One hundred guests attended a Summer Luncheon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief in the beautiful private garden at Colby Lodge, Amroth, on Sunday, by kind permission of the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Scourfield Lewis.
Cynthia Scourfield Lewis, who is chairman of the Saundersfoot and District committee of Macmillan Cancer Relief, was grateful when Chevron Texaco offered sponsorship of a marquee and furniture, thus making the event possible.
On the morning of the lunch rain fell heavily, causing not only concern, but the ground in the marquee to become boggy in places, but committee members and other helpers worked on in wellington boots and by midday the marquee was transformed by flowers and balloons, and most importantly, by sunshine streaming through its windows and openings.
On arrival, guests enjoyed a Pimms' by the fountain on the lawn as they caught up with old friends. They then sat down to a delicious three-course lunch. The very happy atmosphere was reflected by committee members who acted as waitresses, one of whom (Jill George) sensibly retained the use of her gumboots.
A raffle was held and lucky winners had the extra fun of rising from their sinking seats before making their way to choose a prize from the attractive array.
The chairman was very happy to welcome members from other local committees of Macmillan Cancer Relief, and special guests: Phil Thompson, of Chevron Texaco, and Kathryn Morgan, Macmillan's appeal manager for South West Wales.
After lunch, Ms. Morgan explained that the charity not only provides Macmillan nurses, it also funds other specialist nurses and doctors, buildings for cancer treatment and care, and grants for patients in financial difficulties - services which help make the lives of cancer patients and their families easier and reduce unnecessary levels of fear.
She read excerps from a moving letter from a cancer patient to a Macmillan nurse at Withybush Hospital which illustrated just how important the support of Macmillan can be.
There was a feeling that this was a happy and successful occasion.
After the guests departed, the workers cleared the marquee and sat down to their lunch. Suddenly, the heavens opened again and rain lashed the sides of the tent, but Cynthia, Tony, the committee members and their spouses were all happy, and the money for Macmillan was in the bag!
Mrs. Scourfield Lewis would like to thank all sponsors, guests, friends who sent donations, those who supplied raffle prizes, suppliers who gave substantial discounts and the committee, their spouses and other helpers for making the event such a resounding success.