PEMBROKE Haven Yacht Club recently wished a fond farewell to Dennis and Vera Mitchell, who have decided to leave Pembrokeshire to be closer to their family. Dennis had been a member of the PHYC committee for many years and was Commodore from 1996 to 1997. For most of the time they belonged to the club, Dennis and Vera cruised extensively, both in UK waters and the Mediterranean, in their yacht 'Polly Owen', which Dennis had fitted out from a bare hull. During the time Dennis was an active committee member, he made great efforts to establish a cruising section for those who did not care to race, and organised cruises in company and other social gatherings for like-minded members. 'Polly Owen' was eventually sold and Dennis moved on to a larger, more modern yacht, a Westerly Tempest ('Extempore') in which they continued their adventures until failing health persuaded Dennis to retire from sailing. But that was not the end of the story, for Dennis, ever a glutton for punishment it seems, then accepted the job nobody wants, that of race officer. For a number of years he and Vera manned the starting deck every other Wednesday night and Sunday morning, until they eventually decided to move back to England to be closer to family members. At a farewell party, the club presented Dennis and Vera with an engraved wine decanter and glasses as a token of appreciation for the many years of hard work for which the club will always be grateful.
