PCNP's Archaeology Day November 17th

On Saturday we participated  the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's Archaeology Day School which is now a  popular annual event.  We joined other heritage organisations in putting up a display - this was organised by Planed.

Introduced by Phil Bennett and chaired by Polly Groom of Cadw (formerly with PCNP)  we enjoyed an interesting day of talks.  It was certainly a varied programme.  The first speaker, Celia Thomas, spoke about how the natural environment can be better understood by looking at history and man’s impact.  Next Mike Parker Pearson presented us with a fascinating report on research into Pembrokeshire’s contribution to Stonehenge, and the discovery of the quarry at Craig Rhos y Felin  which provides an exact match to some of the Stonehenge bluestones. 

After lunch Louise Barker and Toby Driver reported on one of our best preserved prehistoric landscapes – Skomer Island and  Roger Thomas drew the day to a close with a fast forward to the 19^th century with a  look at the fortifications of Milford Haven.  In particular he reported on the work being done to restore the Chapel Bay fort to return it to its original state - I think we must try to arrange a visit there.

The day was organised by Pete Crane, Archaeologist of the PCNP and he was applauded for a truly enjoyable and interesting day.

Pembrokeshire People - Friday November 16th

Despite the foul weather and so many competing events, it was good that so many turned out for our Friday evening talk.  Testament I think to the popularity of our speaker, David James who came to talk to us about “Pembrokeshire People”.

David’s talk encompassed people who visited Pembrokeshire through the ages, the famous and infamous as well as some local characters.  

Visit to Carew Cheriton Control Tower - November 10th

Last month, John and Deric Brock came to talk to us about their work at the Carew Cheriton Control Tower and we were invited to pay them a visit.  This proved popular as, last Saturday, twenty five of us turned up to be given a warm welcome by John and fellow volunteers.  First, we were given a talk by John Harries which sparked off many memories by those present and then we were shown some of the many displays and exhibits on show.

After coffee and cake, we were shown around the site and given an entertaining talk by John Brock which involved dressing up in wartime uniforms.  In the photograph: Bill Thomas (Home Guard), Liz Jenkins (Civil Defence), Don Hood (Airman) and Nikki Hancock (Women’s Land Army) with John Harries, John Brock and Les Dixon.  The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we finished with a sing song in the air raid shelter concluding with “We’ll meet again” – I’m sure we will!  

Forthcoming Events

Through My Eyes - an update

Introduced by George Lewis, Saturday morning’s meeting at Monkton Priory Church Hall was an update on our current project “Through My Eyes: a Community History of Pembroke and Monkton”.  Our project involves collecting the stories of local people: memories of past times which will combine to paint a picture of our community.  It is to be a history of Pembroke in the words and photographs of the people who have lived it – a testament for future generations.

I gave a presentation outlining the project and a selection of the films we have made were shown.  Four participants - Bill Thomas, Vicki Haggar, Sue Clague and Josie Thomas - were invited to introduce their stories, each illustrating a different aspect of Pembroke’s story.

We in the Society were really pleased at the response to this project and pleased that so many attended the meeting to see what we are doing.  Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund we have the money to publish the finished project which will result in 2,500 DVDs and books which we hope will be available for you to buy next Christmas.  We are also aiming that all monies raised from future sales will fund future local publications, making it a truly sustainable project. 

Exhibition

We put together an exhibition of some of the stories for people to look at during the course of the morning.  This exhibition will be constantly added to during the year and by the time of the book/dvd launch will grow into a substantial exhibition for you to see and enjoy.