Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild held its 2019 AGM recently which coincided with the branch’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

Pembroke Fundraising Branch for the RNLI was founded in St. Mary’ s Schoolroom Pembroke on February 11, 1949.

A meeting was convened by the late Mrs. Basil Ramsden of Cosheston Hall, inviting along Lt. Col V. Lewis, RNLI organising secretary of Wales, to discuss her proposal to start an RNLI fundraising branch in the Pembroke area.

Mrs. Ramsden’s proposal was accepted without question.

“70 years later, we ladies photographed and many, many committed ladies before us, are honoured to continue fundraising to the present day, without a break,” said Daphne Bush, of the Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

“It was also a privilege to have Mrs. Ramsden’s daughter-in-law, Mrs. Carola Ramsden of Cosheston Hall to be the next President.

“The Ramsden family continue to be very involved with the RNLI and Pembroke Guild Fundraising.

“Ira Ramsden, has been a Guild member for 15 years. She and her husband David are very key players in current fundraising events.

“There have been just four presidents in Pembroke Guild in 70 years.

“Mrs Rosanna Allen-Mirehouse of Angle succeeded Mrs. Ramsden. Current and 4th President, is Mrs. Jennie McIntosh of East Williamston,” continued Daphne.

The AGM officers reflecting on the year’s events and work are delighted to announce that in 2018, £14,000 was raised and almost £3,000 through the RNLI Souvenir Stall.

Officers were re-elected en bloc, proposed by President Jennie McIntosh and seconded by former President Rosanna Allen-Mirehouse.

“One final message from we ladies as a committee to all our supporters, whether you attend events, kindly offer your homes, gardens or donate your services freely, is to say a huge thank you from us all on behalf of the RNLI,” added Daphne.