On Friday evening, a large number of invited guests attended the opening of the new Story of Tenby Galleries at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

Jamie Owen, writer, broadcaster and president of the museum, performed the opening ceremony and said how good it was to see something new here in the temple to Tenby's past and how much it was worth investing for the future.

New cases have enhanced the display of many of the historic artefacts and a short film shows the story of Tenby's rise as a holiday resort over many years.

The rearrangement of the galleries has allowed for the display of the mayoral robes.

After several months absence, some of the natural history specimens are back on display.

The redevelopment of the Story of Tenby and Community Galleries has taken over a year and the work has been done by museum staff and volunteers (and some pressed men!) with additional curatorial advisement and Jamie thanked the Federation of Museums in Wales and Tenby Town Council for their financial support and also acknowledged some personal donations.  

This is the second stage in the modernisation of the museum following new cases in the Archaeology Gallery and new lighting to improve the Wilfred Harrison Gallery which houses the permanent art collection.

Future plans included the restoration and re-housing of the Tudor gun, renewal of the maritime displays and more interactive areas.  

Amongst those attending was Peter Morgan, vice-chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Simon Hart, MP, Carol Whittaker from CyMAL, Les Crascell, chairman of the Friends of the Museum, members of Pembrokeshire Rotary, members of the Inner Wheel, Soroptimists and many other friends and supporters of the museum.