road. For more information, call Majors Denise and Martyn Clements on (01834) 843329 or Irene Johnson on 01437 781167.
TENBY AND DISTRICT ARTS CLUB
Last Friday evening, the chairman, John Bevan, gave a very warm welcome to Pearl McCabe, who was making a return visit to the Arts Club. Many members recalled her previous talks to the club when her keen observations of life had delighted her listeners. Pearl McCabe's talk on Friday evening was entitled 'Getting On', a subject immediately identified by a large section of the audience. The speaker began with the conversations between members of a luncheon group. Polite enquiries as to the state of a person's health usually led to a lengthy catalogue of aches and pains, the severity of which was often chronic and sometimes the details vaguely embarrassing to listeners outside the immediate circle. Retirement at 60 frequently meant a second phase of one's 'working' life by involvement in charities and committees where a different kind of stress occurred. The reaching of one's 60th birthday seems to prompt the delivery of mountains of pink mail offering cures for every kind of possible discomfort or disability, overwhelming the receiver and eventually the wastepaper basket! Dealing with a computerised world presented all sorts of challenges. So also did the attitude of shop assistants, nurses and even doctors as soon as the dreaded age was evident. Elusive spectacles, small hearing aids, pin numbers all presented irritating problems for the unwary and untutored. As for coping with the younger generation, we cast our eyes to the skies and consoled ourselves with the fact that we had lived through two world wars and dealt with food rationing, clothing coupons, electricity cuts and countless other deprivations and still came through smiling. In fact, throughout Pearl's talk laughter had been almost continuous as the perils and problems of the older generation were recalled with humour and clever perception. Finally, the audience showed their appreciation for this thoroughly enjoyable evening by warmly applauding Pearl McCabe's very amusing observations. Laughter could still be heard long after coffee had been consumed! This (Friday) evening, Dr. Michael Francis will be showing some of the treasures held at the National Library of Wales relating to Art in Pembrokeshire. Non-members are welcome at 8 pm in Church House.
STEPS2HEALTH WALK
Although I was not able to take part in Saturday's Steps2Health walk, I could not forfeit meeting up with the friends I have made on these walks (write B.S.). So while the group travelled by bus to New Hedges to walk back into town with leaders Margaret Lewis, Val Coates-Rees and Lyn Evans, I later joined them in Church House for the Tenovus coffee morning. These weekly walks not only provide enjoyable exercise, but have turned into a very sociable and friendly group. Over coffee and some excellent home -made cakes, we were able to catch up on the week's news, wish Sylvia a happy birthday and at least one of the group won a box of chocolates in the raffle. Local walks are planned for tomorrow (Saturday) and also the following Saturday. So do join us as we meet outside Somerfield for 10.30 am start. No charge!
FRIENDS OF TENOVUS
Tenby Friends of Tenovus held a most successful coffee morning in Church House last Saturday, so well attended that by the end of the morning there was not a spare seat in the house! Raffle tickets were sold throughout the summer in the Market Hall as well as during the coffee morning itself. The first prize of a week's holiday in a Powells cottage in Devon was won by Nesta Davies; the second prize of a weekend for two at the Giltar Hotel was won by Audrey Owens. Maureen Webb won the third prize of a voucher from hairstylists Janina Louise. The other lucky prize winners were: Jean Booth, Mrs. Renowden, Sally Tregoning, John and Judy, Clive Webb, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Griffiths, Beryl Ferymore, Ruth Goldwait, Toni Webb, Jean Peen, and Mrs. Harris. Very grateful thanks go to Powells Cottage Holidays in Saundersfoot, Miguel Gonzalez of the Giltar Hotel, and Janina Louise for donating such generous prizes. Also sincere thanks to everyone who supported the coffee morning and helped to raise over £650 for Tenovus.
CYMDEITHIAS CYMRODORION/ SOCIETY
A most successful first meeting of the 2007/08 programme was enjoyed by about 30 members and friends of the Cymrodorion at the lounge of the Gwesty Llew/Royal Lion Hotel on Thursday last. Mr. Peter Neate recounted something of his recent visit and tour of Patagonia with a Welsh choir. He told his audience a little about the history of the Welsh-speaking, Spanish-speaking Patagonians and their original settlement there. There were many in the group who wished that they had been able to go to 'Y Waldfa,' too. There was a DVD showing some of the choral engagements of the choir who travelled out in April and returned in May this year, and some of the countryside, the people and the events they helped celebrate. There was an opportunity for questions afterwards, and it was nice to hear people joining in singing some of the old Welsh tunes on the DVD. Ample coffee and Welsh cakes and biscuits were served by the hotel and much enjoyed. Anyone unable to attend can re-join the society next month, when it meets again on Thursday, November 15, at St. Johns Schoolroom at 2.30 pm. On that occasion, Pat Grange will address members on 'Storiau Cymru/Legends of Wales.'
St. Mary's Mothers' Union
Due to the inclement weather, there were fewer members than usual present at the meeting on Tuesday, October 16. Jean led the service by reading from the Mothers' Union handbook and Nicole read from the book of Timothy. Jean welcomed guest speaker for the evening, the Rev. David Hammon. David is well known to members through his ministry in the church. Following the death of his father, David felt called to the lay ministry and later went on to be ordained. At present he is working with people with learning disabilities and drug addiction within the county. He enjoys his work, but finds it very demanding. Members are grateful for his ministry here during the interregnum. Mary Penson, in her vote of thanks, said that David was a much-appreciated member of the Cchurch family at St. Mary's. The next meeting is on November 6 at 2.30 pm, when the speaker will be 'The Bobby Van Man' - PC Mark Jones.
Tenby and District Duplicate Bridge Club
Results, Wednesday, October 17: A nine-table Mitchell movement in play, North/South: 1. Margaret Davies and Brenda Harris 62.20 per cent; 2. Colin Griffiths and Newman Vincent 53.57; 3. Mary Hodgeon and Rosie Taylor 52.98. East/West: 1. Jill and John O'Sullivan 61.38; 2. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 55.29; 3. Kay Allen and David Bailey 54.23. Results, Friday, October 19: 1. Marnie Owens and Denzil Evans 67.86; 2. Marjorie Wilkinson and Bert Barnikel 57.14; 3. Rosie Taylor and Jo Davies 54.17; 4. Pam Evans and Mike Taylor 50. Members are reminded that the Swiss Teams event, which is on Sunday, November 25, at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, is rapidly approaching. The closing date for entries of 'teams of four' has been extended, but it is filling up fast. Starting at 12.30 pm, there will be a hot/cold buffet followed by five eight-board rounds of bridge. There are lots of prizes - it should be an exciting day for all. Duplicate bridge is played twice weekly at the Kilgetty Community Centre on Wednesday at 7 pm and Friday at 6.30 pm. Further information from hon. secretary Irene on 01646 622002.
Deer Park Baptist Church The bright autumn weather coupled with half-term holidays in schools in England perhaps was the cause of the normal congregation doubling in size, which was encouraging. Everyone was welcomed by Mr. Gerald Duffett on entering the church. After the notices, the worship time was led by Mrs. Sally Lloyd, who had chosen the songs, with Mr. Kevin Adams on the guitar. Mrs. Ann Pattenden read encouraging words on faith written by an American Christian and author, at the start of the open prayer time. Guest preacher, the Rev. Bill Lewis, read the lesson from Paul's letter to the Romans and chose the words 'through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.' Bill compared the laws of nature which can result in diverse effects, with the laws of spiritual realm, the power of sin, bias of turning away from God, and the Spirit of life, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit changes the Christian inwardly and individuals can be changed, which produces a strong moral foundation for living. Next Wednesday evening, October 31, there is praise and worship party at 7.30 pm. It will be suitable for all ages and is an alternative to the normal Hallowe'en party. On Thursday morning, November 1, 10 am - 12 noon, there is a table-top sale in the church hall, with proceeds in aid of an orphanage in Uganda.