Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society

February Events

2012-01-23T14:03:00.002Z

Quiz Night January 20th - What a Night!!

2012-01-23T13:43:00.006Z

This month's Quiz Night broke all records - we couldn't believe the numbers attending: in all 61 people!! Oh my God, have we got enough food? That was went through our minds as the folks poured through the door! But we are indeed fortunate that we have marvellous caterers on the committee and everyone was able to enjoy the usual high standard of buffet people have come to expect. Thank you to all but especially to the extraordinarily talented Liz Jenkins, Ann Lankshear and Pauline Waters. Pauline is our Quiz master as well and always makes these Quizzes a good laugh. Even if you are pants at quizzes (like me) it doesn't really matter - its such an enjoyable social evening: everyone left in a happy mood. Our next Quiz Night will be on Friday, March 16th, Monkton Priory Church Hall at 7.30pm.

Wednesday January 11th - our belated Christmas dinner!

2012-01-16T22:12:00.003Z

We met at the Royal George for a belated Christmas dinner but particularly to take George Lewis out for a meal in the way of a big 'thank you' for all the help he has given us. Local artist George and his wife Jeanne painted the Pembroke Murals which are on display in Pembroke Town Hall and George has illustrated our two heritage leaflets: the Pembroke leaflet will be launched on Saturday February 4th at Monkton Church Hall 10.30 am.

Turner's Reach

2011-12-30T19:31:00.002Z

Pembroke lost another historic house on Wednesday night as no 4 Rocky Park burnt down. The neighbourhood fought to save this house from demolition as its owner wanted to pull it down as it interfered with projected housing development plans. CADW refused on the grounds that the house made a significant contribution to the conservation area. For a long time now this once lovely Victorian house has stood empty, its windows thrown open to hasten deterioration and its demise is no surprise to anyone. It was known as Turner's Reach, standing as it does on high ground overlooking the Castle on the opposite side of Castle Pond. Turner painted this view, as did many other 18th and 19th topographical artists.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T23:00:00.002Z

Christmas 2011 is DISMAL. This weather is well and truly depressing and not a bit in the Christmas spirit - contrast the lovely Christmas pics of Pembroke Castle in the snow of last year!! Still, on the bright side, it is mild even though dull and wet. Happy Christmas everybody!

OUR NEXT EVENT - QUIZ NIGHT JANUARY 20TH

2011-12-16T21:39:00.006Z

Last week

2011-12-13T22:05:00.004Z

Last week was quite busy, a committee meeting, a visit to Monkton Old Hall and a Saturday morning presentation and coffee morning.

We are very grateful to the Landmark Trust for allowing us to visit as the Old Hall is usually let to visitors and not open to the public. It was great to see it and to be able to take photographs for our records. Sorry to say, we didn't see the ghost!
Last Saturday was not like our usual coffee mornings. I wanted to introduce our community history project "Through my eyes" to more people with a view to getting them involved - so I gave a presentation and Stuart worked his usual magic with the computer!. As it was Christmas the coffee was on the house and for an added bonus we supplied lunch (thanks to Pauline) as well.
Must find time to write those Christmas cards now I guess!

Archaeology Day

2011-11-21T22:40:00.001Z

On Saturday 19^th, we participated in the Archaeology Day at Pembrokeshire College. It was organised by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and PLANED and we were invited, with other heritage groups, to put on a display showcasing the work we, in the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society, are doing. The event was a sell out with 200 people attending. The speakers covered much ground from Paleolithic and Neolithic rock art and stone circles of the Preseli’s, the excavation of the12th century Castle at Nevern to 20^th century military installations in Pembrokeshire.

We remember them

2011-11-14T18:53:00.004Z

This past week has been dominated, of course, by Remembrance Day. A few months back I received an email from Martin French attached to which were a set of photographs taken of Pembroke’s war memorial when it was unveiled in 1924.

Historical note: I contacted Keith Johnson, local historian and editor of ‘Pembrokeshire Life’ magazine, to find out more about Pembroke’s fine War Memorial. Keith told me it is a replica of the national cenotaph at Whitehall made locally by T.W. Colley & Sons and was built of silver-grey granite at a cost of £500. Sir Frederick Meyrick of Bush donated the plot of land to the Pembroke Corporation for the siting of the memorial, on which were inscribed the names of the 87 local men who died in the First World War. The service was led by Canon David Bowen of Monkton, and the cenotaph unveiled by General Sir Francis Lloyd, first commander of the Welsh Territorial Division.

Quiz Night November 11

2011-11-14T17:38:00.003Z

A good crowd turned up for our Quiz Night last Friday, which was a nice surprise in view of the fact that the Pembroke Male Voice Choir were singing in Priory Church across the road. They are terrific and would like to have gone but this clash of events was not apparent when we put together our programme last year. Everyone enjoyed the evening and by popular demand we are going to put on more of these Quiz Nights next year.

Saturday November 5th

2011-11-08T19:32:00.008Z

Our exhibition this month was on a wartime theme - we prepared a display of wartime memories and photographs of Pembroke people and some WWI photos as well. We also had a display of military weapons and artefacts from Philip and Briggette Thomas as well as an old home movie belonging to the Haggar family . This featured parades, the Queen's visit to Pembroke and the 60s demo against the coming of the German army to Castlemartin and much more. Fascinating stuff!

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2011-11-03T21:29:00.001Z

November Events

2011-10-25T22:16:00.003+01:00

Haggar's Night - a huge success!

2011-10-25T21:59:00.003+01:00

Last week in Pembroke the Michaelmas Fair drew the crowds but there was another big attraction in Pembroke Main Street on Friday October 14th. In Pembroke Town Hall, Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society presented Haggar’s Night, a celebration of the life and work of William Haggar, pioneer of the cinema and moving pictures. Pembroke has a long association with the Haggar family and the closing of Haggar’s cinema and ballroom is still a matter of huge regret to so many here. Testimony to that affection was the huge turn out as around 100 people attended the meeting which was presented by Sarah Haggar, great great granddaughter of William Haggar. The audience were then treated to a showing of some of the films, and they were fortunate indeed to welcome Mark Jones, a colleague of Sarah’s at Milford Comprehensive School, and who has now put the films to music which really made them come alive. The evening ended with a tribute to Roy Haggar, Sarah’s father and family historian, sadly missed. Haggar’s Night was quite an occasion and a great many people commented that they had enjoyed it so much they would love a repeat performance.

Coffee Morning October 1st

2011-10-02T15:12:00.003+01:00

Saturday October 1st was according to the 'News' the hottest October day on record! It was also the day we recommenced our Local History Coffee mornings and we were pleased that so many dropped in to see us - regulars, newcomers and even holiday makers. The theme of our exhibition this time was 'Entertainment in Times Past' and we found lots of material from Pembroke Fair, cinema, amateur dramatics, festivals, carnivals, church events to horse and greyhound racing. The theme was inspired by our big event next Friday 14th - Haggar's Night at the Town Hall. Looking forward to that!

We begin our Autumn Programme

2011-09-17T23:25:00.002+01:00

We began our Autumn programme yesterday, and what a good beginning! Popular local character Reg Williams spoke to a packed Church Hall about his long career as a local postman in a talk entitled “50 Years a Pembroke Postman”. Reg was in good form as he recounted his memories of leaving school at 14 and getting a temporary job as a telegram boy, a job for a fortnight in 1945 but which he actually left in 1995, 50 years later! As you can see from the photographs, we had a pretty full house!!

Sunday 11th - Iron Man Wales and a Steam Train returns to Pembroke

2011-09-16T13:22:00.009+01:00

October Events

2011-09-09T21:07:00.004+01:00

Our Next Event - Friday September 16th

2011-09-09T18:07:00.003+01:00

Well known local character Reg Williams will be talking to us at Monkton Church Hall on Friday 16th September. The talk is about his life as a postman"5o years a Pembroke Postman": his memories, anecdotes and photographs. Promises to be an entertaining evening - as always, we do not charge for entry and afterwards there will be refreshments and time for a chat. All welcome!

Open Doors Event Friday 2nd September

2011-09-09T17:54:00.002+01:00

Friday saw us in Pembroke Town Hall participating in the Civic Trust Wales Open Doors 2011, an event shared with Pembroke Civic Trust and Dyfed Family History Society. We provided the refreshments and collected donations for the Mayor's Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support who also did their own fundraise at the event.

2011-08-20T23:14:00.000+01:00

CHANGE TO ADVERTISED PROGRAMME!

2011-08-12T14:41:00.002+01:00

There will be a change to the advertised programme in September. We are participating in the Civic Trust's Open Doors 2011 event which will take place at Pembroke Town Hall on Friday 2nd September from 10 am - 4 pm. This will replace the Saturday meeting scheduled to take place on the following Saturday morning at Monkton Church Hall.

Pembroke Town Hall is opening its doors and we are displaying Vicki Haggar's Main Street exhibition which many have requested that we show again. Rosalie Lilwall and here team from the Dyfed Family History Society will also be there and a display from West Wales Maritime History Society.

Entry is free but we are putting out an appeal for donations for the Mayor's Charity which is Macmillan Cancer Support.

At the Pembroke Show

2011-08-07T19:55:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday August 3rd we attended the Pembroke Show, putting together a small exhibition based on some of the work we are involved in at the moment and showing off our new banner. We had lots of interest and met lots of people - hardly stopped talking all day. "It always rains on the Pembroke Show" they say - well its not true. This year the sun shone and it was a grand day out for everyone.
Sorry, I haven't yet downloaded my photos but will add a few when I am able.

We steam up the Pembroke River!

2011-07-27T23:07:00.006+01:00

Today the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society accompanied two steam boats in a small flotilla up the Pembroke River to be greeted by the Mayor. First time I've travelled up the River - had a great time. Glorious sunny day - couldn't have been better!

Congratulations Pembroke North Community Association on a great day!

2011-07-27T22:39:00.004+01:00

The sun shone on Saturday afternoon July 23rd and crowds gathered on The Green to join in the Community Fun Day organised by the Pembroke North Community Association. It was a lovely community get together. We joined in to help and put on a display in the marquee, held a bric a brac and book sale while Rachel did a magnificent job on the raffle. The event was organised by volunteers with very little funding and who have freely given up their time to work for the local community. They want to see more done for Pembroke North which has no facilities and has recieved no funding whatsoever. They also held this event to consult with residents and gauge public opinion. The overwhelming response has been for a play park for the children and a community centre on the Green to act as a focus for the community of Pembroke North. See their website http://www.pembrokenorth.org.uk/

Our maritime exhibition July 2nd

2011-07-05T19:17:00.006+01:00

Our last event of the summer was held on Saturday July 2nd, an exhibition about Pembroke's Maritime Past. It l featured also the work of another local heritage Society, The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society . As there had been a mix up with the bookings at the Monkton Priory Church Hall, where we usually meet, we held the exhibition in the Priory Church. Whilst it meant that we had to pack up early and could not show the whole of the exhibition, on the plus side we had a lovely time sitting outside enjoying coffee, cakes and a chat in the beautiful morning sunshine. Best day of the summer so far!

Filming on Castle Pond

2011-07-05T19:17:00.005+01:00

Pembroke became a film set last week chosen by the BBC for a production of Richard II and mediaeval soldiers could be seen standing along the Castle Pond. They certainly chose lovely weather for it - a beautiful summer's morning, bit too hot for chainmail though.

Next Event - Pembroke's Maritime Past

2011-06-21T11:32:00.001+01:00

Long Ago, Down Below

2011-06-21T11:30:00.001+01:00

Our talk by John Russell on Friday June 17th was another huge success with just under 100 people attending!
John talked about the families who lived on the farms on the Castlemartin peninsular and who were, prior to World War II, dispossessed of their land to make way for the tank training range. He told their story "Long Ago, Down Below" and some people affected actually attended the talk!

Growing Up in the Main Street - June 4th

2011-06-17T18:29:00.005+01:00

This exhibition,organised by Vicki Haggar, attracted huge interest. Vicki was was born and grew up in Pembroke Main Street and her exhibition was a memoir of the Street as it was while she was growing up. Said Vicki, " Many people have helped me in my search for historical facts about Main Street premises and I am truly grateful to them all for their kindness and help. Although I am not an historian I have done my best to collect historical data and present it but alongside this I have tried to convey a picture of Pembroke as I saw it in my time. What the people meant to me, the local characters, the shops, the shopkeepers etc. There is so much to say but one can only write a few words on a display and this is why I ask that anyone with memories, photo’s or anything of interest on Pembroke Main Street contact us so that we can build a bigger picture and leave our memories recorded in time never to be lost as so many things are. "

A Right Royal Affair

2011-05-09T18:56:00.005+01:00

We joined in the Royal occasion by making the subject of our exhibition this month Royal visits to Pembroke and Monkton. The Monkton Bingo Plus group also sported the red, white and blue and held a high tea to which we were invited. Afterwards we gave a short talk and showed pictures and films of old Monkton.

Web Site Launched

2011-05-06T17:14:00.002+01:00

We have just launched our website;

www.pembrokeandmonktonhistory.org.uk

Click the link to see it!

Our Next Events

2011-05-03T21:16:00.001+01:00

An Invitation to the Wedding - at Pembroke Castle

2011-04-29T18:55:00.022+01:00

As Pembroke Castle season ticket holders, we were given invites to the Royal Wedding event at the Castle. A big TV screen was erected and Pembroke residents and visitors assembled to watch the Big Day in a holiday atmosphere. The sun shone, we picniced and there were various events arranged. A good day to chill out!

Celebrating the Royal Wedding, Monkton Community Centre

2011-04-29T18:55:00.021+01:00

The Monkton Bingo Plus Group invited us to give a talk to them on Tuesday. Monkton Community Centre was decorated with red,white and blue plus Royal Wedding flags and bunting for their Royal wedding High Tea which was organinsed by Pauline Waters (Chair of the Group). After the Tea we put on a filmshow of old Monkton photographs and films to finish off the afternoon.

Royal Visits and memories - our May exbition

2011-04-21T08:18:00.003+01:00

Pembrokeshire Pubs - a Talk by Keith Johnson

2011-04-21T08:02:00.005+01:00

Keith gave us a fascinating talk on Pembrokeshire Pubs. His talk explored the history and social background of the public house and how it has evolved and changed through centuries. Keith, who was born in a Pembrokeshire Pub - the Carew Inn - has written a series of books on the subject but unfortunately the volume covering Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Tenby and South Pembrokeshire is currently out of print.

We launch our Monkton Heritage Leaflet

2011-04-02T16:59:00.005+01:00

A really good crowd assembled for the launch of our Monkton Heritage Leaflet. We were pleased to welcome guests Kate Lindley of Planed, who arranged for the production of the leaflet, and George Lewis, who illustrated it. Chairman gave a short, illustrated talk about what we as a Society are hoping to accomplish and work in progress. The leaflet is a good beginning to our publishing ambitions.

The exhibition covered the history of Monkton as well as photographs of its more recent past which have been collected since the commencement of the Monkton History Project just one year ago - see March 2010 entry. It was a busy morning but hugely enjoyable.

Visit to St Brides

2011-03-19T18:42:00.002Z

Along with Pembroke Civic Trust, on Saturday 19th a visit was arranged to view the St Bride’s Haven archaeological excavation. Mike Ings of Dyfed Archaeology met the group for a tour of the site where once stood a chapel long gone, swept away by the sea. Burials can still be seen eroding from the low cliffs and Mike stressed the importance of recording the surviving remains before they too are worn away. He also took us on a walk along the Coast Path to Nabs Head (where many flint tools have been discovered) and to Tower Point where there is an extremely well preserved promontory fort dating back to 700 BC. Not only was this a very interesting visit, but the lovely sunny day and beautiful setting combined to make it one to remember! Many of the group expressed a wish to revisit the dig at a later date to view its progress.

Next Event - April 2nd Monkton Heritage Leaflet Launch

2011-03-11T22:07:00.002Z

Working with PLANED we have now completed work on our Monkton 'Sense of Place' leaflet and we will be launching it at our April 2nd meeting at Monkton Priory Church Hall. We will be putting together an exhibition on Monkton history and there will be a short presentation at 11am. Many thanks to George Lewis for supplying the illustrations (the originals will be included in the exhibition) and to Kate Lindley of PLANED for producing it.

The leaflets will be free and available on the morning.

Saturday March 19th - visit to St Brides

2011-03-11T21:31:00.002Z

I have arranged for us to visit the Archaeological Excavation at St Bride's Haven next Saturday (19th March). The Dyfed Archaeological Trust are undertaking an archaeologial excavation here from March 14th following on from a small investigation at the site in 2009. Then they found evidence of a stone building , likely to have been associated with the fishing or lime-burning industries. They also found a ditch, and several early medieval burials. The early mediaeval cemetery is eroding from the cliffs in the bay. This year Caw, PCNP and PLANED are funding a four week excavation.

Duncal Schlee of Dyfed Archaeology will be showing us around the site and explaining how and why they are excavating and what they have discovered.

Interested? If so we meet at St Bride's Chapel at 2pm but please let me know if you are coming so that I have an idea of numbers. And please share lifts as space is limited.

Phone Linda on 01646 622428.

Welsh Day - March 5th

2011-03-11T21:05:00.007Z

Welsh Day proved very popular with David and Pat Rye giving a fascinating talk on the Welsh Costume. Pat went through several changes of costume (looking immaculate thoughout) while David explained all in great detail. It was all hugely enjoyable.

52 people visited over the course of the morning and were able to enjoy also an exhibition of Welsh costume and prints. Thankyou to David and Pat Rye, who brought along their own collection, Judy and John StJohn Stimpson and Mark Thomas of PCC Museum's Service (Scolton Manor) for the prints and costume exhibits.

Our hospitality this time extended to lunch - leek and potato soup made by Pauline went down well as did the Welsh cakes and bara brith. Thankyou to everyone who contributed.

March 5th - St Davids Day Celebration

2011-02-21T14:01:00.002Z

Our First AGM Friday 18th February

2011-02-19T23:09:00.012Z

Rob Scourfield proved to be a popular speaker at our first AGM yesterday. As Chairman I opened the meeting giving an annual report of our achievements through0ut the year - and we have achieved a great deal, establishing ourselves well into the community. Stuart presented the accounts which show a healthy bank balance which reflects some grant aid (we have received funding from the WCVA Communities First Trust Fund) but also our own fundraising efforts which enable us to offer all events free. The officers stood down and all were re elected.

Afterwards Rob took over and gave us his hugely enjoyable talk about the South Pembrokeshire dialect . It was a good laugh with many contributions from the audience. Afterwards we were able to have a chat over coffee and biscuits before leaving to brave the tempest which raged outside!

We saw 3 Ships ...

2011-02-19T23:09:00.004Z

On Thurday Stuart and I put together a talk for West Wales Maritime Heritage Society on the subject of ships connected with Pembroke. Last year we visited the Warrior in Portsmouth Naval Dockyard Museum, the Garlandstone at Morwellan Quay and the Kathleen and May at Bideford. Took loads of pics and we put them all together in a Presentation. Lot of work to assemble it all and get the information all together but think it went down ok. Enjoyed the chat afterwards (and the drink )at the Neyland Yacht Club.

Talking to the Monkton Priory School Project

2011-02-16T00:03:00.002Z

The travelling community have long been associated with Monkton and yesterday I was invited to talk to the pupils of the Monkton Priory School Project. It is an impressive project and the friendly inviting atmosphere a credit to the very committed teaching staff. I enjoyed talking to the pupils about Monkton's past and found them interested and responsive - luckily too there was a gypsy vardo parked outside the school on loan from Scolton Manor (County Museum)

Pembrokeshire Prospector's Society

2011-02-05T22:15:00.004Z

Jack Tree of Pembrokeshire Prospector's Society proved to be a popular speaker with a large audience turning up to listen to his talk and see the artefacts and coins which he brought along. His talk was all the more fascinating as he allowed us to handle the artefacts which were passed freely among us. There's something about actually handling an object - you feel that connection with the past, the thought that sometime, long ago people were holding that same object. Great stuff!

Next Events

2011-02-04T21:27:00.002Z

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2011-02-02T19:58:00.001Z

Best Quiz Night Ever!

2011-01-23T22:12:00.002Z

Our Quiz Night on Friday was amazing - well over 50 people took part and we had a great evening. The buffet was excellent as always and we are so fortunate in having so many good cooks among us. Thanks to everyone involved and especially to Pauline, our Quizmaster,

who is in a word marvellous!

Next Event - Saturday February 5th

2011-01-21T17:40:00.003Z

We meet to finalise the Monkton Heritage Leaflet

2011-01-19T22:50:00.002Z

Today we met at Monkton Priory Church Hall to finalise the Monkton Heritage Leaflet. George Lewis has now completed the drawings and Kate Lindley from PLANED went through the text with us to make final corrections and alterations. Now its all over to Kate to put it through the production stage. Exciting stuff!!

Join us on our Quiz Night - January 21st

2011-01-15T20:47:00.003Z

Family History Day

2011-01-10T11:12:00.002Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!

2011-01-01T20:09:00.001Z

Happy Christmas

2010-12-25T20:28:00.001Z

Christmas 2010 is one for the record books - a white Christmas is a rarity here. But with weeks of freezing weather behind us (the coldest December since records began) the novelty has worn off somewhat! Christmas Day however was so lovely with brilliant sunshine - a real winter wonderland.

Next Event - January 8th

2010-12-19T22:39:00.001Z

Our 2011 Programme

2010-12-19T22:16:00.004Z

We have now prepared our 2011 programme in the form of an A4 double sided leaflet. August apart, we have events running every month. We continue to run our Saturday coffee mornings on the first Saturday of the month at Monkton Church Hall, each having a different theme with accompanying exhibition. Our first however will be on the 8th of Jan as the 1st Saturday is New Year's Day. The topic is family history which features a short introductory talk at 11 am. by Roslie Lilwall of the Dyfed Family histoy Society. To those wishing to get started , help will be given. Then we have a programme of talks and also fundraising Quiz Nights with Pauline Waters. Our Summer Exhibition this year will take place in July and the theme is Pembroke's Maritime Past. Any contributions of material towards this and any of the other displays will be greatly appreciated.

Pembroke Winter Festival

2010-12-10T20:21:00.006Z

The enterprising traders in Pembroke organised a Winter Festival this year on December 4th to 5th and invited us to take part. We had already arranged our usual coffee morning in Monkton Church Hall but decided that we could actually manage to stage an exhibition in Pembroke as well. A big thank you to Mr and Mrs St John Stimpson for loaning us some of their collection of old toys which made a lovely exhibition. The second exhibition in town took place in Paddles, formerly Haggers cinema and pictured here is Vikki (Hagger) back in her old haunt. Part of the exhibition was an audio visual presentation of old photos and memories which went down well in the old cinema!

The Ice Age returns!

2010-11-28T21:01:00.001Z

We are in the grip of some really cold weather - not usual at all for the time of year and worthy of note!! The Castle Pond is frozen over - at this rate the Winer Festival Committee will not need to hire an ice rink! Weather really bad in parts of the country - it may be bitterly cold but we have not yet had snow.

December 4th Events

2010-11-16T11:57:00.004Z

Hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner! We find we have to be in two places at once on Saturday, December 4th. It so happens that the traders in Pembroke have organised a Wiinter Festival and this clashes with our prearranged Saturday Coffee morning in Monkton Church Hall. As we have been asked to participate in the Festival and not wanting to let anyone down we have decided to do both.

The coffee morning in December will feature, as a Christmas theme, an exhibition of old toys which have been kindly loaned from Mr and Mrs St John Stimpson of the former Museum of the Home. The Festival exhibition which will be in Paddles, Main Streeet (former Haggars Cinema)
will feature old photographs and reminiscences of Pembroke and Monkton.
Hope to see you at one - or both!

Another successful fundraise!

2010-11-13T22:35:00.004Z

Despite colds & flu and foul weather a good crowd gathered in the Church Hall for our second quiz night. People have been so generous with the food and we once again produced a magnificent buffet, far more than we could eat - everyone went home with a party bag!! Pauline is an amazing and entertaining quizmaster and it is thanks to her that we were all able to have such a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Had a good fundraise too!

Saturday 6th November Coffee Morning

2010-11-07T19:20:00.004Z

Another very successful event with over 50 people popping in over the course of the morning! We were able to show some home movie clips from the early 50s which are now of course amazing items of social history - we were able to see Long Mains before the destruction, Pembroke Main Street with 2 way traffic, Angle without the oil refineries and even some traditional farming scenes (amongst others!). Alongside we put up an exhibtion of pictures from the 50s and also an exhibition showing the history of Monkton which we are assembling as part of our Sense of Place project.

As usual our fund raising was in full swing with a busy coffee morning headed by Jacky with assistance from Jill and Dorcas, raffle organised by Rachel and bric a brac organised by the stalwart James and Vikki. And of course many thanks to Liz, Pauline and Dot for making it all possible!

Talking to the Darby and Joan Club

2010-11-06T08:22:00.003Z

I am pictured here with Marion Reynold, Chair of the Darby and Joan Club in Pembroke Town Hall on Thursday 4th after giving a talk about our Society and the work we are doing. Assisted by Stuart of course! WeIt is very much a team effort.

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2010-11-03T22:06:00.002Z

Drawing Monkton

2010-11-03T21:38:00.004Z

We enjoyed a very entertaining afternoon with George Lewis who has agreed to illustrate our Sense of Place leaflet. It is amazing how much there is in Monkton and how incredible that noone has published a leaflet before. This however is to be a beginning. The story must be told!! Discussing ideas and pictured with George are Dot, Pauline, Stuart, Rachel, Linda and Thalia.

Winter cometh and we meet to write some history

2010-10-28T23:50:00.001+01:00

I've just downloaded these pics taken on Monday (25th) - the first frost so guess winter is here. But what a beautiful day - brilliant early morning sunshine, icey grass and mist rising off the water.

Yesterday we met to discuss the content of the Monkton heritage leaflet we are preparing with PLANED funding. We have all been allocated a part and discussed the illustrations we need. So much history but so little space to write it in!

In Search of our Maritime past

2010-10-26T21:35:00.004+01:00

To someone not familiar with our history, it comes as a surprise to learn that Pembroke was once the most important and richest port in south west Wales. Instead of celebrating this, the powers that be have destroyed the Pembroke Quays - only recently giving planning to build an intensive development of flats on the North Quay and, only thanks to the recession, has the South Quay escaped the same fate - so far. Even so it hardly looks like a quay with most of the old buildings demolished.

Stuart and I are planning a talk next February on the subject of some of the boats that once sailed up the Pembroke River (for the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society) and whilst on holiday in Devon last week we decided to track down two that are still around.

The top photos are of the Kathleen and May moored in Bideford - exciting to see her at last. She has a special place in the affections of us here being the last ship to sail up to Pembroke in around 1960. Sadly, although renovated and in good sailing order, she has to remain moored here as funding has not been forthcoming to keep her afloat! It seems scandalous that such a ship, a real national treasure is not funded and in danger of being lost to us.

Down to Morwellan Quay next to see the Garlandstone. Morwellan Quay too has been in danger having lost its funding and the fate of the Garlandstone looked bleak. However, things are looking brighter now as the Quay has been taken over by a Company who are looking to develop it as a tourist attraction. It is well worth a visit and we spent a super day there - with the added bonus of a warm Autumn day of brilliant sunshine!

Reg talks to a packed Church Hall!

2010-10-16T21:33:00.004+01:00

Across a crowded room Reg Williams gave his slide show of old Pembroke and Monkton photographs. We were amazed and delighted that so many of you joined us on this our first anniversary and we could not have invited a better speaker than Reg whose witty delivery had us all in stitches! At the end Reg was presented with a CDRom of his slides which Stuart had digitalised and also a DVD so that he can view them on his television!

Stuart and I would like to thank the Committee too for the kind presentation at the end of the talk. A lovely surprise! Although we have worked hard to set up the Society, it has been a pleasure to work with with such a friendly, community minded group of people who all do so much for our Community completely voluntarily.

All present were then invited to stay for a cup of coffee and home made Welsh cakes. A really enjoyable evening!

November Events

2010-10-11T23:10:00.004+01:00

Celebrating our first birthday - Friday October 15th

2010-10-05T20:58:00.003+01:00

Friday October 15th marks the first anniversary of the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society and we can look forward to an entertaining evening with Reg Williams who will be giving us an illustrated talk about his memories of Monkton and Pembroke. Reg, a well known local character, was a postman here for many years and he is a fount of knowledge on past times in Monkton and Pembroke and the people who live here. He has also a large collection of old photographs which will accompany his talk. The event will take place in Monkton Church Hall at 7.30 pm.

Visiting Monkton Dovecote

2010-10-04T23:22:00.002+01:00

On Saturday October 2nd our coffee morning and exhibition was very well attended with a large group making the walk over Priory Farm fields to see the Mediaeval Dovecote. The dovecote, which has been recently restored by Pembrokeshire County Council, is contemporary with the Priory. While it was interesting to learn about the history of the dovecote, what was so fascinating were the affectionate memories it evoked, many people participating by relating their stories including the horse races which took place here. It was a wonderful morning and we were overwhelmed that so many did join us, many travelling from across South Pembrokeshire. I must add that the Dovecote is situated on private land and that we are indebted to Mr and Mrs Wyn Jenkins for allowing us to view it.

2010-09-30T08:47:00.001+01:00

Our next event on Saturday, October 2nd

2010-09-26T12:45:00.001+01:00

Murder on Castle Pond

2010-09-26T12:40:00.002+01:00

Oh, and while we were away Pembroke hit the national news - so that's a bit of history!! On Castle Pond we have a family of swans, daddy, mummy and baby. Now daddy is extremely protective and fiercely territorial. Woe betide any swan who lands on his patch! So far he has killed 15 and so it goes on. Hannibal Pecter exclaimed the Sun and he was even in the Times. There are moves afoot to evict this antisocial family but at the end of the day they are only doing what swans do - guard their territory. I don't agree with this. If this goes ahead, another pair will take over and they will behave in the same way.

Visiting Gloucester

2010-09-26T12:37:00.002+01:00

Haven't downloaded my pics yet. We were away on holiday last week and went to the historic docks of Gloucester - visited the Waterfront Museum which was impressive. Main museum was closed though and undergoing refurbishment - come back next year we were told!

Our next Event

2010-09-11T23:40:00.002+01:00

We have now established the first Saturday of the month as a regular meeting at Monkton Church Hall. Coffee morning plus exhibition and in addition something extra like a filmshow or talk.

Stackpole Revisited

2010-09-11T23:32:00.004+01:00

We took part in the Stackpole Revisited event held in the Stackpole Centre today. After yesterday's storm the weather turned out brilliant and the event was very well attended.

Quiz Night

2010-09-11T22:57:00.007+01:00

Friday's torrential rain and floods (see pic of flooded East End at the top) did not augur well for a successful Quiz Night yesterday evening. But we need not have worried - many braved the elements and we had a super night. Pauline as always proved a brilliant Quizmaster and the buffet was superb - far more than we could eat! Good Raffle prizes too (organised by Rachel).

Quiz Night at Monkton Priory Church Hall on Friday 10th

2010-09-06T13:23:00.003+01:00

Pauline has arranged a Quiz Night on Friday - there is to be a buffet and it promises to be an enjoyable night out with Pauline calling the shots!
Proceeds are to be shared with Monkton Priory Church.

September 4th Meeting

2010-09-06T12:47:00.008+01:00

After a break for the summer we started our Coffee Mornings again on Saturday and will be holding them on the first Saturday of the Month at Monkton Church Hall from now on. We will try to do something new each time. This time,as a special feature, we were able to screen "Pembrokeshire My County", the film made by ESSO in 1959 as a tribute to Pembrokeshire after they plonked their oil refinery on our previously unspoilt shores. Of special interest to us, there is a clip of the Pageant of Pembroke with Roy Haggar magnificent as Henry VII - wouldn't it be wonderful if we could get more footage of this? And also a clip of the Kathleen and May at the North Quay being unloaded by Annie the Mill. Great stuff!! Thanks to Vikki (Haggar)Dyer and Mr Len Mullins of PCC for obtaining it for us to show,

Had a good attendance again raising enough money to carpet our office! Jacky and her coffee team were worked very hard - their efforts are very much appreciated. Our events are free so it is important that we raise money with our coffee sales and raffle: venue hire and preparing exhibitions cost money. We are extremely grateful to WCVA Communities Trust Fund for funding our equipment and PAVS for funding our Display Boards. Now we no longer have to rush around borrowing other people's equipment!

Great Deals at Pembroke Castle

2010-09-03T22:02:00.001+01:00

Did you know that you can buy an annual OAP season ticket for Pembroke Castle for only £5? Bargain price and I'm making the most of mine. Apart from the Shakespeare the season ticket includes the events too and this summer we have seen the Sealed Knot, Black Mountains Falconry, Company of Chivalry and the Mediaeval Heritage Society. There's a good cafe too - worth popping in for!

Prehistoric Excursion

2010-08-27T00:09:00.002+01:00

On Friday we met up in Newport for a walk up Carn Ingli (phew!!), once a hillfort and extinct volcano. Hard going but the views were amazing. Also visited the cromlech down below in Newport.

At the Monkton Horticultural Show

2010-08-15T21:46:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we set up our stall at the Monkton Horticultural Fayre. Rachel organised a bric a brac stall to help raise funds and Mutley helped. Stuart and myself were also present, and I
was pleased to win 1st prize in the photography competition!!

Monkton Village Fayre

2010-07-20T20:39:00.002+01:00

Vikki, Jim, Rachel, Jacky and Thalia represented us at Monkton Village Fayre on Saturday - Jim and Vikki's van provided an awning although Jim tells me that it was so windy that he had to batten down the display boards!! Still it wasn't raining which was a blessing. Also pictured is Jess - Jacky took the picture.

Our next meeting and future events

2010-07-15T16:27:00.003+01:00

We have done a lot and achieved a lot this year so next month (August) will have a break and begin again in september. We are then going to put our meetings on a regular basis holding coffee mornings (which give you the opportunity to bring in photos, share memories and view our growing collection of material) on the first Saturday of the month at Monkton Church Hall 10.30-1.00.
We will also hold Society meetings on the second Wednesday of the month and anyone who wishes to get involved in the work of information gathering, making displays, record etc can join in. We are a friendly lot and welcome anyone interested in finding out about the history of our community.
There will also be other events and we are preparing some treats for the Autumn.

River Rally

2010-07-05T21:36:00.003+01:00

Boats sailing up the Pembroke River are a rare sight sadly so the River Rally always brings in the crowds - the Pembroke Festival has been arranged to coincide with it. We had a stall in the marquee on the Quay on Saturday 3rd July and helped look after the West Wales Maritime Heritage Stall as well - they were off in their boats!

Festival Exhibition - a big success!

2010-07-05T21:12:00.005+01:00

Our summer exhibition was held in Monkton Church Hall on July 2nd to coincide with the Pembroke Festival. The exhibition was based on the memories and photographs of local people and comprised an audio visual presentation with displays depicting changing times in our community – taking in a tour around the Quays, The Green, The Main Street, Commons, Orange Gardens and Monkton.

The exhibition was received enthusiastically by the community who attended in large numbers, reward enough for all our hard work. We are especially grateful to Jacky and her team of tea ladies who were rushed off their feet supplying refreshments and to all who baked the cakes – which were sold out by the end of the day! We thank also Monkton Voice for sponsoring the event, the WCVA Trust Fund for funding our equipment and, of course all the people who contributed their photographs and allowed us to record their memories.

Our Next Event - July 2nd

2010-06-11T21:24:00.003+01:00

June 5th Event

2010-06-06T19:30:00.003+01:00

Another good attendance - date clashing with other events fortunately did not affect us. The highlight was a film show taken in Monkton in the early 1950s by Mr Penfold. He came along to see it as did his daughter Sue Jones who originally contacted us about the film and permitted it to be copied. Sue did a commentary and everyone joined in with their recollections.

Update

2010-06-06T19:20:00.004+01:00

I have been away for 3 weeks so have not updated this for a while - Stuart and I have been off in the camper visiting London and stopped at Portsmouth on the way back. Lived there as a child for a couple of years so was curious to see the old place - and Portsmouth has a special place in the history of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock as so many people left to find work there after the closing of the Dockyard in 1926. But my main reason was to see the Warrior, also a former Pembroke resident - and WOW!!! what a transformation! Last time I saw her was as a hulk on the side of the Cleddau, hardly worth a second glance and now! WOW - have to say it again, she is magnificent. Proudly floating in Portsmouth Dockyard, a multi million pound tourist attraction. Why can't the authorities here realise that regeneration is to be had in projects like this? What a difference she would have made to Pembroke Dock - all they can think of here is ruining the whole aspect of historic Front Street with blocks of flats and a marina. No vision at all.

Next Event June 5th

2010-05-08T23:54:00.004+01:00

On June 5th we will be holding a coffee morning at Monkton Church Hall. We are being treated to an old cine film of Monkton in the early 1950s courtesy of Sue Jones - that will stir some memories!! If anyone has any old cine films taken locally we would love to hear from you.

Terry's Civil War Walk

2010-05-08T23:41:00.002+01:00

Despite the rain, 20 brave souls turned up for our Civil War Walk led by Terry John who is an expert on the subject and a popular speaker. He makes it so interesting. We walked around the Castle and along the Millpond walk and were able to see where the guns were sited which did such damage to Pembroke during the Second Civil War when Poyer changed sides and backed the King. Bad move and bad for Pembroke as we lost our town gates, much of the walls and castle! An interesting detour was made courtesy of Margaret and Thalia - we were able to visit the Mediaeval Chapel which was part of the York where Cromwell made his headquarters after taking Pembroke.

A Visit to the Priory

2010-05-06T23:22:00.003+01:00

Stories about walled up monks and ghosts kept the audience enthralled as Pauline gave her conducted tour around Monkton Priory Church on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3rd. Pauline bravely stepped in to do the tour as Dilwyn Davies, our expert on the Priory, was too ill - we all wish him well.
This was another successful Monkton event held at the Church Hall where the coffee morning was well attended and more new material emerged. The exhibition also contained many "new"photographs kindly donated as a result of the launch in March and subsequent publicity.

Talking to PROBUS

2010-04-29T20:02:00.002+01:00

Yesterday also, Linda and Stuart went along to the Saunderfoot and District Probus meeting to talk about our society and the work we are doing.

Budding Researchers

2010-04-29T17:51:00.004+01:00

12 of us attended an evening at the Records Office yesterday - the County Archivist Claire Orr and Archivist David Llewellyn gave us an introduction to the Records Office and a quiz sheet to get us using the Resources. It was tremendously interesting and enjoyed by all.

May Events

2010-04-25T22:38:00.003+01:00

Our next event is on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3rd between 10.30 am and 1pm at Monkton Church Hall. We will again be holding a coffee morning and there will be a tour of the Priory Church at 11 am. Please bring along any old photos or memorabilia you may have – while we are focussing on Monkton at the moment we are interested in any photos and information about Pembroke generally to add to our archive. And, of course, come along for a friendly chat over a cup of coffee – you will be most welcome
Following on from this, on Saturday May 8th, Terry John will be leading a Civil War Walk starting at the Castle at 10.30 am. returning at about 12. Afterwards (optional) we are going into the Castle to sample the new cafe and also view the new John Poyer exhibition which is supposed to be fantastic. While the walk is free and open to all, there is a charge to go into the Castle.

Supporting Help For Heroes Event

2010-04-25T22:21:00.002+01:00

On Saturday we joined in the Table Top sale at Monkton Church Hall in aid of fundraising for Help For Heroes. Had lots of donations for our bric a brac sale but few sales - just about breaking even on 2 tables!! Never mind, its a good cause and had a good time.
Thanks to everyone who gave us things - much of it new and we'll do another like stall on Bank Holiday Monday when we have our next Monkton History Day - along with coffee, home made cakes, cake stall and Raffle (with really good prizes).

Castlemartin Range West

2010-04-18T21:05:00.006+01:00

Yesterday, Stuart, Thalia and I had the opportunity to go on an organised National Parks visit to Range West. Actually, I had thought that we were going on a walk across the Coast Path but instead it turned out to be a guided tour of the buildings on the Range with Rob Scourfield. Wow, what a day! It was fascinating. We began at Flimston Church and then looked around the old farm buildings which date from 12 century - originally a Flemish settlement, hence the name. I had no idea the buildings were that old. Then we went on to Pricaston, again a once fine building of Mediaeval origins. Then on to Brownslade - the house has been blown up but the gardens remain - amazing the extent of these walled gardens. Truly the lost gardens of Pembroke. It makes you realise what a huge loss to our locality - the house and these gardens could have been a major tourist attraction! Typical disregard for heritage here!

It was a great day out with fantastic weather - wouldn't have missed it. It was led by Parks Ranger Lynne Houslton - I'll try to arrange a return visit for our group next year.

2010-04-16T20:34:00.005+01:00

Thanks to Keith Johnston of "Pembrokeshire Life" I was able to contact Mr Roger Thomas who has photos of old Monkton. On the top left is the old Post Office, on the top right Charlie and Annie Croft, The Poplars, Monkton and on the bottom left Mr W.H.Davies, Caretaker, Monkton Old Hall.

Roger has promised more.