Just as this Covid plague draws to a close, the end to an unhappy chapter, so the Arts Club sheds its chains and muzzles and leads the way to a bright and happy Spring - writes Phillip Marsden.

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Tenby and District Arts Club is running again.

Last Friday, the members re-assembled for a social get together. Brief speeches, warm welcomes and new bright eager faces amongst the multitude. Gratifyingly too, the wines, all of the brightest quality, had not been sourced from France: seemingly a country which appears to have instigated a serious trade war with G.B.

The eats were as usual per French cuisine standards and simply scrumptious, and I have great satisfaction in confirming the sources as Tenby, Saundersfoot and Manorbier. Monsieur Macron has pushed us too far.

The November and December programme was announced with some really heavy hitters scheduled. But before I forget all the Friday meetings will now commence at 6 pm, presumably allowing members a little more time in the pub.

The old time of 7 pm was causing too much stress to some of our highly sociable lady members.

The first event is for November 5, with one of the local super stars, Mick Brown, at the microphone. His subject is ‘The Falkland Islands’.

Mick is one of the last explorers not yet extinct and his presentation and cinematography will be unrivalled electrifying.

This will be a mix of current and historic and I expect that when he covers the Falklands War his background will be the snap, crackle, pop and bang of rockets overhead. To Mick and Guy Fawkes, we will show our appreciation.

There is one caveat, however, the Committee asks members not to ask opinions on Mrs. Thatcher. The Arts Club is non-political, non-denominational, middle of the road. Anybody raising this very delicate and pertinent question will be asked to do the washing up!

On November 12, we have again beseeched Phil Okwedy to take the stage.

Phil is a Storyteller Supreme, and he will weave his magic keeping the audience bewitched; all so fitting around Hallowe’en.

The last time I saw him was on BBC television being interviewed by some big timers like Paxman or Portillo. Our speaker, Phil simply ran rings around them and they in turn slunk out of sight so outwitted were they.

When we have orators of Mr. Okwedy’s calibre, oft verging on classical fiction, we question why he is not in the House of Commons. But this is a taboo subject. Penalty – the washing up!

Instead ask him to wear his bowler hat for he certainly cuts a dash in that.

On November 19 we have Simon Hancock, Doctor Simon Hancock actually. The Arts Club have enjoyed this speaker before and he has proved most entertaining and popular. He is one of the big hitters chosen to get the Club running and racing again after the nightmare pandemic.

His subject is ‘The Historical Shipwrecks of Pembrokeshire’ and the presentation will electrifying. It always is. But beware, Dr. Hancock is a politician, currently (or was) the Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, a scientist, an author, a J.P. amongst many other offices…all very impressive but I think his long-term Curatorship of Haverfordwest Museum really takes the biscuit.

Careful not to upset him for his is a politician in part and if he says he remembers the sinking of the Tirpitz in Milford Haven, just let it pass.

We will want Simon to lecture to us again in the future. A very big man for a very important Club at a very turbulent time.

On November 26, the Club turns its’ attention to tragedy, but not the Classical Theatrical sort. We won’t hear about Macbeth, King Lear, Othello or Hamlet.

Also, Madame Butterfly is too near to Christmas, and it would be unfair to members. Instead, we have something real and close to home, and not so far back that I can honestly saw I was minus two years of age when it occurred.

In 1936 in Loveston, almost on our doorstep, a tragedy occurred causing seven miners to drown. Known as the Loveston Colliery Disaster, it made the headlines of the day.

Also, it gave a good description of mining in Pembrokeshire eighty odd years ago. It is an important part of our heritage and we are fortunate to have David Llewelyn to guide us through this very real tragedy.

David is an archivist with a special interest in the mining scene that was. Again, we are fortunate. This evening will be illuminating for all of us.

On December 3 the Club eases up for one week, and we are given a break from this feast of geography, fiction, ship wrecks and mining tragedy.

Then on December 10 we congregate for the Christmas Party with an extravaganza of carols, food, bottle emptying, washing up and Rudolph.

The thought of the resumption of the programme of the Arts Club fills me with excitement and the Committee have to be applauded for this renaissance whilst the rest of the United Kingdom stutters.

Annual membership is £10 for the period right through to Easter and a token £3 (or £5 for non-members) is payable at the door per meeting attended. ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ perhaps at the ‘lowest price on Earth’.

Six o’clock starts. Don’t forget. And all new members welcomed with open arms.