Eleven years on from its opening week, St. John's Community Hall's Luncheon Club in Pembroke Dock continues to provide an inviting and indeed sociable meeting place for so many locals (writes Jemma Owen).

Recently gaining a level five Food Standards Agency certificate to add to the hall's awards cabinet, the luncheon club provides not only a reasonably priced nutritious meal, but also a social gathering for friends as well as new members of the community.

For the majority, the weekly event is a beneficial part of their lives, especially for those who 'struggle to get out and about as much as they would perhaps like to', explained club member Joyce Clapton.

"Luncheon club ensures a mixture of good company, healthy food and firm friendships. I look forward to it every week," she added.

Situated behind St. John's Church, Church Street, the hall offers itself as a vital base for a variety of classes, activities and meetings, ranging from computer classes to children's parties and mother and toddler group to indoor bowling.

The ever-popular clubs and events prove what an asset the community hall is to the town, none more so than the luncheon club. Taking place every Tuesday between 12 noon and 2 pm, the club is run and organised entirely by retired volunteers.

After being greeted at the door on arrival by Edna Allen and Val Chilton, the longest-serving volunteer at the club, the chattering, laughing and gentle clinking of cutlery upon every well-appointed table is remarkable and is a sure reminder of the club's vitality.

The kitchen ladies begin preparing the cooked meals, usually consisting of either, pork, chicken or turkey, from 9.30 am.

Ensuring that there is enough food - which is funded by Pembrokeshire County Council - for over 40 weekly members is crucial, so the kitchen ladies consisting of Joyce Merriman, Mavis Hill, Marion Foster, Glenys Thomas and Irene Thomas always have their hands full.

All in all, the luncheon club provides a service the community would not want to be without - why not pop along and see for yourself!

For more information on luncheon club, please contact St. John's Community Hall on 01646 681962.