SAUNDERSFOOT CONSERVATIVES

The annual general meeting of the St. Issell's branch of the Conservative Association took place at the Begelly Arms, Kilgetty, on Wednesday, January 5. Opening her annual report, the branch chairman, Mrs. Wendy Bell, paid tribute to members who had passed away during 2004 - Ann Kirkwood, association president, killed in a road accident in February; Nancy Davies, the oldest member; Elvina Haisman who, although retired to Spain, was in everyone's thoughts; and finally, Pearl McChesney, whose sudden death shocked her many friends. Mrs. Bell then welcomed the association chairman, Nick Griffin, and invited him to oversee the election of officers for the year. Mr. Griffin thanked all the members for their hard work during the year and said how pleased he was with work being done by the Conservative prospective candidate, David Morris. From his base in Tenby, he had proved an intrepid 'pavement pounder and doorstep knocker'. Furthermore, he had performed 'beyond the call of duty' by entering the New Year Swim at Saundersfoot in aid of the Air Ambulance. There was no change of officers, although Vera Hendry joined the chairman and secretary on the association political and executive committees. Representatives for the Mid and West Area Council and the Women's Constituency Council were Jean Snellgrove, Wendy Bell and Anita Williams. Gwyneth Peters, presenting the income and expenditure accounts for 2004, stressed that she was happy with the branch's financial condition. She thanked Heather Stephens for again auditing the accounts. Raffle prizes were won by Jean Snellgrove and Vera Hendry. Final arrangements were then made for the 'Soup and Sonnets' social which was held at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, on Tuesday, January 11, in aid of the Tsunami Disaster Fund. The next branch meeting will be held on February 18, at the Begelly Arms.

CANCER RESEARCH UK

The annual general meeting of the Saundersfoot branch of Cancer Research UK was held last week at the Cambrian Hotel, by kind permission of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Fry. Chairman Geoff Somner welcomed members to the meeting, with reports being given by the secretary and treasurer. Linda Strange, area organiser for Wales, gave her address and urged members to continue with their work to raise funds. Over the years, the committee has raised a total of £134,000. Ideas were put forward for events. It is hoped that new members will join the committee at the next meeting on Wednesday, January 26, at 7.30 pm, in the Cambrian Hotel, when officers will be elected.

METHODIST CHURCH

The preacher on Sunday, Mr. Hugh-John Wilson, spoke on John 1, verses 29-42. In this reading, John is with his disciples when he sees Jesus coming towards them and says 'There is the Lamb of God'. One of them, Andrew, went to find his brother Simon, told him the news, and took him to meet Jesus. This is the way we should be spreading the gospel, by telling it to people and taking them to where they can meet Jesus. On Sunday morning at 11 am, the service will be led by Mrs. Muir Bird. A warm welcome is extended to all.

THOMAS MEMORIAL CHURCH

The service this Sunday at 11 am will be conducted by Pastor Peter Morgan.

ST. ISSELL'S WITH AMROTH MOTHERS' UNION

On January 8, members of St. Issell's and Amroth Mothers' Union travelled to St. Peter's Church, Goodwick, to join 24 other branches in a 'Festival of Light' service conducted by the vicar, Rev. Barnes. Branch banners were presented during the singing of the first hymn 'Though Whose Almighty Word'. After the bidding prayer, the Pascal Candle was lit and the first reading from Genesis given by Miss Nan Warlow, president of the St. David's Diocesan Mothers' Union. The remaining six readings were interspersed with hymns, prayers and the lighting of more candles. After a Collect for Epiphany, and the Mothers' Union Prayer, a blessing was given by Rev. Brian D. Witt, Mothers' Union chaplain. The ceremony was closed by the Rev. Barnes. The banners were collected from the Sanctuary during the singing of the final hymn 'Angel voices ever singing'. Mrs. E. Morgan, deanery leader, of Dewisland, Fishguard Deanery, said how delighted she was to see so many representatives from the branches and thanked everyone for attending. Mrs. Morgan particularly praised Mrs. Gwendolyn James, vice-president of St. David's Mothers' Union, for her dedication and loyal work for the Union, and presented her with a gift. The St. Issell's and Amroth members ended a wonderful day with supper at the 'Simply Cooking' restaurant at Letterston. On January 11, the Mothers' Union meeting was opened by Mrs. Lucille Daniels who said she was delighted to be at the meeting now that her health had improved. Included in the prayers was a special prayer that Lucille had chosen. The blessing was given by Mrs. Georgina Butler. A goodwill card was signed by all members to be sent to Mrs. Mary Plunket who was in hospital. The spring bazaar will take place on February 5 at the Regency Hall. Mrs. Daniels reminded members that the Mission to Seamen were still needing woollen clothing for the ships' crews and hospitals would like knitted toys for the children. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mrs. Daniels introduced the speaker for the afternoon, Clr. Peter Stock, a member of the Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet. His theme, Pembrokeshire and work of its council, was enlivened by amusing personal anecdotes. He stressed that members should not hesitate to 'phone the council helpline if necessary, and pointed out that its number was printed in information sheets etc., and also on the council bin bags. Clr. Stock ended by reading a poem about Pembrokeshire titled 'No Better Place' and reminded his listeners that the county motto was 'Strength Out of Unity'. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Jean Picton and Clr. Stock was presented with a gift. The next meeting will be on February 8.