Penally Village Hall Committee recently held their most successful Horticultural and Craft Show to date. This show, which has been held annually for the last 25 years has always been one of the most sociable events held in the village because all ages and interests are represented in the exhibits and everyone enjoys the refreshments at the end of the afternoon.

This year, there were so many entries that the hall could have done with an extension to enable all of them to be shown to best advantage. As usual there was a colourful display of flowers and vegetables; mouth-watering displays of breads, cakes, jams and pickles, but the big increase of craftwork entries may well have been a reflection of the emphasis the hall had placed on running many different craft classes during the previous year.

Through Pembrokeshire College there has been free classes in card making, glass and silk painting and extra courses were run by Iris Taylor in various aspects of patchwork and appliqué. Iris is a master craftswoman in all sewing skills and has been very generous in passing her knowledge on to her many eager students.

The enthusiasm of all the entrants was more remarkable because no adult prizes are awarded, just winners' certificates. The children, however, were financially rewarded for their efforts and once again the committee was grateful for the support of Kiln Park in providing the prize money and to Elma John, general manager of Kiln Park, who presented the prizes.

Additional thanks must go to the other judges who used their expertise in determining the winning entries. They were Dr. N. Bean, who judged fruit and vegetables, Mrs. Joan Giles, of Manorbier Gardening Club, who judged the plants, Mrs. Nora Squibbs, who judged the craft, Mr. John Faulkner, of Art Matters, who judged the art, and Mrs. Margaret Wildman, who judged the food entries.

The Village Hall committee is busy preparing for the coming autumn's programme of events, to which all are welcome. Once again, there will be craft classes, quiz nights, carol choir, bowls, a concert and much more.

The village produces a newsletter, Crow News, with full details and contact numbers, which is delivered to all homes in the parish and the next issue will be out in early September. For anyone outside the village, extra copies are always available at the village store or Kiln Park Service Station and can be accessed via their blog on: http://crownews.wordpress.com">http://crownews.wordpress.com