ST. MARY'S CHURCH

The atmosphere at St. Mary's Church on Sunday morning was heady with the scents and perfumes of all the wonderful floral arrangements and memorial posies of the Flower Festival. The service began with the processional hymn 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation'. The service was in the care of Rev. Dennis Baxter. He welcomed all to the service and thanked all who had in any way contributed to the Flower Festival. Over 30 societies and groups had contributed flower arrangements and there were around 270 memorial posies. Mrs. Joy Griffiths read the first readings from the Book of Ezekiel. This related how the Son of God was sent to the people of Israel. If they were rude and impudent "you shall say to them 'Thus says the Lord God. Be not afraid of them, nor afraid of their words'." The second reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Collossians was read by Mr. John Bevan, 'Put on, as God's chosen ones, compassion, kindness, patience, let the peace of Christ rule your hearts'. The third reading was from St. John's Epistle, and Rev. Michael John took this as his text for his sermon. Michael began by explaining that the third reading was the tail end of a longer story. Jesus is sitting near a well at midday. The disciples have left to go to the nearby town to purchase food. As they leave, a Samaritan lady comes along and Jesus asks her to draw water from the well for him. At this time it was socially unacceptable for a Jewish man to speak to a Samaritan lady. Also a lady would be asked to draw water for the men of her own household. They start talking and the topic changes from well water to living water, which goes deeper into your being than any liquid. The Samaritan becomes aware of her own thirst for the living water, of what is being offered by Christ and she returns to the town. She proclaimed that she had met a man. Something he had said had changed her, not a threat or embarrassment but liberation. The dam of living water had burst and flowed through her life. The disciples return and see Jesus speaking with the lady and are aware of the social gaffe. They are embarrassed and try to distract him by saying "Rabbit eat." He replied saying that he managed to survive on a different kind of food; he was nourished by God. Mrs. Glynis James led the prayers asking for world peace and a special prayer for Seafarers and the Welsh Air Ambulance. The offertory hymn was 'Lord of beauty, thine the splendour.' The Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Dennis and he asked all to join him at the altars. The final hymn was 'O Praise ye the Lord'. St. Mary's Church Fete will take place on Wednesday, July 26, and opens at 1 pm. There will be a large variety of stalls.

Salvation Army

Sunday meetings were led by Captain Tracy Jackson. The evening meeting was one of a series of monthly Songs of Praise. The next Songs of Praise is on Sunday, August 13, at 10.30 am. Activities during the coming week include coffee mornings on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 am until 12 noon, and Bible study on Thursday at 6 pm. The Over Sixties Sunshine Club meets on Fridays at 2 pm, while Sunday meetings take place at 10.30 am and 6 pm and all are welcome. All events take place in the Salvation Army Hall in Upper Park Road, Tenby.  For more information, call Captain Tracy Jackson on (01834) 843329 or Irene Johnson on 01437 781167.     SOROPTIMISTS MEET

Tenby and District Soroptimists held a business meeting at New Hedges on July 4. Plans are in hand for the charity lunch at Plas Hyfryd, Narberth, on October 7. The summer outing will be a trip to Aberystwyth's National Library of Wales on July 18. The next meeting after the summer break will be on Monday, September 4, at New Hedges Village Hall.

HESED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

At the service on Sunday afternoon in Carringtons Restaurant, everyone told stories from their past, giving 'testimonies' of how they became Christians or how they had experienced God's help in their lives. For most, their experience was not a dramatic change from sinner to saint, but a gradual understanding of the heavenly Father who loves them with all of His being. Some had grown up in Christian families; others found their own way. Being in her late 90s did not seem to have affected Gwen vocally as she sang 'The Light'. Paddy also used songs to tell his story. Next Sunday's service will be at the usual time of 4.15 pm in Carringtons Restaurant, below the Atlantic Hotel in Tenby. All are welcome. Preacher for the afternoon is Mick Quirk. Refreshments are served after the service. Telephone the pastor, Rev. Peter Richmond, on 01646 681805 for more details.

ST. JOHNS CHURCH

Worship on Sunday was 'A Songs of Praise' organised by Mrs. Melanie Walker, musical director at St. Johns. Melanie thanked Connor Bridge, who read the words of welcome and also shared greetings with Sophie on her 13th birthday. They hymns for worship had been chosen by members of the congregation. The opening one, sung by the choir, was 'Be still for the presence of the Lord' and, as said by Melanie in her introduction, was the choice of Mrs. Mollie Neate, and reminded her of her daughters' weddings. Each hymn was introduced by the person who had chosen it. Mrs. Marlys Thomas, discreetly handed the microphone to them, so that they could give the reasons for their choice. Before all joined in singing the hymn, Melanie gave a brief resumé of the life of the speaker while a photograph of them was shown, through Power Point, in the capable hands of Mr. Graham Powell. Hymns chosen were 'Take my Life' and 'Give me joy in my Heart' by Mrs. Audrey Scullard and Mrs. Gwen Nicholl, respectively. Mrs. Eluned Brown's choice was 'Tenby', written for St. Johns, by Mr. Richard Williams. This was sung by the choir, who also contributed 'Morning Hymn' as well as the introit and sung blessing. Three more choices were from Mrs. Brenda Harris, 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind', Mr. Ron Hurlow, 'The Day Thou Gavest', and Mrs. Carol Thomas, 'O Jesus I have promised'. Prayers throughout were led by Mrs. Marion Griffiths. Readings with reflections were contributed by Mrs. Margaret Day, 'Jesus stills the storm', and Mr. Tony Scullard, 'The Wedding in Cara'. This time of worship was one of spirituality and joy. Hymns recalled special memories for those who chose them and for those who joined in the singing. A thank you to all who took part in word and music. Mrs. Pat Stubbs made a sterling contribution as organist. The choir led with enthusiasm. Melanie thanked all who had helped. A special thank you to her, not only for her organisational skills, but also for her delightful presentation. All are welcome to join in this Sunday's worship at 10.30 am. This will be led by St. Johns own minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head.

STEPS2HEALTH WALK

Surely no better way to spend a Saturday morning than to enjoy a brisk walk followed by a sociable coffee before savouring the beauty and inspiration of the flower illustrated texts of St. Mary's Flower Festival (writes B.S.). Volunteer trained walks leader, Val Coates, led the Steps2Health walkers across the golf links path to Black Rock Cottage and then across to the South Beach. After the heatwave, it was refreshing to have slightly cooler conditions in which to enjoy a bracing walk. Returning to the town up St. Julian Street, it was a joy to be greeted by the profusion of flowers that brought colour and character to the old buildings. But what a sad contrast as we proceeded up High Street with few flowers to brighten the right-hand side opposite the church. Calories lost on our walk were soon replaced as few could resist the array of home-made cakes in Church House. Many of the walkers then enjoyed the peace and beauty that St. Mary's had to offer them with their message of flowers. Another interesting, sociable and beneficial walk is on offer tomorrow (Saturday). Just meet outside Somerfield for a 10.30 am start. No charge!

Tenby RNLI fund-raising committee

A very enjoyable Cream Tea afternoon was held last Sunday at Tenby Sailing Club and a total of £320 was raised for RNLI funds. Thanks go to Tenby Sailing Club and to harbourmaster, Matthew Broadhurst, for his help with tables and chairs and to St. Johns Church for lending the crockery. Many thanks also to Penny Jackson, of Colby Lodge Tearooms, for donating the scones and jam and to Drim Farm Foods, Llawhaden, for donating the clotted cream. This Sunday (July 16), is the annual Open Air Service at Tenby Harbour at 7.30 pm. Meanwhile, on Sunday, August 6, the Frantic Five will be playing at Tenby Harbour.

Residents Association   Tenby Walled Town Residents Association will be holding their annual general meeting next Tuesday, July 18, at 7 pm at the usual venue, Church House in Upper Frog Street. New members will be made most welcome, and they hope to see as many people as possible there. At a recent committee meeting, it was agreed that the Public Inquiry had brought residents together and that there was now an excellent community spirit. After the election of officers and committee at the AGM, they will be looking for input on topics that people feel will help to improve the environment within the walled town. Suggestions that have already been put forward have been refuse collection and litter, decriminalisation of parking, Tenby in Bloom and street parties.  Go along for a chat with your ideas that you feel will benefit the community within the walled town.

ON THE AGENDA

Among items due to be discussed at Tuesday night's meeting of Tenby Town Council at 7.30 pm are the following: Planning correspondence: AWA - T Mobile base station; PCNPA - Southcliff Hotel; PCNPA - Café Culture; PCNPA - TPO 88; PCNPA - Plot 15, Haytor Gardens - further amendments. Correspondence: Clr. N. Lloyd (via e-mail) - Tenby Railway Station; Mr. Mark Youngman (via e-mail) Tenby Railway Station; Mid and West Wales Fire Authority - Risk Reduction Plan; PCC - Waiting Restrictions; Environment Agency - Cleddau and Pembrokeshire Coastal Rivers consultation document; Tenby Angling Club - Old Lifeboat Station; Kilgetty Cricket Club - Thank you. Grants and donations: Pembrokeshire Puffins. To receive an update on Pembrokeshire County Council matters relating to Tenby - Clr. Evans. To receive reports by councillors on outside bodies. Kent House and Milford House - Clr. Mrs. C. Brown. To receive an update on plans to illuminate Tenby town walls.

Tenby and District Bridge Club

Results, Wednesday, July 5: A seven table Mitchell movement, North/South, 1. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 61.01; 2. Liz Crockford and Kevin Thomas 55.95; 3. Margaret Davies and Sheridan Bradley 54.76. East/West - 1. Jill and John O'Sullivan 69.64; 2. Wally Heaton and John Isaac 55.65; 3. Irene Warlow and Rosemary Hathaway 50.60. Friday, July 7:  1. Bowen Eastlake and Kevin Thomas 61.46; 2. Irene Delahunty and Sheridan Bradley 59.38; equal 3. Gladys Irvine and Bert Barnikel with Coral Jones and Doug Silcox 54.17.  Duplicate bridge is played every Wednesday and Friday evening, 7 pm sharp, at the Kilgetty Community Centre. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information, ring Irene on 01646 622002 and for partners, ring Sheridan on (01834) 814560. Members are reminded that the barbeque on Sunday, July 23, commencing at 1 pm, is rapidly approaching. All members are encouraged to attend for a fun day. Tickets are available from Sheridan.

TENBY AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

On a sweltering hot sunny day, the vice-president, Tony Webster, took the chair for the second time. His first job was to welcome a visitor, Mr. Brian Martin. Brian is a member of a Probus Club in Bradford and he told of the way they run two clubs in that city. With a membership of 75 each and a long waiting list to join, they are a different kettle of fish to the Tenby club. The president was all at sea, with a visit to the Henley Regatta being the reason for his absence. Continuing the nautical theme, the speaker for the morning, Arthur Squibbs, took his audience from Scapaflow to the island of Malta and tales of life aboard a naval ship in the 1930s. He then ended with a list of telegram gaffs. Maybe this was what caused the service to be closed. Anniversary boy for the morning was Brendan Coates, who took the applause first and the raffle prize second. The next meeting will be on July 19 when the club's waterlogged president will be floating back into the chair. The Rev. Chris Lunn will be speaker. If you are a retired professional or businessman, why not go along and join them. Phone Lew Day on 844633 for more information or just turn up at the Tenby Bowling Club at 10.30 am. You will be made most welcome.

CHURCH SERVICES

Services for the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby with Penally, Gumfreston and New Hedges this Sunday (Trinity 5) include: St. Mary's, Tenby - 8 am Holy Eucharist; 10 am Sung Eucharist ; 6 pm Evensong and Sermon. St. Nicholas and St. Teilo, Penally - 9.30 am Family Eucharist. St. Anne's, New Hedges - 11 am Morning Prayer. St. Lawrence, Gumfreston - 11 am Holy Eucharist. St. Julian's, The Harbour - 4 pm Holy Eucharist. The RNLI service will take place at Tenby Harbour at 6 pm

CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. Teilo's, Five Arches - Sunday Mass 11 am. St. Bride's, Saundersfoot - Sunday Mass 9.30 am. Priest: Monsignor Brian Kinrade (842692).