The November meeting of the club was held on Monday at the Fourcroft Hotel. President Meryl welcomed members and the speaker for the evening, Julie Hughes, who spoke about the work of the 'Martin Roberts Children's Fund.' This is a charitable trust, set up seven years ago, in memory of the Withybush surgeon who died at a tragically early age. Its aim is to help with the emotional and physical needs of abused children, and it funds a specialist nurse who works with the Child Protection team within the Health Trust. A fluent speaker, dedicated to her work, Julie gave members a real insight into the problems and distress endured by so many children. She was thanked by Liz Storey and presented with a cheque for the Trust by president Meryl. In the following business meeting, the president reported on the various events she had attended in the last month. The highlight was the club's birthday dinner last week, at the Fourcroft Hotel, where members and friends enjoyed a delicious meal and a fascinating talk on her life and career by Amanda Protheroe-Thomas. The club had a successful Welsh cake bake on October 31, at New Hedges, and have been asked by Tenby Town Council to do one in Tudor Square for the Winter Carnival. Overseas chairman Marnie asked for donations to two charities, one for children born with HIV, and the other for the Soroptimists scheme for sending boxes to the troops serving in Afghanistan. This was agreed - members also had a bring and buy table for overseas charities. Welfare chairman Ellen reported on members with family health problems. She welcomed June Hodder back to the meeting, and wished Joan Henderson a happy holiday in the States. Christmas visits and gifts to the care homes and Cottage Ward were discussed and members will visit on December 12. Members were also reminded of the Gateway Christmas Party at the Lion Hotel on December 13. The club's Christmas lunch is on December 10 at the Broadmead Hotel, when the speaker will be Mrs. Pauline Allen MBE. Menus were circulated. Arrangements were finalised for the Candlelit Supper on Saturday, December 1, at New Hedges Village Hall. This is in aid of Ty Hafan and NSPCC. Tickets are available from members and T. P. Hughes and Son, Tenby. President Meryl thanked Ruth and Matt Goldwait for their generous help with the catering for this event. Members had brought their Operation Christmas Child shoes boxes to the meeting, and the president and Betty Charnock had collected boxes from schools and Withybush Hospital. They are now awaiting collection. Betty was warmly thanked for all her work and the evening concluded with members stacking the boxes in her car boot.
