The Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby, was, once again, the venue which welcomed the Carmarthen West and South Pembs Constituency Labour Party to their annual dinner on Friday, January 15.

Constituency chairman Bryn Rees greeted the large crowd of members and supporters and warmly welcomed the visiting speaker, Paul Murphy MP for Torfaen (Pontypool, Gwent), who was seated next to his old school friend, Father McGreal.

Paul Murphy, who had joined the Labour Party at 15 years of age, became a member of parliament in 1987. When Labour was in opposition, he held various shadow ministerial posts and under the present Labour government has served as Secretary of State for Wales and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he worked with the Blair government to obtain a peaceful political settlement there.

He greatly valued his years of close friendship with local MP, Nick Ainger, reminding his audience of the high regard in which Nick Ainger was held at Westminister, including Nick Ainger's previous role as Under Secretary of State for Wales.

Branch chair, Tony Wales, thanked Chris and Kath Osborne for the excellent dinner they had provided and the high standard of service from all their staff. He thanked Christine Gwyther for attending in the midst of her busy schedule as Labour candidate for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr in the coming General Election. Also present was possibly the youngest town councillor in Wales, Will Rees, an 18 year-old student of Pembroke Dock.

Tony was also pleased to see one of their regional representatives from the Welsh Assembly, Joyce Watson AM. She was warmly thanked for attending so many events in Tenby and keeping in close touch with local issues.

So many generous raffle prizes were donated by members and friends. Paul Murphy MP, Nick Ainger MP and Fr. McGreal drew the tickets. Cilla Stubbs from Pembroke Dock won the first prize, which was 'lunch for two' at the Fourcroft Hotel.

Members and supporters who would like the full version of the speeches of Paul Murphy and Nick Ainger, please apply to Bryn Rees online bryn/[email protected]">[email protected] or to (01834) 843922.

General information on Labour's future programme and campaign can be obtained by telephoning (01834) 842604.