DURING the summer there has been a monthly tour of St Mary’s Church in Tenby, an idea initiated by The Friends of St Mary’s.

The Friends raise money to provide financial support for the church in order to maintain it in its glorious state for future generations.

Dr John Harrison, the director of music at St Mary’s, is very knowledgeable about the history and fabric of the building and has been leading these tours, which have been popular with locals and visitors alike.

For instance, who knew that the inventor of the equals (=) sign had been born in Tenby? There is a plaque commemorating this in the church (pictured). Robert Recorde first used it “to avoid unnecessary repetition” and we’ve all used it ever since.

This, and other interesting facts will be highlighted by John and other members of the church on the next tour, which will be on Monday, August 8 at 5 pm.

The tour lasts about an hour and concludes with tea and biscuits in Church House when visitors will have an opportunity to ask further questions and to view some images of what is underneath the church floor.

The tour costs £6.50 per person which will go towards helping to preserve this wonderful building.

Further tours will be held on September 12 and October 10.