Members of Narberth Ladies Probus Club welcomed retired nurses, Yvonne Griffiths-Rogers and Olive Bowen, to their April meeting.

Apart from a brief introduction to their varied nursing careers, which included a tour of Australia on a motorbike, this was a tale of the pleasures and pitfalls of setting-up a new business in retirement.

Olive conceived the idea in 2012 of starting a business selling handbags, jewellery and accessories, not in a shop, but at craft fairs, work events and parties in your home. After some careful market research to see what type of accessories ladies were buying, discussions with their accountant, and sourcing suitable suppliers from many countries, they started selling at craft fairs. With a business website and original name, Pethau Olyv, meaning Olive's Things in English, plus competitive prices, their business soon took off.

Through their engaging personalities and in-depth knowledge of the vast array of handbags and other accessories they had displayed, members were selecting their purchases almost before the presentation was finished.

They are generous to local charities, donating a handbag to be raffled separately which can raise as much as £350. They have display cabinets in the Ivy Bush Hotel in Carmarthen and the Belgrave Hotel in Tenby and a stall at Saundersfoot market craft fair every Tuesday, as well as visiting residential homes and attending game fairs. For more details, view their website http://www.pethauolyv.co.uk">www.pethauolyv.co.uk

After Jane John had given a vote of thanks for a really entertaining presentation, members enjoyed choosing handbags, scarves and jewellery, before an excellent lunch at Plas Hyfryd.

Next meeting is on Friday, May 1, when Mel Perry will give a talk with poems about Bardsey Island. Guests and new members are always welcome. For further details about Probus, please telephone Sandra Thompson on 01646 661228.