Contrary to national media reports, there was no sign of low spirits at the recent very successful and well attended meeting of Tenby and District Branch of the Labour Party.

Chairman Tony Wales welcomed two new members as well as some holiday visitors, before introducing Education and Children Minister Jane Hutt AM as the first speaker.

No stranger to Tenby, she recollected her many visits during the planning and implementation of replacement health services for the old Cottage Hospital. Here in Tenby, she noted that Labour Party members were very involved and well-informed about current issues.

Many questions were put to Jane Hutt AM. Firstly, the disparity in school funding between England and Wales. In Wales, money was allocated from Cardiff Bay to 'Local Authorities' who then pass on the funding directly to the schools. Recently, as a result of public protest, especially concerning Greenhill School Orchestra, a review of music provision in Wales is now being undertaken.

Jane Hutt AM, after being warmly applauded and thanked, left to attend a 2 pm Constituency meeting in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Nick Ainger MP also attended the meeting and spoke in a very upbeat and encouraging way to the audience. He could understand why the public were disillusioned. There was a loss of confidence and a display of anger by voters. This could be the reason why only 20 per cent of the electorate voted in Tenby.

"Now, we need to get back to real politics which is what an MP's job is about," he said. "We need to draw a clear line and to fight back."

Nick Ainger set out his plans to speak to as many voters as possible during the summer recess of parliament. His weekend surgeries are increasingly well attended, no question was left unanswered, he said.

Nick Ainger was thanked by everyone.

Joyce Watson AM was also present and thanked the MP for clarifying so many points. Working in the Welsh Assembly, she was well aware of constant opposition and negative views, which seemed removed from reality.

The chairman thanked Joyce Watson and all those who had contributed to such an exceptional meeting. He wished members a happy summer and reminded them that the next branch event would be held on Sunday, September 6, at New Hedges Village Hall at 3 pm - a Summer Special Tea, bumper raffle and stalls.

The final pre-holiday GMC in Narberth would be held on Friday, July 24, at 7.45 pm, at the Bloomfield Centre. All members welcome.