Deer Park Baptist Church The church again met in the church hall, because of problems with the main church heating. This did not prevent the congregation, which included a few visitors, from enjoying and appreciating the time of worship. The church secretary shared family news and led the communion service. Mr. Keith Evans and his wife Pauline, who took part in the period of worship, then shared their experiences of the time they visited an Ugandan Orphanage, which the church supports. Keith, with many visual aids to illustrate his talk, reminded everyone of the need for Christians to stay close and follow the teachings of Jesus. The Parent Toddler Group, which meets on Thursday mornings in the church hall, also started its New Year session this week. tenby and district probus club
On a raw, blustery and cold morning, the club met for its first meeting in 2008. Members were greeted by a closed door as the Bowling Club seemed to be still on holiday. But to the rescue came the cavalry in the shape of Bert Barnikel and everyone was soon snug and warm in the bar area which is their usual surroundings. President, Tony Webster, conducting his penultimate meeting, started off with his usual words of wisdom and odd amusing quotes. There being no birthday boys, it was straight on to the speaker for the morning, namely the vice- president, Arthur Squibbs, whose subject was the 'Co-incidents of life'. Did fate take a hand in these mysterious happenings? He quoted many instances of these events in his own life and this led to the members reminiscing about their own experiences. It seems Arthur struck a chord with his talk, for which he is thanked. The secretary reminded members that the next meeting is on January 16, when they have no speaker, to be followed swiftly by the AGM. Rumour has it that they have a new vice-president lined up, but 'mum's the word' at the moment. There is also a Ladies Day on January 30, when the speaker is Ken Daniels, to be followed by one of Margaret's buffets. For more information on any of the club's activities, ring Lew Day on 844633.
steps2health walk
The Steps2Health group may have expected Saturday's walk to be a somewhat low key affair to mark the end of the festive season (writes B.S.). But not a bit of it! Peals of thunder, flashes of lightning and a heavy downpour gave quite a bit of drama to the first walk of 2008. Walks leader Val Coates-Rees had chosen to access the South Beach via the golf links path and it was as we approached Castle Hill that Caldey gradually disappeared behind a misty curtain of rain. A bright start had meant few were prepared for wet weather but, even so, some hardy souls climbed the steps to the Castle Hill before crossing the North Beach to the Fourcroft Hotel. Here, we were able to divest ourselves of wet clothing and enjoy a sociable time over coffee and biscuits. Walkers might like to bring along a torch tomorrow (Saturday) as the route will take us through the tunnel on the cliffpath between Wiseman's Bridge and Coppet Hall Beach. Starting point for the walk will be the RAOB Club at Kilgetty, leaving there 11 am. The 352 bus for Kilgetty leaves from outside Somerfield at 10.30 am. Drivers may like to park at Saundersfoot and board this bus outside the arcade, as the walk will finish in Saundersfoot. From Kilgetty, it is planned to walk to Wiseman's Bridge Inn for coffee and then walk the coast path back to Saundersfoot.
Tenby and District Bridge Club
Wednesday, January 2, a Mitchell movement: North/South - 1. Irene Delahunty and Cindy Middleton 63.69 per cent; 2. Ray Bowen and Doug Silcox 55.65; 3. Tina Torkington and Bert Barnikel 51.49; 4. Liz. Crockford and Kevin Thomas 50.30. East/West - 1. Peter Milewski and Colin Nash 66.96 per cent; 2. Chris. Overton and Wally Heaton 57.14; 3. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 55.36; 4. Marjorie Wilkinson ad Eileen Dowling 54.76. Friday, January 4: 1. Marnie Owens and Kevin Thomas 63.1 per cent; 2. Pam Evans and Mike Taylor 60.12; 3. Margaret and Richard Caley 55.36. Duplicate bridge is played twice weekly at the Kilgetty Community Centre, Wednesday at 7 pm and Friday at 6-30 pm. New members welcome.
Tenby Senior Citizens Club
Due to the wind and rain, plus illness, only four members arrived for the meeting, so it was cancelled. The club's next meeting on Monday, January 14, will be held at Augustus Place Community Hall, and will be the AGM. The club hopes members will come along and start the new year with new ideas and good company. Subcriptions are due by January 28.
INNER WHEEL CLUB
Sunday, January 13, is Inner Wheel Day. Members are celebrating this with a service at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, at 10 am, followed by lunch at the Penally Abbey Hotel. Arrangements for this have been made by Jan Griffiths. The next meeting of the club will be on Monday, January 14, at 2 pm. All are welcome.
ST. JOHNS CHURCH
The minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, conducted the service on the Feast of Ephiphany, which was also the Covenant Service. 'O Worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness' was the first hymn and Nanette talked to the young people about gifts. She asked if they had ever had an unusual one and said that the gifts that the Wise Men brought to Jesus must have seemed very strange for a baby. But they spoke of love and suffering. After the junior church had left for their activities, Mrs. Gwen Nicholl read from Isaiah chapter 60 verses 1-6 and Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-12. Nanette's talk was based on the reading from Matthew which tells of the coming of the Magi. The Wise Men followed the star, but were not too proud to ask for directions when they were lost. They were seeking the truth and the Bible tells us many times that those who seek will find. They set forth, on their journey, in faith and so must we. He cannot be found by proxy, which was Herod's mistake. Many people can help us on our journey of faith if we are wise enough to ask. We must be willing to journey in faith and not hesitate to ask for help. May God grant us all the wisdom of Faith. After communion had been served and the concluding hymn sung, the grace was said by all to each other. Thank you, Nanette, for your words of wisdom and to all others who took part in the service. This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will again be conducted by the minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. Everyone is most welcome.
CYMRODORION SOCIETY
The December meeting of the Tenby and District Cymrodorion Society was a combination of memories of Sunday School and Christmas for children. Members of the society happily participated with recollections of Sunday School in various parts of Wales in the '50s, Christmas readings in Welsh, and a selection of children's hymns sung by a group of ladies under Phyl Williams's leadership and accompanied by Gwenllian Jones. Phyl also included two solos in the progamme. Following Mr. Islwyn John's sincere thanks to everyone involved, members enjoyed tea and mince pies. The next meeting of the society will take place in St. Johns schoolroom on Thursday, January 17, at 2.30 pm. On this occasion, the guest will be Mr. Ray Hine, the well known local photographer, whose work is superb. He will lead members on a visual journey around Pembrokeshire and remind them of the splendour of their own county. Do join them for a very enjoyable afternoon. Croeso cynnes iawn i bawb ynuno a ni i fwynhau llunianu o Sir Benfro a chael paned o de hefyd.
labour party
Next Friday evening, January 18, Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff North and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department of Children, Schools and Families, will speak at the Annual Labour Party Constituency Dinner for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. As in previous years, this event will be held at the Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby, and organised by the Tenby and District Branch of the Labour Party. The guest speaker plays a leading role in the newly-formed government department to deal with the complex inter-related subject of children, schools and families, which Gordon Brown has made one of his social and education priorities. Married with a daughter, he is 47 years of age, and lives in Cardiff where he represents Cardiff North, First Minister Rhodri Morgan's previously held constituency. Kevin Brennan MP will be given a warm welcome by a gathering of Labour Party members and supporters from Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, Manorbier, Milton, St. Florence, Tenby, Saundersfoot, Amroth, Kilgetty, Narberth, Whitland, St. Clears and Carmarthen West. Today (Friday) is the last day to book a reservation for this popular event unless cancellations occur. Information for this and future events, plus an events calendar for 2008 is available from Marjorie on (01834) 842604.
TENBY AND DISTRICT ARTS CLUB
The first meeting in 2008 takes place this (Friday) evening at Church House, Upper Frog Street, when Nick Hockenhull will be presenting another of his popular musical programmes entitled 'Soloists to the Fore!'. Members and their friends are welcome at 8 pm. Admission £1 (non-members £2). Coffee, tea and biscuits will be served.