With only three weeks to go before the opening day of the Daffodil Festival at St. Johns, Tenby, Mrs. Ann Maggs has now had confirmation from almost everyone she has approached, that the programme she's planned can go ahead. It's a four-day festival to celebrate our Patron Saint, David.
Starting on Thursday, February 26, the church will open for viewing at 10 am and after an hour-and-a-half of looking and smelling and reading and enjoying fellowship, it is assumed that everyone will be ready for a spot of lunch! So, between 12 noon and 2 pm, a cawl lunch will be served in the large schoolroom at the rear of the sanctuary. There will be a small charge for this, but it will be delicious!
After that, school children will be in the sanctuary performing for what we hope will be a large audience. It is always such a joy to see and hear children performing, in celebration of St. David, some of the newer or traditional pieces. At 2 pm, the Pembrokeshire (Ladies) Church Network will take place. Traditionally a ladies event, more and more men seem to be attending, which is very pleasing. All are welcome.
On Friday, the church will open again at 10 am and there will be a variety of musical performances during the day. In the evening, starting at 7.30 pm, there will be a 'table quiz' in the schoolroom.
Saturday sees the return of St. Mary's handbell ringers, the Town Silver Band and the Irish dancing groups. The bellringers and band have become very popular entertainment groups over the last few years and it is fortunate that they are committed to keeping this extra link with St. Johns through the daffodil festival.
Again, the church doors will be open at 10 am, but they may be somewhat obscured on the Saturday morning, as the Welsh cake ladies will be there, rolling their dough and baking their little cakes for sale. The smell is so irresistible, that few can pass by without buying some. Let's hope the weather is reasonable on that day.
That evening, the Noson Lawen and Fish and Chip supper takes place. This is the only event where you will need to buy a ticket in advance. The cost of the ticket is £3.50 per person and this includes the cost of the fish and chips and the concert. As there are only 70 tickets available, anyone wanting to go to the event needs to contact Margaret Day, who is selling them. Margaret is on (01834) 844633.
On the final day of the festival, March 1, church doors open at 10 am and there will be the usual 11 am service conducted by Rev. Peter Trow, ecumenical officer for the URC, which will be followed by a Faith lunch to which everyone who is at service, is invited. It is always a lovely occasion and is free.
In the evening, the festival climaxes in the Cymanfa Ganu, which begins at 8 pm. This year, for the first time, the conductor will be Mrs. Melanie Walker, who is the conductor of St. Johns Singing Group. Accompanist will be Dr. John Harrison. Several local choirs have indicated that they will be supporting the Cymanfa, including Tenby Male Choir, the Quaynotes and the Cymrodorion Ladies Choir.
If you enjoy a chance to sing your heart out in well-loved hymns, then this is the place to be on St. David's very own day. And you might go home with a bunch of those very symbolic daffodils, as the displays will have to be dismantled over the following day or two.
For any further information, contact organiser and flower-arranger extraodinaire, Ann Maggs, on 843971.