I am always pleased to receive contributions for this page which offers an opportunity to collect your memories and make them available to the community and beyond. Memories written down can be preserved forever, but once lost can never be retrieved, so I was pleased to receive the following email from Margaret Brace. I know it will bring back memories to many.

Margaret's memories - the last of the steam trains

"Dear Linda. Here are some jottings you may be interested in, to help the history page along in P&PD Observer. The photograph of train driver - Mr. Bryn Hall - on his last run in September 1963, brought back memories to me of that changing era.  

At the time, I was a 'Clippie' on Silcox buses, when double deckers drove through town every 15 minutes - either going to or returning on what we called 'The town run and ferry catcher' (no, not the Irish Ferry - that was not in existence at the time - it was the ferry across to Neyland from Hobbs Point, and woe betide us if the bus did not get there before each sailing time). 

On a certain day, I was 'fare-ing' the 12 noon bus to Monkton, and two passengers boarded at Laws Street dressed in their G.W.R. hats and jackets. I knew them both, Mr. Hall and Mr. Jimmy Cork. "That's it then, bread and jam all next week - at least mother wont be scrubbing overalls." So said Jim in his familiar and jocular fashion. Mr. Hall smiled, but was more concerned; he was married with a wife and young son; Jim was a single man living with his mam.

This was the day when employment ceased for them as the axe fell on Pembroke Dock railway as we had known it, and nationally the end of the old steam train. Well, if they never had a free ride on a bus for the rest of their lives, they did that day, and if I am invoiced by the then - still in business - Company for the cost of two tickets to Bethany bus stop (total one old sixpence) then they know where I live!

A time of change

Also in that same period of change affecting both towns, other places of employment had, or were coming to an end. R. S. Hayes - the shipbuilding and repair company at the Old Royal Dockyard was no more.

Regent - the forerunner of Texaco oil company - had acquired land and surrounding waters and was taking priority over what had once been the hub of South Pembrokeshire's workforce.  Riveting machines, welding equipment, jack-hammers and all things 'shipyard' had been laid to rest. The age of oil refining and petrol for the ever-increasing motorcar ownership and modern machinery was establishing itself 'further down stream' (B.P. at Popton was already up and running).

The factories at Kingswood on the London Road stretch were also under threat at the time and, if I remember rightly, the woollen factory began to run down first. But no matter, jobs in those days were 'two a penny' - Hancock's ship repair yard was still running and even my own employers at  Silcox Bus Co. were in need of drivers and clippies as individuals left to join  the masses heading for the construction jobs being offered at this new complex down by Rhoscrowther.

New employment opportunities

'Lock-up your daughters' was the advice of one eminent  town and county councillor, as thousands of incomers flooded the area - key workers and construction companies arrived for the task, and locals joined them for this new challenge and big wage packets. Boom and bust times. I remember the flurry every morning as I set out to work at 7 am: transport vehicles packed with workers, others with newspapers, lunchboxes, and tool bags waited at pick-up points for the specially consigned buses to take them down to the 'site' as it became known. And - take note - the Main Street in Pembroke took two-way traffic then and no Route 9 bypass either: Bush Street, High Street and the old narrow Ferry Lane took the road strain. No Cleddau Bridge as the old ferry, near sinking with the weight of passengers, drifted into place and lowered her gang walk on many a foggy morning in the early '60s.

Mr. Hall, in his wisdom, aimed his effort and time into building and eventually opening a petrol station in Treowen Road, Pennar. As for Jim Cork - he survived, he was that sort of man, and a wonderful stage entertainer of years standing. Along with others - Billy 'Owl' Thomas, Roma Davies, Trevor Morgan, Gwyn John and others - Jim had brought many a sad soul to life with jolly laughter and music! Sadly both deceased now, gone - like the heady days that Pembroke and 'the Dock' once knew.

PS. Mr. Bryn Hall was the lovely, late father of Local County Clr. Brian Hall - I'm sure he won't mind me telling you that."  

Last week - the White City

I received a phone call from Les Thomas following the article on the White City. Les was also employed on the railways at this time and, another casualty of the Beeching cuts, went on to work in the power station. A keen football player, he was a member of the Pembroke Town Football Club and he informed me that the team used to play at the White City dog track: football was played in the middle of the field and the dogs ran around the outside (but not at the same time!). Ernie Morgan was chairman. Les once had photographs of the team but said he lent them to someone and they were never returned - if anyone has any please get in touch.

Contact

If you have any stories, photographs or feedback for this column, please contact me, Linda Asman, on 01646 622428, email [email protected]">[email protected] and visit our website http://www.pembrokeandmonkonhistory.org.uk">www.pembrokeandmonkonhistory.org.uk

Next events

We are now in September and due to start our autumn programme. We have two events this month, both at Monkton Priory Church Hall:

Friday, September 13, at 7.30 pm - a talk by Edward Perkins, The Historic Houses of South Pembrokeshire. Free event.

Friday, September 20, at 7.30 pm - quiz night. £3.50 includes buffet. Bring your own bottle if you wish.