The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society

by West Wales Maritime Heritage Society

September 06, 2005

"The Society" was formed in 1984 and has for some years been registered as an Educational Charity and as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

Our activities centre around the Milford Haven Waterway in West Wales, where we have workshops on the historic site in Pembroke Dock, known locally as Hancocks Yard which is located on the Pembroke Dock waterfront between the Victorian Martello Tower (situated east of the former Naval Dockyard and now an interesting visitor centre) and Hobbs Point. Ships have been built here since 1804 and over the last two centuries the area has seen some intense industry and many radical changes. Perhaps we owe it to Admiral Lord Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar for the fact that there was such an upsurge in shipbuilding activity in this corner of Pembrokeshire.

We have a number of restored vintage sailing craft on display and several that are still waiting to be restored. We also have plans for building a Tenby Lugger - the boat depicted in our logo.

When we are not working on the boats at our weekly Monday meetings, we are out sailing these craft and endeavouring to engage the interest of the general public in keeping this part of our heritage alive. We organise sailing events, social evenings, lectures, open days and we take part in as many events as possible. Our members are all volunteers and anyone is welcome to join in. Skills associated with the work can be acquired on the job so there are no qualifications needed.

The Aims and Objectives set by the Society when formed remain:

To conduct and encourage research into the maritime history of the region.
To encourage the preservation of craft, buildings and sites of historical or local interest.
To seek to preserve artefacts and records associated with this history.
To retain and encourage the skills associated with all aspects of building, repairing, handling and the use of the craft.
To set up a Centre or Centres where these craft, items and skills can be preserved and shown to best advantage.
To encourage members of the public to take an interest in and develop or acquire the skills mentioned.
To operate such a Centre or Centres as a viable economic enterprise.

Subscriptions for membership have been deliberately kept reasonable and Cadet Membership is available at a nominal cost for anyone in fulltime education. Subscriptions are due annually on the 1st January. Temporary membership to allow participation in Society activities is available at £5:00 a month on completion of a simple form.

In Pictures

Click here

To ease administration, it would be appreciated if, when applying for membership, a Bankers Standing Order be completed for payment of subscriptions.

Members receive a copy of each issue of the Society's Journal and Newsletter: may attend the Annual and any Extraordinary Meetings; are invited to the Annual Dinner or Luncheon, together with the series of winter talks and any other events which from time to time may be organised. Past events have included the charter of vessels, visits to maritime museums, places of interest and mini-cruises etc.

Each summer the Society's boats participate in a number of rallies and cruises within the Milford Haven estuary. Members are always wanted to assist in preparation, crewing and shore support roles.

The Work Of The Society

In addition to pursuing our main objectives, considerable progress has been made towards a collection of display or use at our proposed Centre and draft schemes are being prepared for the development on various sites.

The collection to date includes:

Already Restored

28ft Coble "Quest"
18ft clinker built open motor-sailer "Undine"
18ft Trinity House Lightship Tender/Lifeboat "General Picton"
10ft pulling boat built by dockyard apprentices "Rosyth"
14ft Firefly Dinghy "Piglet"
7ft pram Dinghy "Bob"
16ft Naval Fast Motor Dinghy "2746" Built by Falconer Marine, Victoria , British Columbia . Restored privately under agreement.

Under Restoration

52ft Admiralty Steam Harbour Service Launch "HSL 296"

Awaiting Restoration

28ft Rope Runner used for assisting tankers berthing at Milford Haven "Pembroke Mallard"
18ft Pembrokeshire One Design Dinghy "Tern"
17ft Dale Gig fisherman's boat "Agnes"
5 ton Steam Locomotive Crane by Thomas Smith of Leeds (ex Milford Docks)
Lister 1 ton Autotruck (ex Cosalt Ltd, Milford Haven)

A variety of tools, equipment and other artefacts are being collected, along with a library of 700 plus books and 200 charts.

It is the intention of the society to acquire a range of other display items, both static and working, for inclusion in the Centre when built but storage space prevents collection if too many.

CAN YOU HELP?

The work of the Society is carried out wherever possible by volunteers in our Pembroke Dock workshop. Some tasks, of course, need the expertise of expensive professionals.

Working parties are held on a regular basis at Pembroke Dock on Monday from 10:00 am and at other times by arrangement.

In the interest of safety, it is desirable that more than one member is in attendance at any time.

Research, creating records, fund raising and furthering projects involving correspondence, administration, accounting, drawing or other specialised work are often performed by members at home.

The Library is temporarily housed in the Haverfordwest Library and compromises over 700 maritime books ranging from technical to fiction and a large number of nautical charts. These are available to all members for research on the premises or, in the case of books, to borrow.

The Society welcomes offers to donate artefacts including books and charts.

A growing collection of photographs need filling on computer disc and display copies are required.

A limited research service is available to members and non-members. This could be expanded, given additional research volunteers.

Any special talents or skills will be welcome - there is usually a need for photography, audio or video recording, draughtsmanship, administration, fund-raising, event organising etc. and lots of semi-skilled or non-skilled help can be useful too. Enthusiastic members to talk to the public and 'steward' our displays are always needed. Don't hesitate,

VOLUNTEER NOW!

West Wales Maritime Heritage Society
44 Westhaven
Cosheston
Pembroke Dock SA72 4UL

Rev. David Reed - Membership Secretary: 01646 685806

Print Article Email Article