TOWN Hall Messy Church was the clear winner of the first-ever Pembroke Soup challenge held in the town hall recently.

Pembroke Soup, an innovative micro-grant aiding initiative, is the brainchild of local resident Joan Marsh, who was clearly delighted by the success of the launch of a fundraising event which aims to increase awareness of, and support for local charitable ventures.

“Pembroke Soup exists to make dreams come true,” said Joan.

“It was the first of what we hope will be a regular bi-monthly event when up to four projects have four minutes to talk about how their project benefits the community and how funding might help.

“Entrance is £4, everyone is given the opportunity to silently vote for the project which they think should receive the entrance money (minus necessary costs). The project gaining the most votes takes away these funds.”

She added: “Sharing gives the project publicity, but it can often lead to direct help and sometimes fresh ideas or enthusiasm.”

While outlining the work of Messy Church, Jackie Sansom said that this exciting initiative had started in October and is held at Pembroke Town Hall after-school on the first Wednesday of the month.

Messy Church, she said, is for children and their parents or carers and is intended to be a time of fun, laughter and food as the team seek to bring the Christian message into the heart of the community.

Messy Church was delighted to receive the funding of £70, which will be used to give every family at Messy Church a book as a present for Christmas.

Traditional Welsh dancing featured too as Mrs Mavis Williams Roberts shared her love of traditional Welsh dancing which she wants to share with others.

Anyone wanting to know more should contact Katie Collins on 07789 758613.