Members met at the Fourcroft Hotel on Monday, May 14. President Carwen welcomed everyone and gave a special welcome to Neath club member, Mrs. Margaret Thorne CBE. Carwen expressed great pleasure in enrolling three honourary members into the club -Jan Griffiths, Joyce Walker and Doreen Mortimer. The business of the club continued with apologies for absence, minutes, correspondence and the president's report. Carwen had attended the annual Inner Wheel Conference at Bournemouth along with six other members of the club. The conference, attended by over 3,000 members nationally, was excellent, as were the speakers. 'Songs of Praise', accompanied by Bournemouth Area Salvation Army Band, opened the proceedings with soloist and the district choir from the Inner Wheel Club of Caterham. Francesca Martinez, the award-winning English stand-up comedian, was the first guest speaker. She suffers from cerebral palsy and defines herself by what she can do and not by what she cannot do. She was a very moving, uplifting and an unforgettable speaker. Michael Portillo spoke of his life and political career. In 2005 he became president of DEBRA, the national charity working on behalf of people with the genetic skin blistering condition. During the interval, a collection was made for this charity and over £9,000 was raised. Edwina Currie spoke well of the progress being made in the screening of women for breast cancer. A cheque was presented to Jeremy Hughes, the chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, this being the national president, Phyl Fennelly's charity for the year. Tom O'Connor, the well-known entertainer, and a former teacher, had everyone laughing. The Tenby ladies were lucky enough to meet both Michael Portillo and Tom O'Connor. There was great friendship throughout, evening entertainment of a very high standard and fun, especially the hot air balloon trip made by the group. Carwen went on to speak of other events she had attended during the last month. These included the Soroptimist handover dinner, during which Anne Kelly was installed as the new president, and the Mayor's Parlour for dinner prior to the Mayor's Ball. Vice-president Meryl had attended the Ladies Circle handover dinner. Marlene and Pat had represented the Tenby club at the Inner Wheel Club of Haverfordwest's diamond jubilee celebrations. Betty was thanked by Carwen for hosting the Pandora's Box afternoon at her home. It was a great success. Mary did well as auctioneer, getting everyone to part with their cash. The money raised was for UNICEF. Marnie gave her report of the District Overseas meeting and Ellen arranged helpers for the teas for the Visually Impaired. In the absence of Betty Ramsey, Carwen read the District meeting report on health and safety. It was decided that certain points needed to be clarified by District. Mary and Carwen arranged a trip to Cardiff on April 30. Members enjoyed a little retail therapy and dinner at the Bistro before the performance of the musical 'High Society.' The speaker for the evening was colour analyst, Mrs. Diane Price. Ellen was the brave model. The discussions were lively and enlightening. The members were ready for the coffee break that followed. Programme secretary Sue has arranged a Welsh Cake bake at New Hedges Mini Market on Monday, May 28. Volunteers and dough are required. On Wednesday, June 6, a coach trip has been booked to Llanerchaeron and Aberaeron. The coach will leave South Parade at 9.05 am and it is expected to be back in Tenby by 7.30 pm. Husbands and friends are welcome. If anyone wishes to join the trip, please contact Sue on 843237. Sunday, June 24, is Ty Hafan Open Day and the club is planning a visit, leaving Tenby at 9 am. They will also visit the Velindre Hospital to present their cheque to Maggie Hughes on behalf of Cancer Research Wales. This has been Carwen's chosen charity for this past year. Names of those wishing to go will be taken at the annual general meeting on June 11. There will be a meeting of the club executive at Carwen's on Monday, June 4, at 7.30 pm. The next meeting of the club will be the annual general meeting on Monday, June 11, at the Fourcroft. The venue and menu for the handover dinner on June 25 will be announced then.
