Deer Park Baptist Church Tenby

Ice on the roads again prevented several friends and members of the church from attending morning service.

Mr. Chris Llewellyn led the service, which was based around Psalm 27.

In this Psalm, David reminds us of the protective nature of God and of his own strong belief in God's care of his life.

Chris emphasised in his sermon that the experiences of David extend to the Christian today as God protects us in our spiritual warfare, he is present in our worship and everyday life.

In the final verse, David encourages one to 'wait for the Lord'. In the business of present day life, this is good advice for everyone.

The final hymn of the service 'Great is thy faithfulness' summed up in a nutshell the morning's thoughts.

The Bible study on Tuesday evening and Parent Toddlers on Thursday morning will meet as usual next week.

Tenby ladies circle

Vice-chairman Kirsty welcomed members, president Karen, honorary Debs and prospective member Sara to the first meeting of the year. She thanked Cath for hosting the meeting.

An invite from Tenby Rotary Club to join them at a dinner was received to thank those who had helped at their summer events and the bonfire night.

A card was received from Kath and family thanking members for the flowers they had sent.

Invites were received to two quiz nights - January 28 for Tenby Scout and Guide Association and the February 25 organised by Tenby Inner Wheel. Both at the Bowling Club at 7.30 pm. Teams of four - £10 per team.

A 'Pandora's Box' evening will be held on Wednesday, February 24, at Augustus Hall, at 7 pm. One gift of £1 and one for £9. All welcome. Contact Jayne O or Debs for further information.

The trip to Bristol on March 19/20 has now been booked, staying in the Marriott Hotel. It is planned to leave Tenby at approximately 4 pm on the Friday afternoon, returning on Sunday afternoon.

Race for Life is on Sunday, May 9, at 11 am, at Scolton Manor, Haverfordwest.

A presentation and DVD of Jamie Oliver cookware and utensils was given at the end of the meeting by Leonie, who kindly donated a percentage of what was sold on the night back to Circle.

The next meeting is on February 11 and will be held at the home of vice-chairman Kirsty.

Tenby and District Camera Club

Last week's meeting at the camera club was a Photoshop night. The club members enjoyed several tutorials on various aspects of Photoshop. This replaced the advertised item, of a talk on Photoshop, as the speaker, Mr. David Rowley, was unwell and unable to attend. He has been booked for next year's programme instead.

As well as the tutorials, Roy Peters, the external competition secretary, showed the members' images which are going forward to the Welsh Photographic Federation's Memorial Trophy, due to take place in Sennybridge next Sunday. The standard of photography is very high, but we are up against the best clubs in Wales.

Everyone then enjoyed a selection of images from the Detroit Salon of Photography, with images from all over the world.

Members are reminded that entries for the Welsh Salon of Photography are now invited. Application forms are available at meetings, or on the website http://www.tenby-camera-club.co.uk">www.tenby-camera-club.co.uk.

The next meeting is on February 11, with a results night on the creative competition, with judge, Mike Davies ARPS.

Tenby and District Bridge Club

Another batch of duplicate bridge results. 

Wednesday, January 27, a Mitchell event sporting eight full tables. Another very tough of evening bridge: N/S - 1. Peter Milewski and Wally Heaton 59.23 per cent; 2. Christine Wilson and Denzil Evans 56.85; 3. Liz. Crockford and Kevin Thomas 55.95. E/W - 1. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 59.52 per cent; 2. Angela John and Chris. Overton 57.14; 3. Kay Allen and Celia Rossiter 55.36.

Friday, January 29, an Howell movement: 1. Gladys Irvine and Bert Barnikel 64.58 per cent; 2. Kevin Thomas and Doug Silcox 58.33; 3. Pam Evans and Mike Taylor 56.25; 4. Joy and Mike Whitelock 53.47.

Duplicate bridge is held twice weekly at the Kilgetty Community Centre, Wednesday at 7 pm and Friday at 6.30 pm. New members and visitors are always welcome. If anyone requires a partner or information regarding this thriving bridge club, please contact hon. secretary Irene on 01646 622002.

TENBY AND DISTRICT ARTS CLUB

Last Friday evening, the Arts Club welcomed Daniel Shaw, general manager of the Torch Theatre since 2006, who would tell a little about the history of the Torch and its day to day running.

The Torch Theatre was founded in the 1970s in Milford Haven and was funded by the Amoco Oil Company, from whose logo it took its name.

In the early years, in-house productions were constrained due to slim finances, but touring companies were invited and the events were supported by the Arts Council of Wales.

In 2008/2009, the whole theatre was completely overhauled and refurbished, and better facilities are now offered. Productions are still restricted by a tight budget, but the theatre is now able to offer three or four of its own productions each year.

Some of these are chosen with regard to school texts. The artistic director, Peter Doran, is in charge of casting and directing and other important members of staff are the set designer, the costumier and the carpenter.

Daniel Shaw outlined a typical day's work for the actors who usually start script reading or rehearsing at 10 am and finish at 6 pm.

It is not possible to produce big shows, but the quality of each show is considered important. Bought-in shows such as plays, ballets and musicals generally draw large audiences and are very lucrative.

The small studio theatre offers films on a regular basis and has been successful, as have the new café facilities. An additional attraction is the picture gallery.

The theatre also does a great deal of educational work. The officer in charge runs a youth theatre and workshops are run in schools. These include story telling and text workshops for A level students. Two summer schools for dance and drama are offered and work experience is available for interested students.

With the continued support of the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council, and with ticket income and sponsorship, the Torch was able to report a successful year in 2009. There are ambitions for future development depending on financial stability and careful budgeting.

Daniel Shaw's talk had been most interesting and had given a good understanding of the day to day running of a small theatre.

This (Friday) evening, John Archer Thomson will give an illustrated talk on Western Australia where he has recently spent some time. Non-members are welcome. Admission £1 members, £2 non-members, at Church House, beginning at 8 pm. Light refreshments will be available.

Steps2health

Winter returned with a vengeance on Saturday, making conditions too treacherous for a Steps2Health walk. However, the few who did brave the heavy snow, joined walks leaders Barbara and Val for a sociable cup of coffee.

We can only hope for better weather tomorrow (Saturday) so that a walk over at Neyland may be enjoyed. Drivers meet approx 11 am Marina car park. To find out if there are any seats still available on the minibus leaving from outside Sainsbury's at 10.30 am, ring Val Coates-Rees 843951.

ST. JOHNS CHURCH

The congregation of St. Johns was pleased to welcome Mrs. Lynne Upsdell to lead worship on Sunday. She had made the journey from the north of the county in spite of the snow and icy conditions. We look forward to her leading us again in the future when the weather conditions are less severe.

The singing group, accompanied by Mrs. Sheila John, sang 'As we are gathered', to open worship and Rachel read the young people's welcome. "We have found our way here, we have gathered in this place. Lord, speak to us clearly and give us ears to hear you."

"It's a joy to be here," began Mrs. Upsdell. "Shall we begin this morning by offering this service to God in prayer?"

As she talked to the young people, she introduced the theme for worship, 'Led by the Spirit'. She talked of Jesus' return to Nazareth to preach and of his rejection. It is important that we let other people into our 'gang', everyone is special to God. Everyone is a child of God.

Lara continued on the theme by reading from Luke, chapter 4, verses 21-30, and 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1-13.

"In the first reading we are told to love and be tolerant, not to exclude outsiders, one of the first principles of Christian life," said Mrs.Upsdell. Loving people, however, does not always mean telling them what they want to hear. Jesus' 'loving spirit' isn't offering comfort to those he has disturbed; he shows us the way by 'passing through the midst of them and going his way'. Let us each be led by the spirit in the same way.

In the second passage from Corinthians, which was written after Jesus' death, when the early Church was trying to establish its role, Paul tells the bickering Corinthians how they should relate to one another.

Paul sets out the benefits of spiritual love for all. Love is the supreme feature of Christian life. If there is discord, he says, as there so often is, stand back before you speak, for 'falling out' is transient, God will sort out our differences if we allow ourselves to be 'Led by the Spirit'. God makes human Christian love possible.

The hymn 'Love divine, all love excelling' was sung.

Worship was concluded by the sharing of the Grace.

Thanks go to Mrs. Lynne Upsdell and everyone who contributed to worship.

This Sunday's service at 11 am will be led by the Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head. Everyone is welcome.

Notices: There will be the usual coffee morning on Wednesday when Welsh cakes will again be on sale. Please come along and join in fellowship.

Homes wanted

Tenby Animal Rescue Centre is this week looking for good homes for a two-year-old Shitzu cross bitch; a six-month-old Collie cross Spaniel bitch; a five-year-old Cavalier dog; a five-year-old Labrador cross bitch.

Anyone who can offer him a loving home is asked to contact centre organiser, Mrs. Maureen Ward, on 843712.