The Friends of the Pembrokeshire National Park have just completed their 2002 programme with an illustrated talk by Nic Wheeler, chief executive of the Park Authority, entitled Military Forts in and around the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
During the year, the Friends have organised various events, including a visit to Ramsey Island and several family Beach Days at St. Brides. In addition they regularly undertake beach cleaning and general maintenance work as well as lobbying the Park Authority on matters which concern their members.
The Bluestone Project, which is being submitted to the Park Authority for planning approval and which is likely to prove very controversial, will be examined in detail by the Friends to ascertain what impact such a development will have on the environment and the extent of the potential economic benefits for Pembrokeshire.
As part of their strategy to become more proactive and increase their public profile, the Friends of the Pembrokeshire National Park have a new committee member who in future will be responsible for the association's public relations.
Brian Powdrill, who until recently was chairman of the Brecon Beacons National Park, is now a full-time resident of Trefin, North Pembrokeshire, and drawing on his experience of National Parks, intends to help the Friends to develop their membership and maintain close contact with the media.
The Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park is an independent voluntary association with charity status that is committed to help protect, conserve and enhance the National Park for all to enjoy. Contrary to popular belief, it has no financial or administrative links with the statutory Park Authority. The members act as a watchdog and are the eyes and ears of the association and play an active role in alerting the executive committee to issues of concern. News and Views is the title of the association's popular magazine for members.
Details about the Friends can be obtained by logging on to its website: http://home.freeuk">http://home.freeuk. com/fpnp, by emailing fpnp@ freeuk.com or by telephoning (01348) 837457.