Volunteers night at Pembroke Town Hall

On Friday last, May 30, Pembroke Town Council played host to volunteers night in the Town Hall. People who have helped run and support Pembroke Museum were invited to a social evening as a 'thank you' for their contribution. It was a birthday celebration too as Pembroke Museum celebrates the first anniversary of its opening on June 1.

Welcome from the Mayor

Altogether, 65 people accepted the invitation to attend the function which was opened by Pembroke's new Mayor, Clr. Aaron Carey. Clr. Carey conveyed the town council's thanks to all who had helped make the museum a success and for voluntarily giving up so much of their time to promoting Pembroke's heritage. He then proposed a toast to the museum and was thanked by that well-known local personality George Lewis, who with wife Jeanne, painted the Pembroke murals which adorn the walls of the foyer, staircase and landing of Pembroke Town Hall. No one has done more to promote our heritage than George and Jeanne and for this reason George was elected president of the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society, a position he fills with great enthusiasm.

The History Society

The history society is a main organiser of the museum, working in cooperation with West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, Pembroke Civic Trust and Terry John, of the Sealed Knot. As chairman of the society and also curator, I was asked to say a few words and was able to thank the Mayor for his kind words and also thank the generosity of Pembroke Town Council for enabling the museum to happen. Many in Pembroke do not realise how much our Town Council does for the town. In this instance they made the old court room available for voluntary groups to run as a museum together with a start up grant of £5,000. It could not have happened otherwise.

Our Community Project

I was able to thank not only the museum volunteers but also the many people who had contributed to the history society's 'Through my Eyes' community history project which will be published later in the year. Altogether, 45 people have participated in making short films or digital stories which recapture different aspects of Pembroke's history; the very last film was made with Hilda Sweet whose memories of the old East End delighted the audience and was greeted with much applause.

Thanks

Thanked also were the committee of the history society who had provided, at their own expense, the buffet which turned out to be a bit like the biblical loaves and fishes - it kept growing and growing as people added to the feast. It really was a lovely spread and worries over 'will there be enough for so many?' were completely groundless as there was a great deal left over even though everyone came back for seconds and more! A raffle was organised in order to pay for the wine - everyone who attends our events knows that we always hold a raffle to cover costs and keep events free at entry. In this instance, raffle prizes had been supplied by many businesses in Main Street and I give thanks here to Lloyd's Bank, Mendus, That's Nice, the Co-op, Brown's Café and Wisebuy's. Also to the many people who contributed to the raffle - I think we must have had around 20 prizes altogether! There is such goodwill and it makes you realise what a friendly community Pembroke is.

Museum Opening Hours

The museum is now extending its opening hours. Monday to Thursday it will open from 10 am to 3 pm and on Friday from 10 am to 12.30 pm. and entry is free. Group and class visits can be organised by arrangement.

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 event

The society will be participating in local events over the summer months. Tomorrow (Saturday, June 7) we will be in the Pater Hall taking part in the Rotary Charity Fair from 11 am to 3 pm. Come and see us in the museum - we will always be pleased to scan photographs and accept donations. And volunteers are always welcome!