After a hiatus due to the Coronavirus pandemic, last Sunday saw a return to tradition in Tenby.

Firstly there was the Tenby Town Council Civic Service and Blessing of the New Mayor - with a Church service that is traditionally held every year.

The service at St. Mary’s Church was conducted by Revd Canon Andrew Grace who is the Mayor’s Chaplain for this year.

The Mayor, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhll, Councillors and Mace Bearers paraded from the De Valence to the Church, lead by the Sea Cadets and accompanied by various uniformed and other organisations.

Mayors, Mayoresses and Consorts from Haverfordwest, Pembroke, St. David’s, Pembroke Dock and Narberth were also in attendance, together with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Mr. John Thomas-Ferrand.

Revd Adrian Davies preached the sermon on the theme of service and of being ready to serve.

Later that same day saw the full return of the town’s annual ‘Sea Sunday service’ outside St. Julian’s Church in the harbour.

Representatives from across the Churches of Tenby came together for a well attended service that was also led by Canon Grace.

Supported by the band of the Salvation Army, the service included readings, Hymns and a Sea-themed Quiz.

Afterwards the RNLI fundraising committee members served Welsh teas with all proceeds in aid of Tenby Branch of the RNLI.

“It was lovely to see the return of these services. During the pandemic there has been so much that we have missed. Our traditions are important to us and it was good to be able to celebrate together,” said the Mayor.