FRIENDS OF

NARBERTH MUSEUM

There were hats galore at the April meeting, as Friends brought in hats from their own collections to add to the array. 

Charlotte New from Scolton Museum explained some of the history of the models on display. 

The hats ranged from early 17th/18th century and included military and gentlemen's hats; even a Chinese worker's cap complete with badges.

Charlotte took everyone right up to the rather fetching ladies' hats of today.

Pauline Griffiths, museum curator, then told of the hat industry in Narberth which had abruptly come to an end at the end of the 19th century.

The Friends' AGM was held in May and the business was quickly conducted and followed by a talk by Pauline Griffiths on 'Victorian Narberth'.

Pauline explained that it was very much a 'work in progress' talk as she was still unearthing interesting facts from the era.

Only last week she had obtained a photograph of the first Wesleyan chapel in St. James Street which she had never seen before.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at the Museum Bookshop.

Professor Angela John, author and academic, will give a talk entitled 'Evelyn Sharp, Journalist, Suffragette and International Humanitarian'.

County Councillor's surgery

County councillor Wynne Evans will be holding a  surgery for residents of the Narberth town ward tomorrow (Saturday), when he will be able to address any issues of concern to them. 

It will take place between 10.30 and 11.30 am at the Span Arts building on Narberth Town Moor.

NARBERTH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

Pastor Roland, a French Huguenot living in the perilous times of 17th century France, knew the cost for faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel. When French dragoons stormed his house to torture, afflict, and arrest him for preaching Christ, Pastor Roland slipped into a hidden opening in a china cabinet that dropped into the sub floor. With scarcely enough space for a small teener, he waited for the soldiers to rummage through his home so that he could surface again, only to go through the same process over and over.

He knew what it was to escape to the mountains with his flock of believers so that he might preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to them. He knew what it was to preach from a pulpit disguised as a wine barrel so that his people might not suffer loss if discovered for attending gospel preaching.

At the moment anyone can call themselves a Christian, but Jesus told his followers to receive the power of the Holy Spirit and with the divine strength give to be committed and related to Himself to and invest themselves in the work of His Kingdom on earth.

Pastor Roland and his Huguenot flock are merely a few out of many through the centuries that have proved faithful to Christ even when it demanded everything of them. When the story of Christianity is finally complete, and recounted for the redeemed to give praise to the Lord, alongside holiness and love, the quality that will mark believers is faithfulness.

NBF meet 6.30 pm Sundays in the chapel at Pant-y-Gorphwys Farmhouse - all welcome.

Alpha Course

Are you coming to Alpha? Every Wednesday, 7.15 for 7.30 pm at the Liberty Cafe, Court House, Market Square, Narberth. A meal is served followed by a short talk and discussion. There is no financial charge for the evening.

Over 11-million people worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations, and at universities, in prisons and on military bases across the world. It is low-key, friendly and fun - and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.

The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers. Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 courses are currently running across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.

Guests attend for a wide variety of reasons - some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other people's beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally, but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. If you would like to attend, you are most welcome.

Grace Church

Another of those serious fun days when it is great to be in church. Family Sunday, led by Dave Ellis, was a delight. Church of all ages, sketch by Barry James - that he first saw in Poland - of a car drive was unique James. Another sketch, with seniors, middle and young included representing life without God's Word. Paul Dando, senior pastor, continued the series on 'Let's talk about Jesus' to a lively congregation in the main hall, of Queen's Hall.

Following the service, a water baptism was held at Amroth beach. This was again an absolute delight. What a great day, what a great church, but above all that, what a truly amazing wonderful God. Life's not fair, but God is good.

What are you doing on Sunday? You can find all kinds of things to do, I'm sure you don't need anyone to suggest a few. However, first things first. We guarantee that if you give a Sunday morning to come to our 10.30 am morning service, you will be pleasantly surprised. You will find people of all ages, different backgrounds and nationalities meeting as one family.

We will do our best to make it well worth getting up for, to enjoy serious fun, to hear a talk that is Biblical, challenges and is applicable to life today, good music and find new friends. You will be greeted and served by some of the amazing people who are part of Grace.

Come on your own, with friend or family, you are most welcome. Grace meet every Sunday at 10.30 am at the Queen's Hall, Narberth. Coffee is served from 10 am. There is an active programme for children and a crèche when the speaker commences.

Grace have their offices at the Court House, Market Square, Narberth, which also houses the Liberty cafe.

Narberth U3A

A large group of members visited the National Museum Cardiff last week, with the main focus of the trip to see the Alfred Sisley exhibition, an English Impressionist who lived in France (writes D.D.).

He visited Wales and members were able to appreciate the paintings he had completed of the South Wales coast.

There were also exhibitions of Welsh geological history and Charles Darwin.

Those who appreciated ceramics admired superb examples of Swansea ware, while the detailed landscapes of Pre-Raphaelite artist John Brett were among the most accomplished work on display.

There was great interest in Gwen John who left Tenby for France. Her subdued pictures contrasted with the bold sculptures of her lover Auguste Rodin included as part of the exhibit.

Many were attracted to the stark photographs of Diane Arbus, who recorded the freakish side of life, before she opted out of life altogether. Many members of the group returned to these exhibits a second time.

Two unofficial attractions were a peregrine falcon nesting on City Hall, preening itself for all the cameras, and the statue of David Lloyd George, which was wearing a traffic cone.

It appeared to symbolise the current contempt for politicians, which was the topic addressed later in the week by the discussion group.

At the Saturday meeting, Peter Hughes gave a comprehensive history of Carew Castle, reminding us of times when there were more extreme ways of removing leaders.

If you are retired from full-time employment, and now have time to take an interest in any of the following: art (appreciation and painting), music (general appreciation and classical), playing bridge, history, poetry, reading group, tai chi, walking (both gentle and not so), natural history, gardening, geology, lunch club, mah-jong, or discussing various topical subjects, then telephone 01834 862964 or 01834 861019 for more information on Narberth U3A.

Bethesda Baptist Chapel

Services at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth, in the week beginning Sunday, June 21, are as follows:

Sunday School starts at 10.15 am. Morning service takes place at 10.30 am and will be taken by Rev. Chris Rees, minister of Bethesda Chapel. The evening service is at 6 pm and will be taken by Cole Floyd, a theology student from Kentucky, USA.

The Bible study and prayer meeting is on Tuesday at 7.15 pm.

The Ladies Fellowship meets on Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm in the schoolroom when the speaker will be Mrs. Christine Lewis.

A Christian bookstall will be held in the Country Market in Narberth's Queen's Hall on Thursday, between 9 am and 12 noon.

An outreach meeting will take place in Seion Chapel, Tenby Road, St. Clears, on Thursday evening, at 7 pm, when Cole Floyd will preach.

All are very welcome to these meetings.

GLANRHYD BAPTIST CHURCH

This Sunday, the communion service at 2 pm will be conducted by Rev. Hugh Michael, Pembroke Dock.

Bangalore Bash

Indian orphanage dinner: On Friday, August 7, there will be an Indian meal at the Court House, Market Square, Narberth, to raise funds for the Moriel Orphanage, just outside Bangalore.

This orphanage is one of the projects that is supported from the Grace world fund.

In addition to the dinner, and leading up to it, will be an auction of promises to raise funds for the orphanage.

If you wish to purchase a ticket for the dinner or want further details of the auction, please contact the Liberty Café, Court House, Market Square, Narberth, or visit http://www.gracewales.info">www.gracewales.info

NARBERTH

Cricket Club

Winners of the National Lottery bonus ball draw organised by the ladies committee of Narberth Cricket Club this week were: Group A - Jordan Howell; Group B - Richard Parry.

Main sponsor is Young Brothers, Llandissilio, while junior sponsor is Wood Office Caravan and Tent Park, Cold Blow, and maintenance sponsors are Mark and Wendy Wood, Angel Inn, Narberth.

Williams Vision, Narberth, Balcony Suite man-of-the-match was Tom Fox.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the 1sts are away to St. Ishmaels, the 2nds are home to Hundleton, and the 3rds are away to Hundleton 2nds.

Tonight (Friday), the Under 15s play away to Llechryd.

On Sunday at 10.30 am, the Under 13s play home to Neyland in the Welsh Cup, while on Tuesday, the Under 15s are away to Kilgetty.

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

Special meetings will be held in Bloomfield House seminar room tomorrow (Saturday) at 6.30 pm and Sunday at 10 am. The speaker will be Professor Roy Peacock from Cirencester.

For further information, please contact Peter Chadwick on 01994 419435.

A very warm welcome is extended to all.

CHURCH

SERVICES

St. Andrew's, Narberth: Sunday - 10 am Holy Baptism and Eucharist; Wednesday - 10 am Holy Eucharist.

Holy Cross, Robeston Wathen: Sunday - 11.30 am Holy Eucharist.

Narberth Ladies Probus Group

Another interesting and enjoyable monthly meeting of the Narberth Ladies Probus Group was held at Plas Hyfryd Country Hotel, Narberth.

Commenting on the meeting, group president Margot Parker said: "The speaker from the Samaritans organisation certainly gave us a most informative and detailed talk. We all felt that we had really learned a great deal of information previously unknown to us about their work and specialised training for it. Several members expressed an interest in possibly joining the organisation."

Lunch followed together with a final briefing on the forthcoming visit to the Botanical Gardens.

Membership numbers are increasing very fast now and the group welcomes still more, so please ladies do join them for a light lunch.

You are all assured of good company and a broad range of very interesting speakers.

Next month's speaker will be Mrs. Patricia Campion. She will be talking about her visits to Tajikistan and the lives of women in that part of central Asia. The meeting will be held on Friday, July 3, at Plas Hyfryd Country Hotel, at 11.45 am.

Ladies who are interested in obtaining further information about meetings, talks, social outings and membership can telephone Margot Parker on (01834) 891471 or Ann Green on (01437) 711107.

Templeton and Reynalton United Reformed Churches

The united service on Sunday will be held at Reynalton United Reformed Church at 11 am and will be led by Mr. Richard Laws, of Keyston. A warm welcome is extended to all visitors.

Meat Draw

Winners of the Narberth RFC Supporters' Club meat draw this week were as follows: beef - Cathy Howells; lamb - Iffy; pork - Anne The Dragon.

The Supporters' Club raises money each week on behalf of the Rugby Club through the meat draw. Supporters interested in having a ticket at £1 per ticket with three chances to win a joint of meat for the weekend, should contact the club steward, Anne Lonsdale, on (01834) 860462, or any member of the supporters' committee.

The draw takes place every Friday evening.

WATCH THE LIONS

Tomorrow (Saturday), the British and Irish Lions will play against World Cup champions South Africa in the first test match of their summer tour to South Africa. Supporters, including holidaymakers in the area, can watch the match live on the big screen at the Narberth RFC clubhouse. Light refreshments will be available from the bar.

Kick-off is at 2 pm, but television coverage starts earlier.

Further information can be obtained from the club steward, Anne Lonsdale, on (01834) 860462.