Sir,

Why is a dragon mistaken for a worm? Do two graceful humps and an upturned head look like a lowly worm? Is it because 'worm' is a corruption of 'vern', a shortening of 'wyvern' - a dragon? As invading Danes, Saxons and Normans noted the unmistakable and grand headland they knew Wales to be a land of dragons, and called it Verns Head. T'would be a denigration to name it after a grubby land-lubbery worm.

Which brings me to the matter with 'Pennyless Cove' and its place in the history of Tenby harbour. Firstly, Pembrokeshire is not a coast of coves, like Devon or Cornwall; though Tenby has had its share of coves! Secondly, the harbour, from ancient times, has been the one sure source of Tenby's wealth, if not through its geographic position, then at least for fish.

People may come or die out, as after the Plague, but excepting a north wind or bad weather, a fisherman could fish or a sailor trade. I suspect a disgruntling day of rain and a run in the harbour would call for a 'Pennyless Cove' jibe; perhaps by someone of the late 19th century Brixton fraternity? No fish, no money.

Suddenly we have 'the chairing of the Mayor of Pennyless Cove with its orgy of funmaking and revelry'. Even cracking a barrel on the Albion cost money, so do we think our merrymaking ancestors were boozing their way to degradation, in Pennyless Cove?

Rather we have a fine example of harbour backhanded humour in comparatively good economic times. But a joke's a joke, even if mistakenly remembered by a Mr. G. Stubbs, or claimed as lived history by those who like quaint names on their holiday brochures.

Pennyless Cove and Worms Head are examples of people ignoring their judgement or eyes. The names are an affront, the former to all who made the harbour a thriving and prosperous place through centuries. So please, let the harbour be the harbour and the beach thereof. And may the Gower regain its graceful 'Verns' Head, across the bay from Eel Point.

Will Rossiter,

6 Augustus Place,

Tenby.