Another excellent year was reported upon at the annual general meeting held at the Nantyffin Motel, Llandissilio.

Repleat from an excellent lunch prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Murrow and their staff, the club members settled down to hear the retiring president, Len Jones, praise his officers and, in particular, his secretary and deputy, John Mathias, for the wonderful support he had received throughout his year of office.

Handing over to his vice-president, Len said that John had made his work so easy with his judicious advice throughout the year.

John, in taking office, pledged to do his best to serve the members in his new post as president.

John Mathias, having served in the dual offices of secretary of the club and vice-president, had given his 2008-2009 report earlier in the proceedings, along with the treasurer, Derrick Charles, and what a report it was with a healthy membership of some 55 souls, the club was thriving.

The year, John said, had not been without its sadness with the loss of Ifor Evans, whom the members had remembered in silent tribute in July, but new additions to the club had brought the membership close to the prescribed 60 laid down in the rules.

John paid tribute to the officers who kept the club in good running order, the treasurer, Derrick Charles, whose healthy balance sheet, propped by the excellent generosity of the members, meant that solvency had never been a problem. Bill Harwood, the treasurer's right-hand man, was singled out for his work in persuading members to part with their pennies for the monthly raffle. John Wretham, quiet and efficient, kept a close eye on the PA system, ensuring that no embarrassing moments disturbed the eloquence of visiting speakers.

John mentioned the non-office bearing members, Stan Phillips and Stan Pitts, who with their humour and wit kept committee meetings from becoming overtly serious.

The almoner and press secretary was praised for his contribution to the club, not least for his special graces before the meal and for keeping in touch with those unable to attend through illness or accident.

To those who have willingly volunteered to give the vote of thanks or take on the task of calling for the loyal toast and all those who had suggested good speakers for the club to enjoy, he extended his thanks.

John, as secretary, was most praiseworthy regarding the work of Mr. and Mrs. Murrow and their staff, who month by month produced varied and excellent meals of quality.

A visit to the botanical gardens on what turned out to be the wettest day of the year, the splendid speakers who kept the members entertained with anecdote and humour, but often with a serious intent, Duncan Hilling, gardening at Picton Castle, Pauline Griffiths, curator of the Narberth Museum, Bill Hirst, deputy harbour master at Milford Haven, and David Murfin on battle cruisers built at Pembroke Dock. Dr. Colin Kelcey came all the way from Ludlow to be the club's guest speaker, keeping up the wonderful friendship the clubs have built up since 2005. A reciprocating visit to the Ludow Club will take place next April.

John Mathias, in his capacity as the new president, brought the annual general meeting to an end for 2009, explaining that in relinquishing the post of secretary, he would be handing over to Mike Garner, who had been elected in his absence.

The full committee is as follows: president - John Mathias; vice-president and treasurer until October 2010 - Derrick Charles; secretary - Mike Garner; social secretary - John Wretham; almoner and press secretary - Ken Kendall; Stan Pitts and Peter Spacey, non-office bearing members.

Speaker at the November meeting will talk on the subject of 'A Pembrokeshire Farm'. Members are asked to diary the date for the Christmas lunch on Thursday, December 17.