May is probably not the best time of year to be starting a Book Club. After a long, cold winter and spring, people are busy trying to catch up on their outdoor pursuits and gardening. However, last Tuesday saw the first meeting of the new Penally Book Club in the Village Hall and nine enthusiastic people turned up, with several others sending apologies for this month.

It was a getting-to-know-you mix of people from old friends to village newcomers. Each one brought a couple of books that they had really enjoyed and said what they had found so appealing about them.

It was agreed that the club would run in a very light-hearted, non-pressured way, under the guidance of two Carols - Carol Cavill, who was a librarian, and Carol Bradbury, who was a deputy head teacher in Leicestershire. Together they will organise the nitty gritty of running the club, but everyone is encouraged to contribute views as to how it will progress.

It was decided that most people will read a prescribed book before the next meeting. On this occasion it will be The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, which is cheerful, funny, beautifully written and not very long. They will also choose another book and maybe talk about it at the next meeting.

Although the nine people on this occasion were female, the club would welcome male and female members and chic lit will not be on the agenda. Members will be asked to pay for three months membership in advance (£4.50) to ensure that the hall's hire charges will be covered and every effort will be made to prescribe books which can be obtained free from Tenby Library or at minimal cost.

Meetings will take place on the first Tuesday of every month at 2 pm. Refreshments and chatter freely available. Ring 842878 for more information.