Tenby-based charity START (Srilankan Trust to Aid and Rebuild Tangalle) has already raised approximately £7,000 to send to the town devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami. Local solicitor Paul Cowper and his wife Jane, who were on holiday in the resort at the time the devastating tidal wave struck, are working hard to raise funds to repair the shattered lives of the townspeople who helped them to safety. Fund-raising events began on the January 8 with a coffee morning at Lampeter Velfrey Church which raised £500. Last Saturday, a collection taken at the Queen's Hall, Narberth, Boxing Spectacular raised £117.04, while at Swallow Tree Restaurant, Saundersfoot, the magnificent sum of £1,162.60 has been raised to date through their on-going collection which started on New Year's Eve. A coffee morning with musical accompaniment held at Swallow Tree on Saturday raised a further £527. The main focus of attention for START is to support the schools in Tangalle and involve local children here in helping fellow pupils there. Saundersfoot CP School has raised a magnificent £1,700. As reported elsewhere in this issue, Paul and Jane Cowper went to the school to meet the children and were presented with the cheque in person. START would like to thank all those who have made such a wonderful contribution to the cause, especially the children. Forthcoming events include a dinner tomorrow (Saturday) at Lampeter Velfrey Rectory, while on Sunday, there will be a concert by the Starstruck Stage School from Haverfordwest at the Begelly Arms, Begelly, at 7.30 pm. On Wednesday, there will be a quiz at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot. Further information will also soon be available about the START website.
