Pembroke Guild’s 2019 St. David’s Day celebration cawl supper and choir concert, courtesy of Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir, was the perfect occasion on which to mark 70 years of RNLI fundraising in the Pembroke locality.

The choir who, too, celebrate over 67 years of performing concerts in the Pembroke area, sang to a packed Town Hall.

Pembroke Branch of the RNLI, now known as Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild, was founded on February 11, 1949, at a public meeting in St. Mary’s Schoolroom, Pembroke, by Mrs Basil Ramsden, the late mother of Major Ivor Ramsden of Cosheston.

Lt. Col. V. W. Lewis, then RNLI Organising Secretary for Wales, attended the public meeting to initiate the start of an RNLI fundraising branch in Pembroke.

The Ramsden family remain involved with Pembroke Guild fundraising until this present day. Mrs. Carola Ramsden, daughter-in-law of the founder, being a past longstanding Guild president.

Rosie Allen-Mirehouse succeeded Mrs. Ramsden.

The RNLI greatly appreciate the generations of supporters and fundraisers in the Pembroke area who have made 70 years of continuous fundraising possible.

During the interval, our current and fourth president, Jennie McIntosh, praised her predecssors, Guild members and supporters over the years, prior to proposing a toast and cutting a locally made anniversary cake.

Special thanks to all of the choir members, Chris and Phil Lloyd, conductor and master of ceremonies, Jennie, accompanist, Alison, flautist, and Ron Rees, soloist.

“We are delighted to announce that over £1,000 was raised for the RNLI on March 1,” said Daphne Bush, of the Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild.

“£1,000 could purchase three lifejackets for an inshore lifeboat crew member, along with other vital equipment, and make a great contribution to training or research into new rescue craft.

“All of these funds possible thanks to you our supporters, the choir generously supporting the charity and Guild members’ generous donations towards, supper and the raffle.

“On behalf of the RNLI, an enormous thank you to you all for such an enjoyable and successful evening,” she added.