Congratulations Pembroke Town Council and West Wales Maritime Heritage Society on another successful River Rally.
The River Rally is a reminder of our once great maritime past when the Pembroke River was of vital importance to Pembroke. Pembroke’s medieval charters granted it a monopoly of sea trade in Milford Haven, which brought great prosperity. Whilst Pembroke’s importance as a port declined, the sea remained a main highway until well into the 20th century when the last of the coastal traders, the Kathleen & May, made her last trip up the Pembroke River to the North Quay in 1960.
Now, unfortunately, boats are a rare sight sailing into Pembroke: a barrage effectively blocks the way, but can be opened by arrangement. For the River Rally it is lowered to allow boats to enter Castle Pond and, in so doing, maintain the right of navigation up the Pembroke River on behalf of the people of Pembroke.
Despite the South Quay presently being the scene of great building works, the event took place on Pembroke Mill Bridge, site of the Henry VII statue and here the Mayor, Cllr Gareth Jones read the traditional proclamation declaring Pembroke’s right of navigation. Here also Pembroke Town Council organised stalls, activities and music on the Quayside for all the family – a great day out!
