A new chapter has begun for the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre with the appointment of museum professional Stuart Berry as the centre manager.

Stuart, who lives at Letterston, took up his post on Monday.

Stuart has worked in the museum sector since 1999, beginning his career as a volunteer and then staff member at Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust (SIMT). He gained his first degree from Sheffield University in Archaeological Science and Geology in 1998, and was keen to pursue a career in heritage, studying further for his masters degree in museum dtudies at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Following his time at SIMT, and briefly at Gloucester Folk Museum, Stuart spent two years in Taiwan teaching at an English language school and travelled extensively in the region. He returned to the UK in 2005 by the over-land route, on the trans-Mongolian and trans-Siberian expresses, spending time in China, Mongolia and Russia.

For eight years, Stuart worked at the National Coal Mining Museum for England (NCMME) in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, becoming manager of the education team in a wide ranging role, including workshops and trails, family activities, exhibitions and large-scale Heritage Lottery funded projects.

Stuart met his wife, Sally, at Sheffield University and they have two young children. A primary school teacher, Sally is a native of Pembrokeshire and in 2015 the family moved to Letterston from Yorkshire to be near her family.

Recently, Stuart has worked as a freelance museums and heritage consultant, working closely with experienced museum consultancy firm DBA Consulting, specialising in assisting museums and heritage organisations with projects, research and funding applications. Stuart also sits on the committee of the Digital Learning Network, a nationwide organisation offering training and advocacy on issues relating to digital engagement.

From a military family, Stuart’s father served in the Royal Air Force for 22 years as a mechanical fitter for ground equipment. His service included time with former Pembroke Dock residents, 230 Squadron, based at RAF Gutersloh in the then West Germany. Now flying Puma helicopters, 230 Squadron was one of the last two squadrons to operate Sunderland flying boats at Pembroke Dock.

Welcoming Stuart, Gareth Mills, chairman of the Sunderland Trust - which runs the Heritage Centre - said: “We are really pleased with the appointment of Stuart. He comes to us with excellent knowledge and experience of managing museums, and will bring great impetus and enthusiasm to the next stage of development of the Trust. His appointment marks a new era that will enable the Trust to develop a world class heritage facility.”

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, in the restored Royal Dockyard Chapel, was officially opened two years ago by The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. It has major displays reflecting the town’s 200-year connections with all three Armed Forces and its fine social story. The Centre is open Mondays to Saturdays inclusive, 10 am to 4 pm.