The feasibility of restoring Manorbier Castle's mediaeval fishponds has been under review for the past year. The local consultative group set up to examine the possibilities has concluded, after much research and consultations with all the interested parties, that the project should continue.
At a public meeting in the Village Hall on August 9 the group's findings were endorsed and office bearers for the coming year elected.
The meeting, which was also the AGM of the group, included a display of photographs of the area, maps of the site at three different periods and relevant paperwork arising from the work undertaken on the project over the past year.
In his report, the chairman explained that preliminary studies had confirmed that the fishponds could not be looked at in isolation given the nature of their location. Within close proximity lay a 13th century dovecote and the ruins of a watermill. The aim therefore would be to incorporate all three features in an improved landscape setting.
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The owners of the land and the relevant statutory bodies had been consulted and the responses had proved positive and encouraging. In particular, the chairman of the National Park had indicated that the authority wished to be fully involved in the project and would support its progress and delivery.
The chairman emphasised that the endeavour was still very much in its infancy. Much work required to be done and many problems had to be resolved. Above all, a sensitive approach would be necessary with appropriate regard being given to the attendant environmental, archaeological and aesthetic issues. These factors would have to be borne in mind as the newly elected and re-elected group members resumed the challenge.
Office bearers were appointed for the new year as follows: Chairman, Andrew McCabe; vice-chair, Pat Griffiths; secretary, Sonja Mackie; treasurer, Gerald Codd; publicist, Pearl McCabe. Committee members -Martin Dawes, Veronica Prescott Owen, Pat Price, Nonie Sharland and Liz Thompson.
The lead officers for the National Park were Rob Scourfield and Philip Roach.