The first club meeting in February took place recently, while in four weeks time, the annual general meeting will take place.

On Friday, the president's dinner took place, but of equal if not greater importance, it was the 80th birthday of Lt. Cdr. Philip Vanner RD. Rtd., our valiant speakers secretary, on Saturday.

Philip has rendered sterling service in organising an ever-fascinating, informative and entertaining stream of speakers for and to the club.

I'm afraid that I cannot really comment on the club's business as discussed at the meeting.

It was my turn on the rota for the tallying and collecting of monies for luncheon. I was lucky in having John Russell as partner for this operation.

John knows everybody and everything that goes on in South Pembrokeshire.

As a result, he kept tally of club members and did the book-keeping. I just had to count the cash in and give out the change; in between yarning with John.

However, I did witness a presentation made by Gren Jones, a club member and talented artist. He had produced a handsome monochrome representation of a mining town in the north of England.

It was where Morgan Allen, a club member, had lived and worked in the mining industry prior to joining the Regent/Texaco Refinery. As you can see from the photograph, it is a fine piece of work. Morgan seemed more than well pleased.

A restorative glass of wine and it was time to listen to the guest speaker. This time it was Karen Wilson, a medium.

Karen was a nurse and started to experience hearing voices in her head that only she could hear. She tried ignoring them, but they continued. The onset was sudden and unexplained. The voices identified themselves and wanted to speak to her.

This gift became known locally and as word spread she made more and more contacts. Today she is in demand; her diary is ever full. She has also developed a gift for writing poetry. It is simple, descriptive and inspirational verse.

Fundamental to her belief is that one should act on impulse, as nothing is pre-destined. Although whether it is in our gift to control the destiny of ourselves or others was not clear to me. Karen asked if anyone had had an 'out of body' experience.

One club member admitted to this. To me her honesty and sincerity were palpable and I am speaking as the grumpy old cynic that I am.

The vote of thanks was well proposed by Dennis Taylor.

Finally, I can report that the president's dinner was a real success.

Mac MacDiarmid 'piped' the club officers and guests to their places. Grace was given by John Brock.

The food was tasty and ample, the company friendly if not joyful and toasts and responses short and to the point.

Particularly from Emyr Williams, president of the Rotary Club of Pembroke, who replied to the toast of welcome.

Mrs. Evelyn MacCallum, secretary of Pembroke Ladies Probus (yes, she is known to me), crisply responded on behalf of the guests.

We then relaxed and were entertained by the Griffon Choir. A good evening was had by all.

Finally, I can report that the celebration of the birthday, mentioned above, took place on Saturday afternoon. A wonderful time was had by all.

A perfect way to shut out the miserable weather and the even worse rugby match.

Ken MacCallum