Like many heritage and cultural organisations, Narberth Museum faces an uncertain future.

Thanks to one-off grants from the Welsh Government Economic Resilience Fund, the Lottery’s Heritage Emergency Fund and the furlough scheme, it has managed to ride out the worst of the past seven months and is now partially open again.

But it needs to recover fully and maintain its place at the heart of the community, safeguarding its collection, its activities and the jobs of those that will ensure its continuing success.

October sees the launch of a Patrons’ scheme whereby those that value the work of the Museum commit to supporting its core costs with regular monthly or annual donations.

Patrons will have free admission to the Museum each year, will be kept regularly informed of the difference their contribution is making and will have their name entered on the Patrons’ wall in the foyer.

This handsome installation was designed and made for the Museum by local design and model making company, Autodromo.

The first name to be engraved there will be that of Eric Antonen. Eric who died earlier this year was a familiar figure in Narberth.

Born and brought up in Robeston Wathen he devoted his life to military service having started as a cadet and then at eighteen carrying out his National Service.

He joined the RASC as it was then, rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was decorated for his service in conflict zones around the world - Cyprus, Malaysia, Libya, Hong Kong and Germany where he was tasked with guarding Rudolf Hess in Spandau prison.

The medals he received and his military memorabilia have been welcomed into the Museum where they will be displayed for future generations to learn from. A generous financial donation made on his behalf will help to safeguard the Museum’s future.

If you wish to learn more about the scheme, pick up a leaflet from the Museum, see our website, email [email protected] or phone us on 01834 860500.