After a busy start to their Mayoral year, the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, and his Mayoress, Sam Skyrme, decided to take a holiday this week - in Tenby!

Laurence explained: “We wanted to have a break and we listed all the things we would like to do whilst on holiday. We wanted somewhere that was great for a family, with lovely beaches and lots of things to do. Tenby was the obvious choice - why would you want to go on holiday anywhere else?”

The Mayoral couple, joined by Sam’s 11-year-old son Lewis, started their holiday - or ‘staycation’ - with a visit to the Tenby RNLI open day. After a tour of the lifeboat station, they went aboard the Haydyn Miller AWB Lifeboat and were given a guided tour by members of the volunteer crew. Hundreds of people visited the Lifeboat station and enjoyed an educational and fascinating day.

On Monday they visited some of Tenby’s indoor attractions, starting with a trip to the award-winning Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. They were given a guided tour by Mr. Neil Westerman, the honorary curator of the museum.

Speaking afterwards, Sam said: “We are so lucky to have such a wonderful museum. There is so much to see and it is a great visit for people of all ages.”

Next on the itinerary was a visit to the Tudor Merchant’s House. Again a guided tour from staff in period costume was very interesting and Lewis enjoyed playing with period games that are available for visitors to enjoy. Laurence and Sam were also given a demonstration of making wicker bee-hives.

On Tuesday, the holiday continued with a day enjoying the range of activities provided by Tenby Watersports. Along with a number of other holidaymakers, they enjoyed a trip out to the Woolhouse Rocks and then around Caldey Island. They saw many seals, including one that the safari team estimate is over 35-years-old.

Wednesday saw the holiday continue with a trip on the Seren-y-Mor mackerel fishing boat. Laurence, Sam and Lewis joined other visitors and ended the trip with a successful catch.

Speaking afterwards, Laurence said: “We had a lovely time and it was good to have expert help on board helping all ages. This is a great family trip and it is good to know that we will be having Tenby Mackerel for tea!”

Later on Wednesday, it was off to visit Heatherton. Lewis particularly enjoyed the bumper boats and comprehensively beating the Mayor at Crazy Golf. Sam commented “it is such a fabulous visitor attraction with so much to do for children and families of all ages”

Thursday included a visit to the Harbwr Brewery where there is a range of information about the developments in Sargents Lane. They also visited the climbing wall on Castle Beach and enjoyed a relaxing time on Harbour Beach.

Friday, the couple rounded off their family holiday with a trip over to Caldey Island.

Speaking to the Observer, Laurence said: “We have had the most fantastic break and I feel truly refreshed. Sometimes we can forget how much is available to do. We probably need at least another week to fit in all the other things we would like to do and places to visit. It has been great to spend time with others on holiday and to talk to all the tremendous people that operate our visitor attractions.”

Preparing to return to his civic duties, the Mayor joked: “We will be definitely be coming back next year!”