The Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park continue to make a considerable practical on the ground contribution to the county’s National Park, but also make their presence felt at a national level, so said the outgoing chair, Peter Heard, at last week’s annual meeting.

Added Mr. Heard: “ We may be the Friends of one of the smallest National Parks in the United Kingdom, but we do sterling work on behalf of the precious environment that make up our National Parks. There is no doubt, whatsoever, that we punch well above our weight.

“Many societies such as ours are experiencing difficulties, but here in Pembrokeshire our membership is slightly up and we have no obvious financial problems. There is, however, no room for complacency and new members are most welcome and we must work to ensure that our finances remain on an even keel.”

The chair of external affairs, Edward Holdaway, explained to members that a strategy was being prepared to take the Friends forward. The strategy would be the defining of the Friends’ niche as the ‘torch bearer’ for the National Park and raise awareness of the importance of the Park; what makes it so special and the need to look after it.

Mr. Holdaway also gave a review of planning applications within the Park and also on the edge of the National Park which, it was felt, could have a detrimental effect on the environment.

Alan Mason, leader of the work party programme, told the meeting that the volunteers had, in a 12-month period, provided a total of 358 working days on improvement works within the National Park.

Work included underpinning a bridge at Abercych to assisting with the restoration of a lime kiln at Hook; installing fishing platforms at Bosherston to assisting with the installation of a board walk at the Broad Haven pond.

Jane Mason spoke of the comprehensive events programme of the past year and plans for the future and the retiring editor of the Friends magazine, News and Views, Steven Watkins, updated members on matters relating to its publication.

Two retiring members of the executive, long-serving secretary, Jill Eaton Evans, and press officer, Richard Howells, were the recipients of presentations from the chair.

Officers elected were: chair, Steven Drinkwater; treasurer, Peter Heard; secretary, Rosemary Williams; and executive members, Ian Patterson, Edward Holdaway, Jane Mason and Alan Mason.