Winter cometh and we meet to write some history

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

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!

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

Celebrating our first birthday - Friday October 15th

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

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.