Hancock’s Yard in Front Street, Pembroke Dock, where once the sound of rivetting hammers and the flash of arc welding were everyday occurrences, has now had a change of purpose.

For some time, West Wales Maritime Heritage Society has occupied the premises, but until recently, they were restricted to repairing and sailing the vintage boats in their care.

The society applied to the site owners, Pembrokeshire County Council, for consent to open the yard to the general public and recently permission was given to do so.

As the yard is within the ‘footprint’ of the expected marina, enquiries were made to Conygar to advise them of this new development. They too support the work of the society.

Thus, society members have worked long and hard to turn one rather sad and scruffy building into something more respectable and filled it with maritime exhibits and have opened it to visitors.

At first sight, it may not seem much, but when it is realised that the society has a very insecure tenure of the yard (lacking even electricity), the achievement is remarkable.

Local organisations such as the Milford Haven Port Authority, Pembroke Dock Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, Monkton and Pembroke History Society and Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade have all given support to this project, for which the society is extremely grateful.

The maritime museum gives an insight into shipbuilding, not only in the yard, but in nearby yards, artefacts of interest to adults are on display, as well as things for children to do.

Youngsters can take a model Tenby Lugger to bits and rebuild it if they can. A special exhibit for small people is an indoor fishing trip. Lifejackets are provided and if the jacket is too small they cannot go. Once fitted with the lifejacket, the crew boards a tiny boat and paddle out on an imaginary sea. Once at the fishing ground, a net is put over the side and hopefully some fish are caught.

This is all done without going anywhere near water, but gives a flavour of something different, come and see!

We do not intend to compete with other local attractions but are offering something very different. As we learn, so we shall expand and develop our facility to show another aspect of Pembroke Dock’s marvellous history.

Opening hours, 11 am to 4 pm, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Where is Hancock’s? Next to the Y Carreg Glas Public House in Front Street, Pembroke Dock.

For more details, contact David James by telephoning 01646 683764 or email [email protected]

Pic. Graham Roberts