“It may be wet and autumnal outside, but the warmth of your welcome easily outshines the weather.” In her words of greeting at St. Mary’s Patronal Festival on Sunday, Bishop Joanna Penberthy spoke of her pleasure at conducting the Holy Eucharist on this special occasion.

In her sermon, Bishop Joanna shared her insight into the extraordinary and momentous importance of Mary, the mother of Christ, in our on-going journey of faith. The benefice congregation were captivated by the Bishop’s delivery and vision.

The congregation were also delighted by the splendid musical and choral contributions provided by St. Mary’s Choir and Dr. John Harrison, particularly the wonderful Toccata in F by Widor.

Following the Holy Eucharist, our Rector, Rev. Canon Andrew Grace, introduced to the congregation the Harvest Project for the benefice. Each member of the congregation was given a small bottle of water and invited to drink the water (later). The empty bottles are then to be used to hold cash contributions to a most worthy international charity.

Water Aid is currently running the Bottles Appeal, aiming to provide clean, life-giving water to those who need it. These funds will be collected at the various Harvest Thanksgiving services.

Rector Andrew then welcomed guest representatives from one national and one local charity. Dementia UK and Tenby Talking Newspaper are the recipients this year of the funds raised by our annual Posy Festival. Presentations of almost £1,800 to each charity were made by Mrs. Mary Smith and Mrs. Barbara Morris, these funds being raised at the posy festival, ‘In Loving Memory’, held in early July.

Over 250 yellow and white posies, along with window displays and individual arrangements adorned St. Mary’s Church over four days and we welcomed visitors from far and wide to enjoy the floral spectacle.

Bishop Joanna then offered prayers and a blessing for the work of all three wonderful charitable organisations.

In 2018, the Posy Festival will again be staged, this being its 20th year. It has been decided to hold the event over the same four days as this year in order to avoid clashing with various sporting activities in the locality. In Loving Memory will take place between Thursday, June 28, and Sunday, July 1, 2018.

Following the service, delicious refreshments were served by our magnificent Soupermen catering group, when church members and visitors were able to chat informally with Bishop Joanna.