When one thinks about it, there are many types of riches, not only of money! Such must surely be the admirable assets we have all around us in Pembrokeshire, where evidences of the past are many and invaluable. Every month throughout the year some 40 to 50 members of the Pembrokeshire Historic Buildings Trust, from all over the county (with some from Cardiganshire and Carmarthenshire), seek out these sites of interest, be they of notable houses, churches or other traces of ancestral activity, and find the exercise most rewarding. This autumn has been no exception. Bill James, in his inimitable style, has engaged members' attention on a walk at the Mill Pond, Pembroke, when he invented imaginary conversations with visitors from the time of Normans, Crusades, ship-building, Royal Dockyard and the RAF. He also reminded everyone of distinguished visitors, including Lord Nelson, whose 1805 victory is being commemorated this year. John Turbervill greeted members at the Royal Dockyard Chapel, a building now largely restored with an impressive approach. This is where naval personnel, dockyard craftsmen, and RA forces worshipped, and where a Dramatic Society once flourished. A display of photographs added to the understanding of what had been happening. It was hoped that a use worthy of its past would be found. John Powell, well known as the 'Weather Man' from Swansea, took the Trust on a nostalgic journey, with photographic slides, to the former Cawdor Estate at Stackpole. There is so much to regret about the demolition of the great Court House and the departure of the family, which had always been good patrons of events in the neighbourhood. John spoke affectionately of the area, and counts himself lucky to be the possessor of a souvenir purchased at the closing down sale. It is, appropriately, a weather vane. Mr. W. George, the Trust chairman, thanked all speakers for their excellent contributions to the autumn programme, and announced that the AGM would be at Lampeter Velfrey, coupled with a visit to another historic 'gem'.
