Tenby RNLI is £1,300 better off, following a generous donation from the Halesowen Rotary Club from the West Midlands.
Tenby RNLI had been chosen by the president for 2000-2001, Rotarian Malcolm Guest, as a recognition of his love for the town, in which together with his wife Margaret and family, they had holidayed for some 30 years, latterly owning a property in Crackwell Street, to which they returned at every opportunity.
As part of his 'Year in Office', Malcolm had organised a Fellowship Weekend in Tenby in June, the highlight of which was the presentation of the cheque to the Lifeboat.
Sadly though, the event was tinged with sadness, as Malcolm had unfortunately passed away earlier in the year, following a long and courageous battle with illness.
Malcolm's wife Margaret, however, and the many members of the Halesowen Rotary Club were determined that the 'Tenby Weekend' went ahead and Margaret was honoured to present Tenby RNLI hon. secretary Arthur Squibbs with the much appreciated cheque in memory of Malcolm.
Margaret recalled how the Tenby RNLI had held a special place in the heart of Malcolm, and how their children when younger had been reluctant to go swimming in the sea until lifeboat mechanic Charles Crockford was on duty - just in case!
Prior to the presentation, Mr. Squibbs had entertained the group with a much enjoyed talk on the history of the Tenby RNLI, recalling famous rescues, together with looking forward to the future - giving an insight into the proposed new lifeboat station. He stated to the group that he would like to use the money presented on the new lifeboat station.
During the weekend, the group enjoyed a dinner at the Mews Bistro, attended by the then president of the Rotary Club of Tenby, John Hughes, his wife Linda, and the president of Tenby Inner Wheel, Betty Ramsay and her husband Rotarian Don Ramsay.
President John paid a tribute to Malcolm, who had always been very welcome to the Tenby club, during his many visits. Vice-president Don Evans, of Halesowen, also paid tribute to Malcolm, reaffirmed how everyone had been determined to proceed with the weekend and thanked their hosts for the very warm welcome they had received.
On the Saturday evening, an eagerly anticipated evening cruise on the 'Viking Saga' had to be abandoned due to a heavy swell, but the group enjoyed a buffet at the Royal Lion Hotel attended by members of both clubs and their partners.
The visitors, many on their first visit to Tenby, returned home having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, fully understanding why Malcolm and Margaret loved the town so much - indeed they were looking forward to a repeat visit next year!
The success of the weekend was also very much down to the determination and spirit of the visitors, who enjoyed the weekend fully - very much how Malcolm would have loved.
JOHN HUGHES