Members of St Mary’s Church, Tenby, have committed to support a Pembrokeshire charity for five years.

Some time ago the members of the Standing Committee and the Church Council made the decision to offer further support to the Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Foundation. The charity dedicates itself to supporting those in our area who are living with life limiting conditions and is able to provide vital care to not only the patient but also to their carers and families.

Paul Sartori has been the recipient of donations from St. Mary’s Church many times in the past, but now the church has committed to five years of provision, to the tune of £30,000 each year. “There could not be a better or more worthy cause than this,” said a spokesperson for St Mary’s. As a way of expressing their thanks, members of the Foundation’s board of trustees, clinical staff and systems leaders attended the 10am Holy Eucharist on November 20 and were warmly welcomed by the Rector, Canon Andrew Grace. “It was a privilege to worship with this dedicated band of people whose efforts go a very great way to easing the suffering of so many.”

On Sunday, November 27, Advent Sunday and the beginning of the new church year, members of the congregation made their annual donation of toys to local charity, PATCH.

“A wonderful array of gifts was collected, with presents suitable for children of all ages. There were so many lovely toys, particularly gorgeous, cuddly bears, lions and penguins, board games, art equipment and all sorts of items which will delight the children to whom they are given. Plenty of chocolate was evident too! It is a great joy to support PATCH, which offers a vast array of services and provision to many Pembrokeshire people who are struggling with the massive rises in the cost of living. Many of these residents are in families where both adults are in work but are unable to make ends meet.”

PATCH operates several foodbanks within the county, one of which is held in Tenby, at the Old Chapel in Lower Frog Street. Pembrokeshire Foodbank also provides food and practical help throughout the county, their central store being in Narberth. During 2022 both of these charities have received donations of £2,000 each from St. Mary’s Church, via the Deacon’s Fund, along with further support from individual church members and from members of the Mothers’ Union, who donate food at each meeting.

Next Sunday, December 4, a visit will be made by Bishop John Saxbee when he will carry out the Confirmation of eight candidates: Jack Peter Bainton, Tilly Isabelle Rose Hayes, Emilia Titterton, James George Titterton, Sheila Titterton, Sofia Perin Titterton, Anna Dawn Turner, and Marcus Jeffrey Turner. These candidates will be warmly welcomed into the church family and it is hoped that their lives will be long, happy, healthy and richly blessed as they take this important step along life’s pathway.