ARTS Club members have slept well for the last three months after the sheer intensity of the winter programme. A new chairman has been appointed, Roz Oak, who will spearhead the club in its intellectual drive; and will bring a charm to proceedings like no other (writes P.M.).

Squirrels hibernate and so does the tortoise and in winter they occasionally wake to satisfy their craving for nuts; and lettuce or slugs, I am told, in the case of Mr. Slowcoach.

Similarly, an Arts Club member needs his fix and as always the Summer Exhibition of paintings will satisfy their hunger. And as usual the immensely talented artists of the club's painting faculty will be displaying their wares for our pleasure. Annually your correspondent sings in praise of these latter day Van Goghs, Canalettos, Turners, Leonardos and Picassos, who, in all fairness, would all have been subsumed in their time by our own coterie of artists.

The official opening is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at 7.30 for 8 pm, in St. Johns Church Hall, Warren Street, Tenby. The official opening is by invitation only and members are implored not to sell their tickets on the black market. This is a prestige event, with limited entry. Ticket touts on every corner, just like Ascot and Henley. And those who possess the blessed ticket must thank God for their benefaction and not succumb to short term profit.

HM the Queen sparks off Ascot. The Duke fires the starting cannon at Cowes. At Henley the first call of 'pull' comes from Prince George who is beginning to speak and is halfway through learning the word 'pullover'.

None of this in the Arts Club, for this year we have an absolute demigod to cut the ribbon. None other than the much decorated Doreen Hammersley, an artist above the usual mortal class, for wasn't it early this year that I was in the Sistine Chapel in Rome? Everybody dribbling at the mouth at the works of Michelangelo when I said "I prefer Hammersley." That caused a scene, but I stood by my word, for I believe I am an exemplar of truth and conscience. Most people support me.

After the Grand Opening, the hall is open to the public absolutely free of charge. To view, to debate, to satisfy intellectual curiosity. By and large, paintings can be purchased at absolutely pre-recognised old master prices. Already your correspondent has one. Can't admire it any more, for it has to be hidden away in bank vaults.

This event ladies and gentlemen is a highlight of Tenby's intellectual year. It must not be missed. Admission is free and will run until Friday, July 31.

Put these dates in your diary. Miss this event at your peril.

Curiously, the Arts Club has scheduled a second out of season highlight event on August 22. They title it a 'Coffee Morning'. It will be held in Church House, Upper Frog Street.

OK for you folks who love coffee. But those who like bric a brac, jumble, monster, bargains, cakes, books, funny Christmas hats, garden gnomes; you will not be disappointed.

More on this 'Sale of the Century' later, but in the meantime gird your sinews for the Arts Week. An event for posterity.