The Bingo session held on Monday was well attended.

The Bingo envelope (£466) was not won. Numbers were 6, 23, 24. It will now roll over to November 16.

On Saturday, the second team travelled to Lawrenny in division three and, after being 2-0 down after eight minutes, came back to 2-1 at half-time. Soon after, against the run of play, they went 3-1 down, but again fought back well to make it 3-3 and, in last couple of minutes, scored the winner, 4-3 - well done boys.

National Lottery winners with number 47 were Mr. Paul Phillips and Adrian Howells (Sooty).

Templeton and Reynalton United Reformed Churches

The united service on Sunday, November 15, will be held at Reynalton United Reformed Church at 9.30 am and will be led by Rev. Roger Hart, of Pennar Community Church. A warm welcome is extended to all.

NARBERTH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP

In the film 'Saving Private Ryan', the first 20 minutes shows a graphic account of war, so explicit that it strips away all the sanitising glorifying disguises sometimes put on war. Close camera work shows ordinary men in the first landing to arrive on the Normandy beaches on D Day. You see their faces as they steel themselves for what's ahead. Then, as the crafts hit the beaches, the front ramps are lowered and you watch with disbelief as they are cut down by the waves of machine gun fire that ravage them, even before they get off the landing craft. It is only through sheer numbers that these brave men eventually gained the first toe-hold in occupied Europe.

The power of the film is in the way it depicts the flesh and blood reality of warfare so that it draws you in and involves you emotionally. Those scenes of the film are a vivid act of remembrance. Films like this should surely be compulsory viewing in Downing Street, the White House - in caves in Afghanistan - or wherever else war is plotted.

This remembrance is a kind of intercession and is about much more than just remembering. It is about feeling, about being affected deep down in your gut by the destruction of human life by humans to humans. The trouble is, perhaps, that not enough of us do feel this gut level effect and act on it for the world to be different.

And it could happen again -more Auschwitzes, more Gallipolis, more Normandy beaches, or we could choose to remember and repent in sackcloth and ashes that war is ever necessary.

NBF supports the war-torn Anglican Church of St. George's in Baghdad and prays regularly for its work of reconciliation in the heart of Iraq.

]International Tickets

Tickets for the Autumn Rugby International matches, when Wales play Argentina and Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, are now available for collection from the Narberth RFC clubhouse, by members and supporters.

Enquiries about collection can be made by contacting the club steward Anne Lonsdale, at the clubhouse on (01834) 860462.

Tickets are available for the match against Argentina on Saturday, November 21, at 2.30 pm. Enquiries can be made through Freeman Brawn on 860346 or through the club steward Anne Lonsdale on 860462.  

Meanwhile, supporters not travelling to Cardiff for the Wales v Samoa tonight (Friday) can watch the match live on the big screen at the clubhouse. Kick-off is at 7.30 pm, but television coverage starts earlier. Hot food will be available.

Education grant

 

Some names were not included in last week's news as the full list was not complete, but Clr. Wynne Evans has confirmed that the following have been successful: Grace Barrow, Nia Bowen, Rebecca Carswell, Joel Davies, Leanne Evans, Jack Houser, April Howells, Julia Howells, Sarah Jenkins, Alision Jones, Samantha Jones, Sarah Lewis, Francesa Lewis, Clare Lewis, Laura Lloyd, Rebecca Lupton, Ellen Mason, Kathryn Moore, Rebecca Morris, Jonathan Morse, Geraint Nicolas, Sophie Owen, Matt Prout, Will Roberts, Amy and Jessica Shakesby, Georgina Sturgess, Gareth Tennant, Alan Townsend, Geraint Vaughan, Melanie Williams, Natasha Wilson, Michael Wood.

Also a number of 'phone calls were received with regard to  applications not arriving at County Hall. Anyone who can confirm they have sent in applications, will be considered for a grant allocation.

Narberth U3A

The sanity of rulers has often been a topic in the history group and next week will be no exception when Phil Mahiques continues his series on 'Mad Monarchs'. It has not always been a question of insanity. The corrupting nature of power has often led to excessive pride called hubris. It was evident in ancient Greece in the actions of the powerful who challenged the Gods. Many absolute rulers have needed constant parades or huge statues to confirm their fragile esteem, and the needs of ordinary people have proved secondary to their overweening arrogance. Other monarchs have been merely eccentric and out of step with the accepted values of their time.

The recent study of 'Mad George' revealed a King probably suffering porphyric attacks made worse by medication containing arsenic. At least the system was able to contain him. Some were damaged by generations of inbreeding or the effects of savage abuse.

Mustafa 1, of Turkey, finally became Sultan having been kept in a cage for 23 years by his ruling brother. He then ruled as an absolute and deranged monarch as did Ivan the Terrible who bordered on the criminally insane. Countess Bathory, of Hungary, was possibly the most prolific female serial killer in history. She was accused of torturing and killing hundreds of girls believing that her complexion could be improved by bathing in their blood. A recent book identified 40 'mad monarchs' in Europe alone.

The Narberth U3A will be holding its next general meeting tomorrow (Saturday) at 10 am in the lounge of Williams Court, Northfield Road, in Narberth (with parking in the Bloomfield Centre).

If you are retired from full-time employment, and now have time to take an interest in any of the following: art, music, bridge, geology, history, poetry, novels, tai chi, walking, natural history, gardening, mah-jong, discussing topical subjects, or luncheon club, then attend this meeting or telephone 862964 or 861019 for more information.

CHURCH services

St. Andrew's, Narberth: Sunday - 10 am Sung Eucharist. Wednesday - 10 am Holy Eucharist.

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

Christian Community Church

This Sunday's service will be in Bloomfield House Seminar Room at 10 am. The speaker will be Alan Gavagan, chaplin of Swansea Prison. There will be a prayer meeting on Tuesday at 3.30 pm. A warm welcome to all.

Youth Alpha Course

Every Sunday, 6.15 for 6.30 pm, at the Liberty Café, Court House, Market Square, Narberth. A meal is served followed by a short talk and discussion. There is no charge for the evening. Ideal event for 11-18 years of age.

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, though those that do can bring their friends. Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints.

If you would like to attend, you are most welcome.

Bethesda Baptist Chapel

Services at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth, in the week beginning Sunday, November 15, are as follows:

Sunday School starts at 10.15 am. The morning service takes place at 10.30 am and the evening service at 6 pm. Both services will be taken by the Rev. Chris Rees, minister of Bethesda Chapel.

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. Caroline Skippins, on the subject of the missionary work of Charles and Suzanne Windsor with Latin Link in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

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

All are very welcome to these meetings.

Grace Church

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 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. There is an active programme for children and a crèche when the speaker commences.

Grace have their offices at the Grace Court House, Market Square, Narberth, which also houses the Liberty Café. Grace Church meet on Sundays at 10.30 am in the main hall of Queen's Hall, Narberth; coffee is served from 10 am.

Grace celebrated the 80th birthday of Ben Ault, together with his family and friends. Ben is an absolute delight, an example to old and young, and was more than pleased to see all who attended his birthday party, including one daughter from USA and one from Australia.

Rugby Fixtures

Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth are home to Cwmllynfell in Division One West of the SWALEC Welsh National League. Kick-off will be at 2.30 pm and there will be free ground admission for children under 16.

The Folly Farm Balcony Suite match sponsors are Lucy Jones, accountants, and the Otters' Holt match sponsors are G. D. Harries and Sons.

The match ball sponsors are Ian Evans, of Narberth, together with Penry Harries, of Princes Gate, the Landshipping Boys and TPT Construction Limited.

Further details of sponsorship can be obtained from sponsorship officers Bill Ridge on 07887 911662; Jeff Jenkins on 07969 343159 or Janet Phillips on 07917 608143.

Hot drinks and light refreshments, including delicious home made soup, burgers and hot dogs, will be available from the food gut in the car park and a full range of club clothing, personalised gifts and other merchandise can be obtained from the club shop.

Supporters are advised to park cars in parking areas outside the ground and to avoid obstructing exit from and entry to the fire station.

The popular 'Open the Box Draw' will take place after the post match presentation ceremonies. The winner of the initial draw for £25 will have the opportunity to choose a key to open the box for the jackpot prize.

On the same day, Narberth Athletic are home to Mumbles in the Carmarthen Tyre Services Championship West Wales Premier League. Kick-off is at 2 pm. On Wednesday, November 18, Narberth Athletic are home to Newcastle Emlyn in a friendly fixture.  Kick-off 7.15 pm.

Meat Draw

Winners of the Narberth RFC Supporters' Club meat draw this week are as follows: beef - Peter Spacey; lamb - Richard Fanus; pork - Carl. 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.

 

Winter carnival fund-raisers

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Ivy Bush Inn in Narberth is holding an Hawaiian night - dress-up, have fun, while on Sunday, Narberth Rugby Club plays host to Family Fortunes. To enter, you need a team of five people. It costs £5 per team and the prize is £25.

These events are fund-raisers for Narberth Winter Carnival, which takes place on Saturday, December 5.