A flotilla of vessels led by the flagship 'Dashing', carrying the Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Aaron Carey and his guests, including the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Clr. Pam George cruised along the picturesque Pembroke River last Saturday before making a grand entrance into the Castle Pond. The colourful spectacle, with the magnificent Norman castle as a backdrop, provided a splendid finale to the Pembroke River Rally, organised by Pembroke Town Council, with a total of 47 boats arriving into the quay. In addition to the Parade of Sail, the numerous stalls and displays with entertainment provided by the Vagrants Crew, and appearances from Spongebob and Patrick, Jake the Pirate and the children having a ride around in the daleks. A bouncy castle, Little Monsters Balloon making made the afternoon a huge success. Local entertainer Neil Thomas, with his own brand of light hearted humour, provided a running commentary throughout the afternoon playing music to suit all tastes, and singing some wonderful tunes himself. "The crowd was excellent and the atmosphere was superb," said town clerk Suzie Thomas. "We've received lots of positive feedback and I think it was our best-ever, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along and put their hands in their pockets to support the various charities and stall holders, and a special thank you to West Wales Maritime Heritage, especially Mr. David James and also Svitzer Marine UK (Pembroke Dock) who very kindly provided a safety vessel for the event. "The real winners are the charities and organisations that raised money for so many good causes, including the RNLI, Monkton Priory Church, Diabetes, Pembroke Lions and also the Sea Scouts, 3rd Pembroke Scouts, to name but a few."