Despite the fact that there were well over 150 people present, the mood and atmosphere was one of intimacy and familiarity, as everyone there knew Nanette in a personal capacity, either as Mother, Nana, Sister-in-law, Pastor, Minister, Colleague, Chaplain or much-loved friend.
This service of thanksgiving was one of several 'happenings' that are being held at St. Johns this month and it was in recognition of the esteem that Nanette is held throughout this community.
Melanie Walker, leader of St. Johns singing group, presided over the service, introducing the hymns, all of which had been chosen by Nanette because of their deep meaning for her.
The service began with St. Johns singing group, who sang 'Lead me Lord', and this was followed by the hymn 'Just as I am', sung with much feeling by the whole congregation. Accompanist was Mrs. Sheila John, one of four organists at St. Johns.
Tenby Male Choir then took centre stage and with Dave Blackmore compering, Ian conducting and Jill accompanying, they sang three pieces, 'Rachie', 'I Believe' and 'Thanks be to God', which they dedicated to Nanette.
When the congregation stood to sing the lovely hymn 'Sweet is the work', Mrs. Pat Stubbs was at the organ and we were told that Nanette had chosen this hymn as it helped her to give thanks for the Word of God, and for the world in all its wonder.
The next hymn was 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, forgive our foolish ways', which has in the past, been designated 'the nation's favourite hymn' and had been chosen by Nanette as it encouraged quiet reflection in the middle of the busyness of the everyday life.
Tenby Male Choir then stood to sing three very different pieces, the first of which, 'O Gymru', David translated into English so that everyone present understood the significance of this 'hymn to Wales'. They next sang 'What would I do without my music', beginning without accompaniment, but being 'spot on' tune, when Jill began playing, and finally 'Amen'.
When Melanie introduced Dr. John Harrison, who was to play two organ pieces, she paused to thank those members of the Griffon and St. Mary's choirs who had come to augment the St. Johns singers. Dr. John has been a frequent and most welcome visitor to St. Johns over Nanette's 10 years of tenure, ever willing to co-operate musically and work ecumenically. He played the lovely 'Pachelbel's Canon' and 'the Trumpet Voluntary', which were very much enjoyed, not least by this reviewer, for the deep, happy memories they revived, for Nanette and others present.
Tenby Male Choir made a presentation of two watercolours, both painted by Carol Brinton-Thomas, a member and elder of St. Johns, when they next came to the fore. David reminded us of the regular art exhibitions held at St. Johns, and of the love Nanette has of paintings, especially of Pembrokeshire beauty spots.
The boys then sang 'She' to Nanette, as they know it is a favourite piece of hers. This was followed by 'The Gospel Train' and 'American Trilogy' and it was good to see members of Pembroke Male Choir, present in the audience, come up to join in the final item, as did Graham Stubbs, a member of St. Johns singing group, who founded the Tenby Male Choir and was MD for 25 years.
Nanette had asked that any retiring collection be give to the Wales Air Ambulance charity, and Mike Ashbridge, of that association, spoke briefly of the work of WAA and thanked everyone for their support.
The following day, Mrs. Sue Bonsor, treasurer of St. Johns, was able to announce £445 was raised.
The next hymn, chosen by Nanette, was 'The love of God comes close', a hymn which gave new words to an old tune, chosen by Nanette because for her, the words of our hymns are our faith, and this hymn was chosen as a tribute to the Iona community. Nanette has celebrated Iona worship on a weekly basis during her time at Tenby, in a mid-week service.
Melanie was able to tell us that Nanette preached her first sermon at 14, at Gilwern, near Abergavenny, where she lived, at an age, Nanette said, when she thought she knew everything! But her penultimate hymn was dedicated to all those communities within which she has worked for well over 40 years in ministry, 'And can it be, that I should gain, an interest in the Saviour's blood: Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?'.
Following a short prayer by Melanie and a few words of thanks from a clearly emotional Nanette, the final hymn could have been no other than 'Love Divine' sung in full harmony and with the enthusiasm only a Welsh congregation can give, accompanied beautifully by Alan Adams.
M.N.