Talking to PROBUS

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

On Saturday April 10th we met at St Mary’s Church, Pembroke for a talk and guided tour by Linda Gray, a member of the Church and accomplished guide, well versed in its history. Linda informed us that this beautiful mediaeval church dates from the late 12th century and is believed to have served the needs of the Castle and the growing town. It still has many original features including Norman arches.

During its long life it has gone through many changes, the latest dating from the 1880s. One of the striking features of the church is its fine stained glass windows and boasts of windows by Charles Kempe, the famous Victorian stained glass artist whom many believe to have been the best in his field. These attract visitors from all over the world.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting visit and our thanks go to Linda and also Marcia James, who kindly provided us with refreshments. The visit ended with a meal at the Kings Arms.

In the News

We have had very good coverage of our Monkton event with artlicles in the Tenby Observer, M:Life and a 2 page spread in the Pembrokeshire Life Magazine.