ST. JOHNS CHURCH

Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, leading worship on Sunday, thanked Lara for reading the welcome, and said how grateful we should be to our young people for the part that they play in worship. The prayer in response to the opening music from the choir, with Mrs. Sheila John as organist, closed with the words "God is here, let us adore him." During the notices, there was a thank you from the minister and elders for the generous response to Gift Day. Bible readings were the congregational one of Psalm 16, Luke 20, 27, 'The question about rising from death' and Thessalonians 21-5. Both were read by Mrs. Sonia Hurlow. The talk to the children was an introduction to the theme taken from the passage from Luke. Jesus often faced awkward questions 'Is there life after death? Prove it'. Nanette used the example of a burned out firework as an illustration. The difficult question that she asked was would they expect her to believe in the sparkling vibrancy of a firework if she only saw this burned out shell. She had started with them the theme to be pursued in Junior Church and which she developed in the sermon. Jesus asked his own question "Do you believe that I am the resurrection and the life?" Every generation asks what will happen after death. Jesus' response is "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Yesterday, today and for ever God is there. As worship moved into the celebration of Holy Communion, we were reminded that we must learn that Jesus keeps his promises. "I will be there for you." Thank you Nanette and all who took part in worship. An early Christmas event arranged from St. Johns is a performance entitled 'Music for Christmas' by the Cambrensis Choir, in St. David's Hall, Cardiff, on the afternoon of Saturday, December 4. A coach will leave Tenby at 8 am, giving the morning in Cardiff and departure after the concert. There are still some places available. If you are interested, please contact Sonia or John Hurlow on 844329. Worship at St. Johns for Remembrance Sunday will take place at the earlier time of 9.30 am so that those who wish can then join the act of remembrance at the War Memorial and St. Mary's Church.

BOWLING CLUB

The annual general meeting of Tenby Bowling Club will take place on Tuesday, November 23, at 7.30 pm prompt. Members are asked to note that the bar is open every night, except Tuesday and Wednesdays. Whist results, Thursday, November 4, were: top score - Robert Irvine; 1st lady - Gerry Meaney; 2nd lady - Muriel Griffiths; 1st gent - Pauline Barnikel; 2nd gent - Mabel Whitaker; first half winner - Joan Dorling; 2nd half winner - Gladys Cleaton; longest sitter - Pearl Thomas; raffles - Pauline Barnikel and Muriel Griffiths. Saturday, November 6: top score - Juanita Davies; 1st lady - Gladys Irvine; 1st gent - Jill Groom; 2nd gent - Vera Burrows; first half winner - Robert Irvine; 2nd half winner - Bill Whitaker; longest sitter - Sophie Batten; raffles - Gerry Meaney and Jill Groom. NB. Tenby Bowling Club whist is played at 7.30 pm sharp every Thursday evening and at  2 pm every Saturday afternoon in the club's function room in Sutton Street. New members and visitors are always welcome.

Tenby and District Bridge Club

Results, Friday, October 29: 1. Mairi Rees and Liz. Crockford 60 per cent; 2. Bert Barnikel and Denzil Evans 58. The Tenby Swiss Team Event: Held on Saturday, this year's event was a resounding success. It was well attended by West Wales bridge players, from Llanelli down. Chairman Jill O'Sullivan thanked everyone for their support for the event, especially Kevin Thomas, director, her husband John and the committee for a job well organised.  The Fourcroft Hotel came up trumps once again with a fine meal and ideal surroundings.  The players thanked Jill with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Results: 1. Josie Ingram, John Isaac, Jill and John O'Sullivan; 2. Renee Cox, Lee Collier, Ian Haston and Eric Hartland; 3. Keith John, John Murray, Francis Williams and Don Francis. Winners of the five separated rounds were presented with a case of wine, while the event winners received cash prizes. The suggestion that the event be repeated again in 2005 was very enthusiastically applauded - a good day was had by all.   A tasty celebratory fruit cake, made by Marnie Owens, was consumed by all during the coffee break, in recognition of the Tenby and District Bridge Club's successful move to its new home. Club results, Wednesday, November 3: A 10-table Mitchell Movement, North/South, 1. Jill and John O'Sullivan 63.20; 2. Liz Crockford and Kevin Thomas 59.30; 3. Kay Clements and Cindy Middleton 57.34. East/West, 1. Lee Collier and Renee Cox 66.90; 2. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 59.42; 3. Binnie Job and Jennifer Wardell 54.10. Friday, November 5: 1. Jill and John O'Sullivan 61.46; equal 2. Liz Crockford and Mairi 52.08 and Bert Barnikel and Denzil Evans 52.08. Duplicate bridge is played every Wednesday and Friday evening, commencing at 7 pm sharp, at the Information Centre, Kilgetty. New members and visitors are warmly welcome. For membership, ring club secretary, Lee Collier, on 01834 871753.  For partner information, ring Coral Jones on 01834 814164. For transport, ring Bert Barnikel on 01834 842944.

TENBY CYMRODORION

On October 21, members and friends of the Tenby Cymrodorion Society gathered in the Lower Schoolroom of St. Johns Church, Tenby, for the first meeting of their pre-Christmas season. On this occasion they were treated to a splendid lecture by Mrs. Teresa Haines on the subject of her experiences as a missionary in Madagascar. Her talk about her four years in Madagascar in the mid 1980s, emphasised not only the poverty of the people, but also their fortitude and cheerful attitude in adversity. Several times Mrs. Haines's commentary, to a splendid series of slides, resembled a Cook's Tour of the island - its beauty, its forests and its wildlife, which were really exotic. The lecture concluded with a tribute to the Rev. David Griffiths, the first Christian missionary to work in Madagascar, between 1818 and 1843, and his fellow missionary the Rev. David Jones. When the very appreciatory applause had died away, members were able to question the speaker upon a fascinating talk, while light refreshments were being served. The next meeting of the society will be held on Thursday, November 18, which will take the form of a coffee morning at the Royal Lion Hotel, Tenby, between 10.30 am and 12 noon. Entertainment, to the accompaniment of coffee and biscuits, will be provided by Mr. Laurie Dale, to whom the society are very grateful for accepting their invitation to the event again this year. Members are reminded that subscriptions are now due. They remain £3 again this year.

TENBY AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

The first meeting in November is always a double-header as the usual monthly meeting is followed by the annual general meeting. There was a good turnout of members. The Bowling Club had changed the format, but the coffee was hot and strong and Mike Crockford did a good job of waitress service. The secretary told the meeting that the Ladies Day on June 8 had been booked for lunch at Pembrokeshire College. The Remembrance Day wreath will be laid by Darrel John, who will also attend the Mayor's Sunday parade as the club's representative. The bookings are still coming in for the Christmas lunch. There was only one anniversary boy and that was Bert Barnikel on November 14. The annual general meeting started with a few words from the retiring president, Jack Davies. This was followed by the members thanking Jack for his hard work during a difficult year. The new president is Ray Poole and his vice-president is Darrel John. Doug Silcox is to remain as treasurer and Lew Day to carry on as secretary and membership secretary. It was agreed that the subs remain as last year. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 17. Any retired businessman is most welcome to join members for the morning. Please ring Lew Day on (01834) 844633 for details. HESED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Meeting as usual in Carringtons Restaurant, on Tenby's Esplanade, Hesed Fellowship held an afternoon service on Sunday. The pastor, Rev. Peter Richmond, continued his series on Jesus' parables with one that talks about servants waiting for the return of their master. Jesus was talking at a time when labour was cheap, he explained, and people had a lot of servants. Some of these were slaves of the household, but Old Testament law offered them some protection, including the Jubilee, a 50-year rule offering cancellation of debts and freedom for slaves should they wish it. The servants in the story were watchmen who needed to stay awake and alert, not only to guard the house from intruders, but also to be ready to greet their master upon his return. Jesus was the master in the parable, the pastor explained, and one day he will return, and his arrival will spell disaster and loss for those who have not been ready to welcome him; for the faithful servants, however, the world is turned upside down, as the master comes and waits on them! Interestingly, while those who were watching for their master would not be satisfied until he had returned, the unfaithful servants could enjoy a time of temporary pleasure. You could think that they had chosen the better option, until the master's return puts things into perspective. A Bible study and prayer meeting was held on Tuesday. A financial summary for the last year was read, revealing that the fellowship had given nearly £900 to worthy causes between October 2003 and October 2004; an impressive achievement for such a small church. Margaret's Penally coffee morning for Ty Hafan on Monday and some substantial gifts agreed in the past two or three weeks have provided a good start to similar successes in the forthcoming year. Services take place every Sunday afternoon at 4.15. Telephone 01646 681805 for details, or just turn up.

KCF - TENBY

Our praise team consisting of Ben Godwin, Soya Godwin and Frank Howard led the congregation in a selection of modern choruses. Colin Joy told those present that as a young man he had a hunchback. Someone he knew took him to a local church, which was holding a service of divine healing, and he was amazed that as a result of prayer his back was straightened. To Colin this was a supernatural act of God that could not be explained in human terms. Brenda Rycroft told of how her husband, in the early years of marriage, was over-concerned with money. She went on to say that, following their commitment to Jesus Christ, this care and concern in the area of personal finance had been replaced with a trust and certainty in God's provision for their lives. She also believed this was a change that came in answer to prayer. Speaker for the evening was John Dorey and he continued in a similar vein. John became a Christian when he was 58 years old. He had regularly suffered from bronchitis, arthritis and had treatment for cancer. Alone as a widower, it was an introduction to a local Christian church, which believed in the power of healing prayer, that led him back into a state of full health. As a result of this restoration to his health John became very interested in the subject of Christian prayer for healing. Having made a study of what the Bible has to say about healing, John was able to appreciate that God has our best interest at heart and wants us to be in a good state of health. Jesus spent much of His time healing those who were sick and infirm. He left instructions to His followers that they were to continue with this ministry of healing by prayer. The Bible contains many statements by God that He desires those who trust in Him to ask for His supernatural powers of healing to be applied to their circumstances. To illustrate this, John was able to point out many Bible references. In a modern world there is a danger that the teachings of Jesus and the promises of Scripture will be abandoned and reliance placed instead in medicines and surgery. Whilst appreciating the medical help offered by dedicated people, God's own word still offers the option of personal intervention from Himself for those who are still open to the supernatural grace of a mighty God. The world will be a poorer place if we have no time for God's answer to life's problems. Prayer life is central to the Christian faith. If you want to see God in action why not come along to an evening service. We meet at 5 pm in Augustus Place Community Centre (opposite the multi-storey car park). Everyone is welcome. Further information on 01834 861777 or 861400.

TENBY AND DISTRICT ARTS CLUB

It was with great pleasure that the Arts Club welcomed Brian John as their speaker last Friday evening. On this occasion he was to tell about his first venture into writing fiction; all his previous publications having been factual or folklore. The idea of the Angel Mountain Saga was given to the author in a state of delirium while he was suffering a feverish illness on holiday. His dream of mistress Martha Morgan and Carn Ingli gradually developed into what was to become a trilogy, with a fourth volume recently published. In writing fiction, the author learnt that there are five important guidelines known as the five P's - people, place, pace, plot and purpose. He enlarged on each of these and pointed out many of the difficulties he faced, particularly writing as a female and with a diary format. The need for the story to be a good one and the characters believable was all important. In addition, the author has a responsibility to the readers who should be able to empathise with the characters. Apart from writing the book, other valuable processes such as editing, refereeing and checking all add to the success of the finished product. Before answering questions from members of the audience, Brian John read a short extract from one of the books which gave everyone a taste of the whole fascinating saga and a desire to know more. In her vote of thanks to Brian John, the chairman, Doreen Hammersley, wished him every success with the fourth novel which they shall look for eagerly in the book shops. This week, the artist Arthur Lewis will give a demonstration on painting with pastels. Non-members are welcome at 8 pm in the main hall of the Tenby Community Learning Centre.

RAFA TENBY WINGS APPEAL

The RAFA Tenby Wings Appeal 2004 realised the sum of £2,470. The Wings Week organiser was Harold James. The committee extend sincere thanks to all who contributed both time and finance to this effort for RAFA charities.

ST. MARY'S MOTHERS UNION

There was a large attendance at the museum by members on Tuesday afternoon. They met in the New Gallery and Mr. John Beynon, the curator, gave a very interesting talk and showed local artefacts, one being the Tenby jug, many photographs depicting scenes of Tenby and old Tenby residents, beautifully illustrated books on flowers and birds and etchings of Tenby by Charles Norris. Mr. Beynon stressed that all those working in the museum did so as a team, each with their own particular skill, and they all contributed towards the continued success of Tenby Museum. Members were given time to browse around the various exhibitions in the museum, before receiving tea and biscuits from the staff. Mrs. Vena Davies thanked Mr. Beynon for his hospitality and for showing what goes on behind the scenes at the museum. The next meeting is on November 23 when the guest speaker will be Rev. Michael John. Members please note that names and monies for the Christmas lunch at Broadmead on December 7 will be taken at this meeting.

DEER PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

All were welcomed to the morning service on Sunday by Mrs. Phyllis Duffett. A reading from Acts Ch.8 v.26 onward, which tells of the baptism of the Ethiopian official by Philip, set the scene for the baptismal service of Miss Sara Green. The baptism was preceded by Holy Communion, which drew the congregation close as we remembered the sacrifice of our Lord and the charge on all who believe, to walk with Him. Before Sara entered the waters of the baptistry, which symbolically proclaimed the death of her old life and the joyous beginning of her new life in Christ, she read her own poem as a testimony to her faith. A baptism reminded us as a church what is at the core of our faith; He died for all who believe in Him and we live no longer for ourselves but for Christ. May God be with Sara and richly bless her. Special family news: Mrs. Margaret Carew will be 93 on Sunday. We all wish her a very happy birthday as she celebrates with her family. Apologies to Mrs. Gwen Gilson. She was 96 last week -not 86! A slip of your correspondent's finger! Is it the Tenby air? Or belonging to Deer Park? There cannot be many churches who have two very active (and attractive) ladies in their 90s in the church family. We are proud of them and wish them both many more happy birthdays. Preacher at this Sunday's morning service at 10.45 am will be Pastor Tom Torok. There is a prayer breakfast at 7.30 each Thursday morning. This is held in the vestry at the rear of the church. All are welcome. TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD

The monthly meeting of Townswomen's Guild was held in the Community Learning Centre last Thursday. The chairman, Mrs. Rosemary John, welcomed everyone and requested a minute's silence in memory of Mrs. Elsie Miller, who had been a valued member of the Guild and a talented actress in the drama group. The secretary and treasurer presented their reports. Guild activities: Federation quiz in Swansea, November 17; Guild Christmas meeting, December 2 (would members please bring mince pies to this meeting, home-made if possible); Federation carol service in Pembroke Dock, December 4; music appreciation group, December 9; Guild coffee morning, December 16. The flowers from the top table were sent to Mrs. Betty Gould. Following the business session, members were entertained by Mrs. Ann Maggs with a novel demonstration of flower arranging. Mrs. Maggs made up six different displays, each one representing chocolate in one form or another. Working out just what they represented was challenging (and in some cases, frustrating), but members managed to get all but one - not a bad average! After the demonstration, Mrs. Maggs gave the displays to the Guild for raffle prizes, and these were very much sought after. Mrs. Maggs also very kindly presented the Guild with a bunch of red roses for each member to take one and remember the person who had been influential in their joining the Guild. Mrs. Maggs was warmly thanked for a most pleasant afternoon by Mrs. Rosemary John.

LABOUR PARTY

The Tenby and Saundersfoot Branch of the Labour Party held a Hallowe'en Supper and Entertainment on the evening of October 31. The organiser and hostess was branch chairman, Mollie Neate, ably assisted by her husband, Peter. Candle-lit pumkins welcomed the guests at 'Top Croft', North Cliff, Tenby. Punch or mulled wine was served in candlelight, before a tasty supper menu. The excellent entertainment involved true stories of unexplained events told by Marjorie, Arthur and Mollie, dramatic poems recited by Audrey and Margaret, and a song from Duncan. It was late when the crowd of members and supporters left, not too afraid to go home! Christine Wales, recovering well after her recent treatment, won the fruit cake in the raffle, and Harry Gardiner won the sparkling wine. There were many other prizes, too, making the evening a successful fund-raising event. The next monthly meeting takes place at St. Teilo's Church Hall, 10.45 for 11 am, on Saturday, November 20. Yet again, new members will be announced. Following a short business meeting and news of more planned social events, the branch campaign committee members will outline their strategy for the 2005 General Election. The re-election of MP Nick Ainger is the aim. If you are a Labour voter and want to help, call in for coffee on November 20 and find out more. For more information, call Mollie on 843147, Marjorie on 842604 or Norman on 811737.