The cheerful sight of Father Christmas in his sleigh greeted shoppers outside the Town Hall in Pembroke on Tuesday morning this week, while the Town Crier welcomed everyone to the coffee morning and Christmas table-top fete inside.

Once again, the Friends of South Pembs. Hospital's monthly event drew in the shoppers with a stunning display of different home industries, including wood crafts, homeware, jewellery, cards, paintings, and delicious home-baked cakes, all at remarkably inexpensive prices. The coffee area buzzed with the chatter of people enjoying their fresh coffee and scrumptious mince pies, while they enjoyed the wood-turning demonstration by John Blake, who teaches his craft locally.

Once again, a doctor was demonstrating natural products which alleviate all sorts of conditions, and was on hand to offer advice to everyone. He aims to be at the table-top sales every month.

The grand raffle was drawn, with many screams of delight from the winners watching. The first prize was £50, which was won by a local person, while others won hampers, cushions, and wine, to name a few.

The proceeds of these events are put towards items to make the lives of patients in South Pembs. Hospital more pleasurable, as well as equipment to aid in more speedy recovery. All these things are not covered by funding from elsewhere.

This Christmas, each patient in Sunderland Ward will receive a small gift from The Friends, as well as providing the flowers for their beautiful displays, both on the ward and in the day unit.

Next year will be equally as busy, with The Friends aiming to purchase more special Nimbus mattresses, to alleviate bedsores, as well as continuing with the garden re-planting already started and so beautifully done by Sandra from Coreside Nurseries.

Many thanks to all who came along to demonstrate their wares, and also everyone who attended and helped to boost funds. I think you'll agree, a great time was had by all.

If you would like to help the Friends in any way and can manage just a few hours each month, please pop along to one of the coffee mornings and table-top sales, now up and running and on the second Tuesday morning of each month, starting on January 8, in the Town Hall, Pembroke.