Annual Summer Luncheon
The annual RNLI three-course Summer Lunch will be held at Plas Hyfryd Country Hotel, on Sunday, at 12.30 for 1 pm.
Tickets for the luncheon are priced £16 and can be obtained from secretary Barbara Wilson on (01834) 860880, chairman David Gibbs on (01834) 860535, vice-chairman Graham Searle on (01437) 541284 or other committee members of the Narberth Branch of RNLI.
Narberth U3A
Recently the term 'fin de siècle' has been used in newspapers to describe the possible final days of the government (writes Dave Dando). The term means end of century and was used in the 1890s to describe elements of art nouveau which some people found decadent.
The U3A monthly meeting had a talk on art nouveau, an international art movement and style of the late 19th and early 20th century. It was characterised by the sinuous lines of vines, leaves and flowers seen in illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley and the vertical straight lines associated with arts and crafts and Mackintosh.
It reached the peak of its popularity around 1905, but following World War One was gradually overtaken by art deco and other modernist styles.
The discussion group debated whether it was always necessary to tell the truth. A lively discussion ranged from philosophical definitions of truth to the dissembling of politicians. In conclusion, the meeting decided that we all exercise judgement before we surrender information and simple answers were not always realistic or appropriate.
The classical music group looked at Carmina Burana written by Carl Orff which has figured in a number of film scores. A German composer whose activities during World War Two are unclear but, faced with the possible loss of royalties from his music, he claimed to have been a member of the resistance.
The American authorities partially believed him and changed his category from 'gray unacceptable' to 'gray acceptable', enabling him to continue to compose for public presentation. It is possible that 'gray acceptable' is about as far as we go in believing some people these days.
Bookings continue for the Jazz Study Day on May 20 and the trip to the Sisley exhibition in Cardiff on June 10.
If you wish to find out more about U3A, ring Peter Hughes on (01834) 862964.
Cricket Club
Winners of the National Lottery bonus ball draw organised by the ladies committee of Narberth Cricket Club this week were: Group A - Gill Harries; Group B - Albert Smith.
Main sponsor is Young Brothers, Llandissilio, while junior sponsor is Wood Office Caravan and Tents Park, Cold Blow, and maintenance sponsors are Mark and Wendy Wood, Angel Inn, Narberth.
Williams Vision, Narberth, Balcony Suite man-of-the-match was Wayne Howells with 56.
Tonight (Friday), the Under 13s play away to Kilgetty in the Welsh Cup.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the 1sts are away to Hook, the 2nds are home to Llechryd and the 3rds are home to Fishguard 2nds. Match ball sponsor for all three games is Rob Morgan, A40 Garage, Slebech.
On Monday, the Under 13s play Neyland away, while on Wednesday, Narberth are home to Whitland in the Harrison-Allen Bowl. All proceeds from the match raffle and barbecue will be donated to the Shelley Harries Fund..
the 55 plus
swimming club
The 55 Plus Club held its awards lunch in April at the Wiseman's Bridge Inn. The chairman, Wyn Rees, welcomed everyone and following grace given by Denzil Davies, members settled down to an excellent lunch in the inn's pleasant dining room with its splendid view over the Saundersfoot bay.
Every year, the 55 Plus commends those members who have kept records of their swimming distances over the year with ASA certificates and badges. Members who were presented with these awards were Jo Davies, Mary Davies, Peter Taylor, Gwyneth Williams, Joanna Taylor, Maddie Berridge and Ruth Bromley.
Learners swimmers, Petra Davies and Margaret Parry were presented with achievement certificates. New members, Gaynor Wilson, Andrea and Keith Drabble were welcomed to the club and were presented with club badges, while the chairman's wife, Kathleen Rees, was awarded a box of chocolates as winner of the club's newsletter 'Welsh names' quiz.
The chairman stated that he was pleased with the number of awards at this event, the first since he came to office. He thanked the staff of the Wiseman's Bridge Inn for an enjoyable meal and the good welcome.
There followed a presentation to the retired chairman, John Wretham, who had stepped down from office at the club's AGM in February. He received a watercolour painting, by member John Burt, and a commemorative plate, painted by member Sheila Edwards, and in thanking everyone remarked sadly that he wished that his late wife Sheila had been there.
"She would have enjoyed it so much," he added.
A group of members are away on holiday to Benidorm this month and trip to Scolton Manor is planned in June, also to the Aberystwyth Arts Centre to see 'The King and I' in August.
New members are always welcome. The club meets at the Narberth Swimming Pool on Monday and Friday mornings.
NARBERTH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
Vincent Van Gogh's paintings of a sunflower are very popular, but most of us get only to see the prints of famous artists. Until I saw the authentic 'Sunflower' I did not realise how pitiful my print looked.
I turned on a 'Christian' television broadcast this week to find a large man in a gaudy suit, sweating profusely as he paced across his platform, loudly shouting in cadence, "I'm putting the devil on notice that I am here!" Several thousand, all stood with extended arms, swaying to the preacher's rhythmic delivery and gazing upon him as if he was a god who could deliver them from all their troubles.
I put myself into the mind of a non-Christian. If I saw that as the representation of Christianity, I would definitely not want any part of it! Jesus is the standard of authenticity. We face plenty of cheap imitations in our own day. So how do we recognise authenticity in the midst of vain imitations?
Jesus painted the picture clearly of the hypocrisy found in the most prominent religious leaders among the Jews of his day who loved being the centre of attention and boasting of their religiousness and piety (Matthew 23: 1-12). Jesus warned his followers not to do the things they did and made authentic spirituality clear by saying "But the greatest among you shall be your servant."
Here is the challenge for authenticity as Christians. It is not the title we wear that matters. Do you invest time and energy upon serving others? Or do you seek to put others in your service?
NBF meet 6.30 pm Sundays in the chapel at Pant-y-Gorphwys Farmhouse on the main A478 from Penblewin roundabout to Narberth. Do visit or give a call on 01834 861391.
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
Tomorrow (Saturday), at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, you are invited to an evening with Cyrille Regis MBE, the ex England soccer legend, at 7 pm. Bookings, £12 inclusive of buffet, should be made with Neil Bartholomew on 07813014163 or (01437) 731785.
Proceeds from the evening go to the Cancer Ward, Withybush Hospital.
This Sunday's service will also be held in the Plas Hyfryd Hotel at 10 am. The speaker will be Kevin Hutchinson from Birmingham. A warm welcome to all.
Alpha Supper
Are you coming for supper? An Alpha Supper will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 7.15 for 7.30 pm, at the Court House, Market Square, Narberth. A meal is served followed by a short talk. There is no financial charge for the evening.
Over 11-million people worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations, and at universities, in prisons and on military bases across the world. It is low-key, friendly and fun - and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.
The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers. Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 courses are currently running across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.
Guests attend for a wide variety of reasons - some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples' beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is.
Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally, but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
If you would like to attend, please put your name down at the Liberty cafe, or send an e mail to: [email protected]">[email protected]
Bethesda Baptist Chapel
Services at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth, in the week beginning Sunday, May 17, are as follows:
Sunday School starts at 10.15 am. Morning service takes place at 10.30 am and the evening service at 6 pm. Both services will be taken by Rev. Chris Rees, minister of Bethesda Chapel.
The Bible study and prayer meeting is on Tuesday at 7.15 pm.
The Ladies Fellowship meeting is on Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm in the schoolroom when the speaker will be Rev. Huw Michael (Pembroke Dock).
A Christian bookstall will be held in the Country Market in Narberth's Queen's Hall on Thursday between 9 am and 12 noon.
All are very welcome to these meetings.
Narberth AFC
The Super Lotto draw numbers were 11, 18 and 20, but there were no winners.
The next draw on May 25 is a rollover and will be in excess of £700.
National Lottery bonus ball winners on Saturday, with number 12, were Peter Hughes and Sheila and Wendy. Spare numbers are available from Williams Vision, High Street, Narberth.
Meat Draw
Winners of the Narberth RFC Supporters' Club meat draw this week were as follows: beef - Martin James; lamb - Paddy; pork - Eddie and Albert.
The Supporters' Club raises money each week on behalf of the Rugby Club through the meat draw. Supporters interested in having a ticket at £1 per ticket with three chances to win a joint of meat for the weekend, should contact Shelley Morris on (01834) 861897 or any member of the supporters' committee.
The draw takes place every Friday evening.
GLANRHYD BAPTIST CHURCH
This Sunday, the service at 10.30 am will be conducted by Mr. Gwyn Price-Evans, of Whitland.
Grace Church
What are you doing on Sunday? You can find all kinds of things to do, I'm sure you don't need anyone to suggest a few. However, first things first. We guarantee that if you give a Sunday morning to come to our 10.30 am morning service you will be pleasantly surprised. You will find people of all ages, different backgrounds and nationalities meeting as one family.
The speaker this Sunday is Dr. Monty White, formerly the chief executive for answers in Genesis UK, his specialist subject being Creation. Where do the dinosaurs fit in, how old or how young is the earth? Come on Sunday to find out.
We will do our best to make it well worth getting up for, to enjoy serious fun, to hear a talk that challenges and is applicable to life today, good music and find new friends. You will be greeted and served by some of the amazing people who are part of Grace.
Come on your own, with friend or family, you are most welcome. Grace meet every Sunday at 10.30 am at the Queen's Hall, Narberth. Coffee is served from 10 am. There is an active programme for children and a crèche when the speaker commences.
Grace have their offices at the Court House, Market Square, Narberth, which also houses the Liberty cafe.
CHURCH services
Tomorrow (Saturday): RAOB Club - 10.30 am coffee morning and plant sale.
Sunday: St. Andrew's - 10 am Sung Eucharist; Holy Cross, Robeston Wathen - 11.30 am Holy Eucharist.
Wednesday: St. Andrew's - 10 am Holy Eucharist.
Templeton and Reynalton
UR Churches
The united service on Sunday will be held at Reynalton United Reformed Church at 6.30 pm. It will be the anniversary service of the Reynalton Sunday School and will be led by Mrs Melanie Ablitt. We extend a warm welcome to all visitors.
County Councillor's Surgery
Clr. Wynne Evans will be holding an advice surgery at the Span Building tomorrow (Saturday), 10.30 - 11-30 am, to address any concerns that residents of the Narberth Town Ward may have. Bus timetables are also available for collection.