On Saturday, January 16, members of the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society met at the Royal Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, to visit the Flying Boat Interpretation Centre.

They were greeted by one of its many volunteers, Peter Hurlow-Jones, who gave an introduction to the work of The Sunderland Trust.

He explained that The Flying Boat Centre, opened in June 2009, has proved a great success, attracting over 3,000 people. On the one hand, the Centre has an interpretative role, informing visitors about the story of Pembroke Dock and its flying boats, their key roles in peacetime and during WWII when Pembroke Dock became the largest flying boat station in the world. But it is also an active workshop and society members were able to chat to the volunteers who were busy conserving items recovered from the Sunderland T9044 which was torn from its moorings during a storm in 1940 and sank just off Neyland.

The society would like to thank Peter and fellow volunteers Alan Ross, Mike Hurley and Peter Gazzard for talking to them about their work and patiently answering their questions. No one could fail to be impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm in carrying out this painstaking work of conservation. A real labour of love!

Thanks also to Felicity Hurlow-Jones, Glynnis Iles and Sue Clarkson for their hospitality in providing the much-appreciated coffee, tea and biscuits.

The society's next meeting will be held on Friday, February 12, at the Foundry House Community Centre, Pembroke, at 7.30 pm. Ted Goddard will be talking to members on the subject of 'Pembrokeshire Shipwrecks'. All are welcome to attend - you do not have to be a member.

Any queries about the society, contact Linda Asman on 01646 622428, email [email protected]">[email protected]. Or why not visit their Blog on http://pembrokeandmonktonhistory.blogspot.com">http://pembrokeandmonktonhistory.blogspot.com