At their first meeting since the summer break, it was pleasing to see a goodly number of members gathering for the Tenby and Saundersfoot Labour Party branch meeting under the auspices of chairman Tony Wales. However, it was sad to hear that both Marjorie and Malcolm Bevan were in hospital recently and the branch agreed to send messages of sympathy and a bouquet of flowers to Marjorie who was now home. Apologies were also received from several other stalwart members. The chairman had to announce that sadly, due to the death of Tasker Watkins VC, Mrs. Julie Morgan MP was unable to be at the meeting, as planned some months ago. She and her husband Rhodri, First Minister WAG, had been great friends with Tasker, and they were attending his funeral service that very morning. Julie sent her sincere apologies and promised to attend on another date as soon as one could be arranged. Tony, therefore, decided to hold an 'open discussion' meeting. The chairman, in fact, had a lot of news for the meeting about the beginnings of the election campaign in readiness for any 'snap' election call. The meeting also discussed Labour's last Assembly campaign and the evaluation teams report/de- brief, which was yet to be received by the branch. Tony also gave the members some information about the special conference held in Cardiff regarding the coalition between Plaid and Labour, and mentioned that he was to attend the Labour Party Academy in the not-too-distant future, to look at campaign strategy. Nick was unable to be with them that morning because he was in Carmarthenshire doing street surgeries. After various reports and comments, the chairman reminded the members of the Labour Party Constituency Dinner in January, which had now become an established and very successful social event. Anyone wishing to attend, should get their names on the list as soon as possible via Tony or Marjorie. The success of July's barbeque was noted and, thanks to Christine's sponsorship of the event, as a 'thank you' to the work of her supporters, additional funds were raised for the constituency. The next meeting is on Saturday, October 20, at 11 am, in St. Teilo's Church Hall, when Nick Ainger MP will give his post-conference report.
