A Diamond Jubilee atmosphere ruled at Pembroke Probus Club's monthly luncheon on Tuesday, June 5.

The occasion was enhanced with the attendance of members' ladies. Fifty-three members and guests sat down to a tasty and memorable carvery lunch. Cleddau Bridge had themed the lunch in a typical street party style with flags and bunting, as well as a photograph of the Queen and Prince Philip on every table. Thank you Cleddau Bridge.

Naturally, in recognition of the diamond moment the guest speaker invited to address the club was a lady. Mary Sinclair, chairman of the Pembrokeshire branch of the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural Wales (CPRW).

Another lady, Rowenna Exeter, present with her father, was also celebrating an important milestone too. An important diamond birthday on the day. All present joined in with good wishes in the proper manner.

Mary Sinclair began her talk by telling members that she had been chairman of the Pembrokeshire branch for five years and in that time had fought many battles with planners and developers. Another Mary Whitehouse perhaps! We certainly need one.

The national CPRW was formed in 1921 after a Cymrodorian attended by such luminaries as the Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Davidson and Clough William Ellis, of Port Meirion fame.

The CPRW has been involved with the introduction of National Parks. It supported the Cardiff barrage but opposed the Usk barrage in 1996.

The Pembrokeshire branch has been involved in many local planning issues. Members were surprised to learn that conditions attached to a number of planning applications approved by relevant planning authorities were not enforced. She maintained that there should be a much more rigorous and positive approach to planning enforcement.

Her evocative talk went on about many important aspects of CPRW work; its attention to human rights as they were affected when planning applications glaringly unsuitable to the landscape that were approved, together with conditions that were often never enforced by the planning authority granting the approval.

Upon the conclusion of her talk questions were taken. The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Pat Russell, of Marledge Farm, Stackpole.

The next club luncheon meeting will be on Tuesday, July 3, when the guest speaker will be Dai Vaughan, the famous Welsh raconteur and member of Killay Probus Club, Swansea.

Further details from the speaker secretary on 01646 683708.