HESED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

A lot of people seem to be ill at the moment, and prayers were said for those who were unable to make the service. Mick Quirk gave the message, which focused on the 'doctrine of the Lamb,' a theme that develops right through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. "I used to be encouraged whenever I heard that scientists or historians had discovered fresh evidence for the truth of the Bible," he said, "but as I get older in the faith, what excites me most is the evidence from within." Mick was talking about the way all 66 books of the Bible, written by some 40 authors over centuries of history, have an inexplicable unity that suggests that Paul was right when he wrote to Timothy that "all scripture is God breathed." The fellowship were taken on a journey of familiar scriptures concerning the Lamb, from the time when Abel's sacrifice of a lamb was acceptable to God, through the prophecies about the Messiah who would be "led like a lamb to slaughter," to John the Baptist's greeting of Jesus: "behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!" The message concluded in Revelation, the last book of the Bible, where the Lamb of God is counted worthy of power, glory, wisdom, honour and praise, and the names of believers are said to be written in the Lamb's 'book of life.' If you would like to learn more about the Bible and why people believe it, why not try a Hesed service? The fellowship meet in Carringtons Restaurant, below the Atlantic Hotel on Tenby's Esplanade every Sunday at 4.15 pm. All are welcome; free refreshments are served afterwards. Pastor: Rev. Peter Richmond, telephone 01646 681805.

St. JOHNS CHURCH

Seamus, a regular young holiday visitor, read the words of welcome on Sunday. He was thanked by Rev. Nanette Lewis Head who was taking worship. The congregational reading was Psalm 51 'Have mercy on me O God in your enduring mercy.' In her talk to the children, Nanette spoke about keeping promises, a theme later to be followed in Junior Church. Peter promised Jesus that he would never let him down but he broke his promise. The wonderful thing about God is that he forgives us. She concluded with the words 'God wants to write his law in our hearts.' Miss Barbara Stredder read the passage from which these words were taken, Jeremiah 3:31-34 and also from Johns gospel chapter 12:20-33, 'Some Greeks seek Jesus.' Nanette used this text from John for her sermon, 'They went (the Greeks) to Philip, and said, "We want to see Jesus." With this request from the Greeks, the narrative in Johns gospel was taken beyond the Jews. Jesus had spoken of his death as a sacrifice made for all people. The glory of Jesus is that he is for the whole world. Jeremiah spoke of the new covenant that God would make with his people. God keeps his promises. We go to share our lives in the mystery of love. The hymn 'Let us break bread together with the Lord' led into the celebration of Holy Communion. Before prayers of intercession, Nanette welcomed Mrs. Mary Squirrell back to worship after her stay in hospital, and said that it was good to hear that Mrs. Louis Beaumont was recovering after a fall. Thank you Nanette for your continued guidance through Lent. Thank you also to Mrs. Sheila Noot who was organist and the singing group for their valued contribution to worship, and also to Miss Barbara Stredder and Seamus. Worship on Palm Sunday at 10.30 am, to which all are welcome, will be led by Nanette.

TENBY AND DISTRICT ARTS CLUB

The annual general meeting of Tenby and District Arts Club last Friday evening reflected another successful year with the club continuing to flourish. The secretary reported that the executive committee had succeeded in producing a balanced and satisfying programme covering art, music, literature and items of general interest. Trips to the opera in Swansea and a weekend in London had also been a great success. The Monday morning painting group continues to meet regularly and the Annual Summer Painting Exhibition will open on July 22. The treasurer reported a good financial position due mainly to the increase in membership and excellent attendance at weekly meetings. He thanked the auditors, particularly Mrs. Gill Dashfield, for their valued assistance. The retiring chairman, Mr. Harry Gardiner, said how much he had enjoyed his year in office and thanked every member of the committee for their part in the smooth running of the club, and Mrs. Jill Hockenhull for warmly welcoming new members. He also spoke briefly on matters relating to the necessity for finding a new venue for the club meetings on Friday evenings. The new chairman, Mr. John Beynon, was then introduced and presided over the second half of the meeting. Mr. John Bevan was elected vice-chairman. After the election of officers and committee members, the meeting continued with a discussion on the proposed increase in fees next season. It was proposed that membership fees be increased to £7 and the admittance fee to £1 for members and £2 for non-members. The meeting readily agreed to this. An increase to £4 for performances supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council was also agreed. The reasons for the enforced change of venue to Church House next season were explained in detail and given a sympathetic hearing by the meeting. The chairman, Mr. John Beynon, promised that the transfer would be made as smooth as possible for members, and although they leave the Education Centre with regret, they must now look forward to a fresh challenge. Finally, the chairman reminded everyone that October 2007 would see the start of the club's 60th year. It was agreed that a celebration would be in order. Officers elected for 2006-2007 were: chairman - Mr. John Beynon; vice-chairman - Mr. John Bevan; treasurer - Mr. Mick Hockenhull; secretary - Mrs. Jose Radford; assistant secretary - Mrs. Jackie Barnett. Committee: Miss M. Acors, Miss R. Oak, Mrs. J. Griffiths, Mrs. M. Smith, Mrs. V. Cochlin, Mrs. D. Hammersley, Mrs. R. Phillips, Dr. J. Harrison, Mr. H. Gardiner (ex-officio).

CHURCH SERVICES

Services for the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby with Penally, Gumfreston and New Hedges this Sunday (Palm Sunday) include: St. Mary's, Tenby - 8 am Holy Eucharist; 10 am Sung Eucharist and Procession; 6 pm Readings and Music for Passiontide. At both the 8 and 10 am services, a blessing and distribution of palms will take place. St. Nicholas and St. Teilo, Penally - 9.30 am Palm Sunday procession and Holy Eucharist. St. Anne's, New Hedges - 11 am Holy Eucharist. St. Lawrence, Gumfreston - 11 am Morning Prayer. St. Julian's, The Harbour - closed for the winter. Maundy Thursday (April 13): St. Mary's - 7.30 pm Holy Eucharist. St. Nicholas and St. Teilo - 7.30 pm Holy Eucharist and washing of feet.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH

Passion Sunday - the Fifth Sunday in Lent and a large congregation of regular churchgoers and visitors gathered at St. Mary's to worship. The service was in the care of Rev. Michael John. He welcomed one and all and reminded us that the Fair-trade stall would be open during the post communion coffee morning. The stall had Easter eggs on sale for those with the willpower to keep them until Easter morn. The first hymn was 'Christ whose glory fills the skies.' The morning readers were Mrs. Nicole Evans, who read from the Book of Isaiah, and Miss Lucy Morris, who read from St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians, reminding us to "let light shine out of darkness." The readings were followed by the gradual hymn, 'Oh vision blest of heavenly light.' Rev. Dennis Baxter's reading from the Book of Matthew related the story of Jesus telling his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, be killed and on the third day, be raised. Peter rebuked the Lord, saying 'God forbid that this should ever happen to you.' Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan.' Rev. Dennis took this reading as the text for his sermon and explained that the Son of God had left heavenly places; He took on human life and death so that we could have life eternal. Other faiths view Jesus Christ in a different way - some see Him as a prophet, an angelic being. Of the 140 chapters of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, 45 are given to the betrayal and crucifixion -yes, this is the Lamb that was slain, and He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus was tempted in every way, but was without sin. It was our sin that killed Him, but the same spirit that raised Jesus Christ - the Holy Spirit will raise us. Mr. John Morgan led in prayer and asked us to pray for freedom to worship and all who work for liberty. Rev. John asked us to join with him in communion at the high Altar and St. Nicholas's Altar. During the Eucharist, the choir sang 'Jesu priceless treasure.' After the service, the congregation was invited to Church House for coffee. Anyone wishing to take part in the 'Watch of the Passion' on Maundy Thursday at St. Mary's, from 8.30 to 10.30 pm, please sign the list on the notice board at the North Door. There is a leaflet available at St. Mary's giving full details of all services in Holy Week and Easter. Would all those who wish to have a memorial posy made in memory of a loved one and placed in the Flower Festival please give names and monies (£5.50 per posy) to Mrs. Ellen Jenkins as soon as possible.

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). Steps2Health Walk

A round of applause greeted the Steps2Health walkers at the end of their walk on Saturday (writes B.S.). I would like to report it was because they had broken all records for speed, stamina and endurance, but, to be honest, the applause was led by the Rector, Canon David Jenkins, to show the appreciation of the Mothers' Union whose coffee morning the walkers attended in Church House. The social side of the walks is much enjoyed as walkers relax and chat over a cup of coffee after their exercise, which on this occasion, had taken them out to Black Rock Cottage and back via Kiln Park. This was led by husband and wife team, trained volunteer walk leaders, Barbara and Paul Morris. Tomorrow (Saturday), trained volunteer walk leader Val Coates will be leading another local walk, leaving from outside Somerfield at 10.30 am.

tenby and District bridge club

Tenby and District Bridge Club members celebrated the end of a most successful and enjoyable year's duplicate bridge at their recent annual general meeting. Activity in the club has mushroomed thanks to the increase in membership and the introduction of internal tournaments for the pleasure of our members. Retiring chairman Sheridan Bradley thanked her committee for their diligence and all members for their support. Sheridan was delighted with the surge of new members and felt that our little club was on the up and up. She wished her successor Tina Torkington good luck as she was unanimously elected chairman for the following year, while Kevin Thomas, tournament director, presented Sheridan with a bouquet of flowers for a job well done accompanied by cheers from members at the well- attended meeting. Officers and committee members elected for the next year were: Tina Torkington (chair); Irene Delahunty (secretary); Doug Silcox (treasurer); Kevin Thomas (director); committee members - Sheridan Bradley, Jill O'Sullivan and Bert Barnikel. To end the evening's AGM, retiring chairman Sheridan took great pleasure in presenting the internal trophies to the winner. Winners of the Mixed Pairs Cup, played in November, were Jill and John O'Sullivan. Winners of the Teams Salver, played in January, were Carmel Wiseman, Nicky Hancock, Graham Hadlow and Peter Oeppen. Winners of the Open Pairs Cup were Lee Collier and Peter Milewski. Results, Wednesday, March 30: A Mitchell Movement, North/South: 1. Liz Crockford and Kevin Thomas 66.67; 2. Malcolm Gunning and Derek Earle 60.12; 3. Tina Torkington and Maggs Davies 51.79. East/West: Jill and John O'Sullivan 64.55; 2. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 57.41; 3. Sheridan Bradley and Margaret Day 56.08. Friday, March 31: 1. Pam Evans and Mike Taylor 63.85; 2. Irene Delahunty and Sheridan Bradley 61.46; 3. Marion Jenkins and Bert Barnikel 55.51; 4. Sue Batten and Gladys Irvine 50.63. Duplicate bridge is played every Wednesday and Friday evening, 7pm sharp at the Kilgetty Community Centre. All visitors and new members are very welcome. For more information, contact Irene on 01646 622002.

FRIENDS OF TENBY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

The latest draw for the '100 Club' took place on Saturday. Winner of the first prize was Mr. A. MacKay and the second prize went to Mr. and Mrs. Markes. Congratulations to them all. The next draw will be on May 1 and new members are most welcome at any time. Please ring the hon. treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Day, on 01834 844633, for details of membership of the '100 Club' and the Friends.

Homes wanted

Good homes are being sought for a five-year-old Staffordshire Bull terrier and a six-year-old Golden Labrador. Anyone who can offer them a loving home is asked to contact Mrs. Maureen Ward on 843712.

TENBY SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB

On Monday, members and friends had a pleasant half-day outing to Tavernspite Garden Centre, where they admired the gardens and bought plants. This was followed by lunch and a tour through Laugharne, Pendine, Saundersfoot and back to Tenby. The driver gave an interesting history of each place they went through. Two of the club's visitors were from Yorkshire and, even though they travel these place when they visit three or four times each year, they did enjoy the commentary on the coach. Thank you John. Next week there will be an Easter Bonnet Parade - here's to a good show.

TENBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Change of date: Due to the holiday period, the society's meeting for the month will be held on Tuesday, April 11. The speaker for the evening will be London-based architect, Murray John, who will be lecturing on 'Tenby now for future generations', photographic history for the future. The meeting will be at the usual venue, Tenby Bowling Club, at 7.30 pm. An open invitation is extended and all are welcome. Further details from Margaret Davies on 844416.

ON THE AGENDA

Among items due to be discussed at Tuesday night's meeting of Tenby Town Council at 7.30 pm are the following: Planning applications: Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Cooke, 23 The Maudlins, Tenby - Conservatory; Mr. P. Handicott, Floral Corner, High Street, Tenby - Take down and rebuild, raise roof level, Handicotts Greengrocers, Floral Corner, High Street, Tenby. Planning correspondence: PCNPA - Planning Appeal, Southcliff Hotel; PCNPA - TPO 80, St. David's Close; Mr. and Mrs. K. Thornton, via e-mail - Objection, development at 15 Haytor Gardens. Correspondence: De Valence Trust - Funding issues; Ombudsman - Changes to Ombudsman system; Chamber of Trade and Tourism - March minutes; PCC - Car park charges; Community Rail Partnership - Invitation to next meeting; WAG - Regional Committee meeting; Ride to Work Network - Cycle bays; PCC - Pedestrianisation; Mr. D. Fecci - Town Walls lighting; Mr. G. Fry - The De Valence Pavilion To accept and approve the accounts for March and consider any issues arising. Grants and donations: WRVS. Street lighting - Clr. Paul Rapi. Chrome/stainless steel vents on buildings - Clr. Paul Rapi. Public toilets - Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas. To receive an update on plans to illuminate Tenby town walls. To receive a progress report on the Big Lottery Fund Bid.

INNER WHEEL CLUB

Members were welcomed to the Fourcroft on Monday, March 13, by president Margaret. The business meeting proceeded with reports being read by officers concerned. The officers will continue for a further year. The office of president has yet to be decided. Past and forthcoming events were discussed, including a social evening attended by several members as guests of Saundersfoot Inner Wheel Club. Some members had recently taken part in charity quiz nights at the Bowling Club, for Tenovus and the RNLI. Anne, Carwen, Margaret, Marnie, Mary and Pat had joined members from other Inner Wheel Clubs for a day trip on the Orient Express. The journey from Cardiff to Chester was a memorable experience and very much enjoyed by all. The Spring Charity Lunch, held at St. Johns Church Hall, proved to be a great success. President Margaret thanked Sue and Ellie and all the members for their hard work. Margaret presented Ellen Jones with a cheque for her charity swim on Boxing Day and applauded her efforts. The District chairman will visit the club on Monday, April 10. The evening will commence with a cold buffet. Those members wishing to partake should note that supper commences at 6.30 pm. The normal meeting time of 7.30 pm applies if you do not wish supper.