Tonight (Friday) sees the grand opening of the Summer Painting Exhibition in St. Johns Church Hall, Warren Street, Tenby. This is an all-ticket affair for Arts Club members, with a galaxy of invited dignitaries adding glitter to an already lustrous occasion. The beauty of the hall with its gothic interior, high ceilings, mullioned windows, bedecked with flowers, will please the senses. The jewellery, silks and satins of the ladies will electrify as they hustle and bustle in their finery. Flashes and sparks; blinding lasers; reflecting from the diamonds. The official opening is certainly a dress occasion. The curator of Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, Mr. Neil Westerman, has been selected this year to make the opening declarations and speech. But above all and dominating the proceedings is Mrs. Brown, the new club chairman, who will rule the roost in her individual style. Re-reading these words, your correspondent feels that the impression given might suggest a day out at Royal Ascot or even a state occasion such as a Coronation. Not a bit of it. This is a display of art. Nothing else. Those who have visited the Sistine Chapel, within the Vatican in Rome, will probably have already sensed the occasion here in Tenby. Stand there in the chapel and be overwhelmed by the power of Michelangelo and his amazing work on the ceiling. And here in St. Johns Church Hall visitors will sense something very similar. On the walls will hang a myriad of water colours, oils, gouache, charcoal, pen, ink. You name it. It can overwhelm too and some regard the effect more impressive than the Michelangelo. The exhibition is something not to be missed by anyone. Following the Grand Opening Night, the hall is open to all, absolutely free of charge, until Thursday, July 31. The hours are 9 am until 5 pm, Sundays excluded. It is probably sporting to warn visitors of a hazard at reception, should Mrs. Brown decree there should be hostesses at the door. These ladies are to offer a warm welcome. They are not accosting. I think it fair to forewarn. Writing this account of the Grand Opening, one's mind is overjoyed, having had the opportunity to witness the sparkle. So it must be recognised that events like this do not just happen. Not a bit of it. There needs to be genius behind the scenes, and here is the Arts Club the members give thanks to the hon secretary, Mrs. Jackie Barnett, who sprinkles the stardust. Year after year her strong direction has brought the event to where it is now. Finally one must mention a raffle of moment. Graham Hadlow, himself, has donated one of his famed watercolours as the prize. Your correspondent is seriously considering buying all the available tickets himself. An economic way to possess a masterpiece, but probably a little too greedy and grabbing. Not exactly the style of an English gentleman.

C.P.M.