NARBERTH-born Dr Ruth Chilcott (1929-2023) lived most of her life in England, but never forgot her roots.  Her grandfather had built many of the houses in the town, and her father, T.R. Francis, was the local headmaster.  Her childhood there was tinged with sadness, overshadowed by the death of her mother giving birth to her, and coloured by World War II and its aftermath.  Despite this, Ruth always loved Pembrokeshire. 

After studying medicine at Cardiff University, she moved to London to practice as a doctor.  But still having family and friends in Narberth, she visited often, and  over the years amassed a large collection of books about Pembrokeshire and Narberth.  Those books are now returning to Wales, and will be available for ‘rehoming’ at this year’s Llangwm LitFest.

Ruth’s daughters, Sian and Rhian, recount that as their mother got older, the stronger her bonds to Wales felt.  Hers was perhaps the only house in Essex decorated extravagantly with Welsh flags.  The family Welsh dresser – made from oak felled on the family fields – dominated the sitting room.  She died last year at the age of 93, but they smilingly note that in her final months, she was determinedly trying to teach her carers Welsh, and existed mostly on a diet of cockles and prawns from South Wales.

Now to honour her bond to Narberth, the daughters want to find good homes for as much of their mother’s library as possible.  “We are bringing the books to Pembrokeshire, because we know we will find a great community of people who both love books and are interested in Welsh history” said Rhian.  “And the Llangwm LitFest is the ideal way to connect with this community.”

The books are an eclectic selection, from rare historical accounts of drovers’ roads to modern language learning materials.  “There is a bit of everything,” says Sian, “from poetry to coffee table books to memoirs.  Whether you like ghost stories, or recipe books, or family history collections… we hope you’ll find something to interest you.”

Anyone who takes a book will be invited to make a donation in return, and the sisters will donate the proceeds to the Narberth Museum of which Ruth was a lifelong friend.  Sian and Rhian’s stall will be next to Claire’s bar in the Big Marquee during the Llangwm Literary Festival. The festival takes place between 9 and 11 August 2024 in Llangwm. For more information on the festival, please contact [email protected], or visit their website: www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk

A SIX-MONTH trial to operate Angle’s all-weather Tamar class lifeboat across the waterway in Milford Haven, from the Port Authority’s jetty has started.

Earlier this year, fears were raised that the station – one of the busiest in west Wales – could be downgraded in favour of activities being run from Milford Haven.

Back in May, an RNLI spokesperson said: “It is becoming increasingly challenging for the RNLI to sustain operations at Angle Lifeboat Station due to its remote location and declining population.

“Since 2012, a local operating procedure has been in place for Angle’s all-weather lifeboat to collect crew from Milford Haven when attending incidents to ensure adequate crewing levels.

“The RNLI has recently provided extra support to crew based in Milford Haven, developing more infrastructure and dedicated training for volunteers.

“Angle’s all-weather lifeboat is currently based on a swing mooring to ensure it can be launched quickly and effectively in an emergency, due to limited amount of shore crew with daytime availability at Angle.

“Supplementing this arrangement, the RNLI has been operating from Milford Haven three days a week in order to maintain our lifesaving effect. We are working with Milford Haven Port Authority with a view to extending this arrangement to a 24/7 service for a three-to-six-month trial.

“We will still require the services of the Angle RNLI volunteer crew, but continue to review the situation in order to ensure the long-term viability of the station.”

The 24-7 trial will now be run over six months.

The RNLI has said it recently provided extra support to crew based in Milford Haven, developing more infrastructure and dedicated training for volunteers there.

The RNLI also invested in additional full-time crew at Angle to ensure the lifeboat could continue to operate. However, these arrangements are not sustainable long-term, it said.

Ryan Jennings, RNLI Regional Operations Lead said: “This is not a decision that has been taken lightly but is necessary to enable the RNLI to continue to save lives to the best affect in the Cleddau Estuary and surrounding waterways.

“To ensure the long-term sustainability of lifesaving in the area, we are keen to undertake this trial and assess its impact. We will still require the services of the Angle RNLI volunteer crew and welcome any new additional crew; however, we continue to review the situation in order to ensure the long-term viability of the station.

“The RNLI is committed to ensuring an effective lifesaving service in the Cleddau Estuary and surrounding area and is grateful to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support. We are committed to looking at ways of creating a lifeboat service, which is sustainable into the future. A trial at Milford Haven gives us the opportunity to explore this.’

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, Mike Ryan, said: “We are fully supportive of the RNLI’s trial to operate from Milford Haven as we want to help them find a workable, long term solution that will benefit all users of the Waterway and keep everyone safe.’

The trial commenced this week, and the RNLI will assess and review the results once complete.

MILFORD WATERFRONT, has announced a new free entry event this August. Celebrating Pembrokeshire and West Wales’ local food businesses, the event has a spectacular line up of the finest food, drink, artisan products and entertainment.

The Milford Waterfront Weekender will be taking place on Mackerel Quay at Milford Waterfront, with views of the Milford Haven Waterway on the 10th and 11th August from 12-8pm both days.

Featuring a variety of traders and producers from Pembrokeshire and West Wales, the Milford Waterfront Weekender will have food on offer from the likes of Ty Milford Waterfront, Get Loaded, the Fudge Foundry and more!

Drinks and music will also be on offer, with a fully stocked bar from Martha’s Vineyard, and live entertainment through both days.

Visitors will also be able to explore the cafes, restaurants, unique boutiques and shops at Milford Waterfront.

Natalie Hunt, Destination Manager at Milford Waterfront said: “This is the ultimate event for food lovers! We are so excited to have so many traders and producers showcasing their amazing food with everything from Mexican delicacies to juicy smash burgers, fish and chips, and so much more!

Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new tastes or simply in the mood for a fun day out, this weekend promises to give you just that. We cannot wait to see everyone down at Mackerel Quay enjoying the food, drinks and music.

Not forgetting the other businesses at Milford Waterfront that will be open as usual through the weekend. This event will really highlight the creativity and talent within the community. This is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and discover hidden gems.”

To find out more about traders, timings and FAQ’s for the event, go to: www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk/milford-waterfront-weekender.