Members of SI Tenby and District Book Club had an enjoyable Christmas lunch at the South Beach Cafe on Wednesday, December 12 (see photograph). It offered the opportunity to reflect on the various novels which had been read and discussed throughout the year, as well as the chance to catch up with club news.

It has been a very busy end to the year for the club, organising the Christmas hampers, making ready for the Christmas dinner at the Giltar Hotel on December 18, participating in the Rotary Clubs' annual Christmas Service at St. Mary's Church, preparing for the February trip to Westminster, and continuing to further the club's on-going Programme Action projects; in particular, with regard to human trafficking and alcohol abuse.

December commenced with a business meeting at the Giltar Hotel on December 4. The club was very pleased to welcome Sandra Dade, representing the Paul Sartori Foundation, in order to present her with a cheque as a result of the money raised at the recent charity Victorian Tea and Fashion Show held at the Giltar Hotel on November 18. Sandra gave a very informative and interesting talk about the work of the charity founded in 1982 in memory of Father Paul Sartori, who died at the tragically young age of 38. The Foundation offers invaluable respite care and support for the terminally ill and their families living in Pembrokeshire and almost half of its income comes from the people of Pembrokeshire.

President-elect Elanor Sanderson then chaired the remainder of the meeting. Treasurer Rosemary reported on the various donations being made from the club's charity fund, notably, to the Paul Sartori Foundation and supplying Christmas hampers for distribution in the community. Future fund-raising ventures include a charity lunch at the Giltar Hotel on March 17, in aid of Arthritis Research, and a coffee morning in January.

Programme action officer Dr. Anne Kelly then gave a detailed report on the club's various projects. St. Teilo's School submitted the only posters in the regional alcohol abuse competition and these have now been entered into the second round. Correspondence has also been received from Tenby Youth Club and a series of workshops concerning the dangers of alcohol abuse will be held in the New Year as a result of the club's financial support last February. SI Tenby members have been invited to attend one of these sessions.

Anne then gave an update on the human trafficking campaign. The Purple Tears posters, displayed on International Anti-slavery Day last October, helped to raise awareness of modern day slavery. Anti-slavery International is also launching a taxi sticker campaign, giving key information regarding the signs to look out regarding possible victims of trafficking and important contact telephone numbers. Local taxi firms will be approached and links club secretary Iris Davies offered to pay for the stickers.

Plans are also in hand to make contact with Barnardo's and hold another forum on human trafficking in Tenby next year.

Lastly, Anne reported on Age Cymru's 'Rule Out Abuse' campaign. As a result of the huge number of signatures obtained by SI Tenby, spearheaded by programme action officer Anne, in order to petition the Welsh government about abuse of the elderly, Age Cymru has nominated SI Tenby for the prestigious award of Campaigner of the Year. Roy Noble is the appointed judge and the results will be released in January. If the club is successful, they will be invited to attend a gala presentation in Cardiff on February 8.

The club would again like to thank Malcolm, Patrick and their staff at the Giltar Hotel for the warm hospitality received over the past four months. Finally, SI Tenby and District would like to thank all those who have supported the club throughout 2012.

We wish everyone a very happy Christmas and look forward to your continued support in 2013. New members are always welcome. Please email secretary Wendy Bell [email protected]">[email protected] for further details.