When letters arrive at his Norwich home, former RAF airman Doug Fulcher is invariably reminded of his service time at Pembroke Dock, thanks to a unique practical item made from parts of a Sunderland flying boat.

Doug always uses a letter opener which he made from discarded metal off a Sunderland - and 60 years on the opener is still doing its job.

The letter opener travelled back to ‘PD’ when Doug visited the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre recently. He also brought along several documents and memorabilia for the centre’s archive, and promised to donate his home-made letter opener in the future.

Doug, together with another ex-RAF serviceman, David Freeman, travelled from Norfolk especially to visit the Heritage Centre.

“I came for the opening of the Flying Boat Centre in 2009 and I am so impressed by the progress made since,” said Doug. “I am delighted to see how it has developed and that the Heritage Centre is now located in what I remember as the RAF Church.”

Now 83, Doug has very happy memories of his time at PD between 1953 and 1955. A keen cyclist then - as now - he explored the local area and also enjoyed dancing at various west Wales venues.

“I well remember dances at the Masonic Hall, Milford Haven, and two excellent dance partners there - Marion Davies, of Steynton, and Dorothy Davies, who lived at Glebelands, Hakin. I lost touch with them after I was posted to Germany in 1955 and I often wondered what became of them. Maybe local people can let the Heritage Centre know.”

Anyone who may have information on Marion and Dorothy Davies can contact the Heritage Centre on 01646 684220, e-mail [email protected] and a message will be passed on to Doug Fulcher.