The Pembrokeshire Historic Buildings Trust has continued to be active, arranging monthly visits to places of historic, architectural or geographical interest. The first five months of 2005 have been particularly varied in content, and enjoyed each time by some 40 to 50 members. The educational aspect of the programme has included thought given to achievements in the realm of preservation, and it is therefore great, when owners of the wonderful old houses, which have endured for centuries, spend time restoring and renovating their properties, both homes and gardens. They are wished well and the best of good fortune. The year began with the first part of the 'Prior's and Pilgrim's' trail of churches in South Pembrokeshire. Members visited the Priory Church of St. Nicholas at Monkton with the Rev. M. Cox, and St. David's at Hundleton with Mr. K. Wheeler - the ancient and the modern in sharp contrast. Both churches demonstrated the way in which present day worshippers keep their faith with yesteryear. Those who accompanied the expedition to the Shire Hall in February were really overawed by the splender of the building, which had, until recently, served the county as a court house. Mr. David Ellis and Mr. Thomas Lloyd gave wonderful accounts of its past history and use, and drew attention to its tremendous architecture - spectacular domed roof and ionic type columns in the main court room. All present were very concerned about the nature of the use to which it will be put in the future. What a pity the court authorities could not have found the finance necessary to adapt the rest of the building, to provide the sort of accommodation a modern court house requires. The remarkable achievements of Robert Owen in 1837 in designing and constructing the Shire Hall surely deserve to be honoured by giving it a laudable future and inheritance for posterity. In March, a visit was paid to the Georgian Manor of Treffgarne, the home of Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Batty. This lovely old house and well restored garden have had much time and finance lavished on their restitution, with outstanding results. Together with the many legends, the history of the area, recounted by Mr. Batty and Mr. David Ellis, a fascinating story was unfolded. The handsome old country house of Trevacoon, dating from the 17th century, came next. The owner, Mrs. C. Flynn, has already largely converted it for the comfort of holiday guests, but the early Greek influences are still there for all to see. Mrs. Flynn has preserved the wall garden, and is determined to restore the remaining earlier buildings and the ancient courtyard. A brief visit was paid to the very interesting church, by kind permission of the Rev. John Bennett. It, too, had very early origins. Records have mention of Haverfordwest Castle in the 13th century, and it was this ancient site that was the venue of the May 2005 expedition. There the old Prisoner Governor's Residence now houses the Town Museum, and a collection of artefacts and ingenious displays tell the story of Haverfordwest and the county. The enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication of the curator, Mr. Simon Hancock, added greatly to the occasion. The whole visit was very worthwhile, and members applauded the fact that the ancient castle site was used for the positioning of the Museum and the Records Office. This part of the town, on its hill with a view overlooking the town, seems to be an ideal location. There does appear to be a need for better sign-posting, however. In all venues, the chairman, Mr. W. George, thanked all who had contributed to the success of the visits, which all ended with teas served at Highgate, Pembroke House, Pump on the Green, Sloop Inn and Bellevue, according to the area.
