A HISTORIC former lifeboat has found a new home in Pembroke Dock after being donated to the West Wales Maritime Museum.

The vessel, R.N.L.B. Pentland (Civil Service No. 3), was formally handed over during a small ceremony on Saturday (Mar 7) attended by museum representatives and civic leaders. The lifeboat has been gifted by Rev Mike Brotherton, a former Royal Navy serviceman, who previously owned the vessel.

The handover took place with the boat positioned on the slipway, where supporters and volunteers gathered to mark the occasion. The donation ensures that the historic vessel will now be preserved and displayed as part of the region’s maritime heritage.

Rev Brotherton, who has maintained and cared for the boat during his ownership, said he wanted the vessel to remain in a place where its history could be appreciated by the public.

Also present at the ceremony were Chris Barlow, chairman of the West Wales Maritime Museum, and the Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michele Wiggins.

The event included a symbolic presentation involving a folded Union flag, marking the formal transfer of the vessel into the museum’s care.

Chris Barlow welcomed the donation, describing it as an important addition to the museum’s growing collection of maritime artefacts and historic vessels.

He said the Pentland represents an important part of Britain’s lifeboat heritage and will help tell the story of the bravery and dedication of lifeboat crews who risked their lives to save others at sea.

The vessel is a classic RNLI lifeboat design from the mid-twentieth century and was originally built to operate in demanding conditions. Lifeboats of this era were designed for strength and endurance, often launching into severe weather to carry out rescue missions.

Over the decades, boats such as the Pentland played a crucial role around the British coastline, responding to ships in distress, fishing vessel emergencies, and other incidents at sea.

The arrival of the Pentland at Pembroke Dock strengthens the maritime connections of the town, which has a long and proud naval and shipbuilding history.

Pembroke Dock was once home to one of the largest Royal Dockyards in the world and later played an important role in aviation and naval operations during the twentieth century.

The West Wales Maritime Museum works to preserve and share that heritage through its exhibitions, artefacts, and historic vessels. Volunteers continue to develop the museum’s collection and encourage visitors to learn more about the region’s strong links to the sea.

Cllr Michele Wiggins said it was fitting that such an important vessel should now be based in Pembroke Dock, where maritime history remains a central part of the community’s identity.

The Pentland will now be cared for by the museum and is expected to become a feature attraction for visitors interested in lifeboat history and the story of coastal rescue services.

Museum volunteers hope that the donation will also help raise awareness of the RNLI’s long tradition of lifesaving work around the British Isles.

With the lifeboat now safely transferred into the museum’s care, plans are being considered for how it can best be displayed and interpreted for the public.

For the West Wales Maritime Museum, the arrival of the Pentland marks another step in preserving the rich maritime heritage of Pembrokeshire for future generations.

Images: Martin Cavaney/Herald

Tributes have been paid to the woman described as the “heart and soul” of a well-known Pembrokeshire family farm following her death this week.

MARGARET DAVIES, affectionately known to many simply as “Mama”, passed away after a lifetime spent building and supporting the family business at Cuckoo Mill Farm.

Mrs Davies founded the poultry enterprise in 1958, starting with just three turkeys. Over the decades she grew the small venture into a well-known local business supplying poultry to families across the county.

Alongside farming, she also ran a farmhouse bed and breakfast for more than fifty-five years, welcoming guests from across the world and serving home-cooked three-course meals prepared on the Aga.

Family members said her work ethic and warmth made her the driving force behind the farm for generations.

For more than half a century Mrs Davies personally handled every Christmas turkey order, worked at farmers’ markets, and helped keep the busy farm kitchen running smoothly.

Visitors to the farmhouse often found the kitchen full of activity — the phone ringing with orders, stuffing being prepared for turkeys, potatoes boiling on the Aga, and white coats hanging ready for the next day’s work.

Despite the long hours and busy seasons, especially around Christmas, Mrs Davies was known for rarely complaining.

Her favourite saying summed up her outlook on business: “It’s when the phone doesn’t ring — that’s when we have a problem.”

As well as running the farm, she was known for her friendly and welcoming personality. Television and radio crews who visited the farm were often invited straight into the kitchen to film or record interviews.

“She was always so agreeable to fun,” her family said in a tribute. “If we said the TV crew were coming, she would just smile and say, ‘Well, why not? Bring them in!’”

Mrs Davies is remembered as a hardworking and inspiring woman who led by example and took pride in providing quality produce and excellent service to customers.

Today, the farm continues to operate under the next generation of the family. Granddaughters Emily and Beth now help run the poultry side of the business, while grandsons Danny and Joe continue the dairy enterprise started by their grandparents.

Many of the farm’s loyal customers now span several generations themselves, with families returning year after year for their Christmas turkey.

Her family said they are determined to carry forward the values she established.

“As we celebrate Mama’s life, we will continue working to carry forward her wonderful legacy and everything she stood for.”

Funeral details will be announced once confirmed.

MILFORD HAVEN SEA CADETS have had a busy and successful week, with new equipment arriving at the unit, a donation from a local organisation, and junior members taking part in World Book Day activities.

The Milford Haven unit recently received delivery of new Standard Horizon VHF radios, which will be used during the upcoming boating season. The equipment was purchased after the group successfully secured funding through the RCD Foundation Grant.

The radios will help cadets develop important communication and safety skills while taking part in maritime training on the water.

The unit also received a £100 donation from Neyland Lodge, with cadets presented with a cheque during the week. Staff at the unit said the contribution would help support activities and training opportunities for young people involved in the organisation.

Leaders at the unit thanked the lodge for its support, describing the donation as a welcome boost for the cadet group.

Meanwhile, junior Sea Cadets marked World Book Day by taking part in a special visit to their local library. Along with members of the Junior Training Organisation (JTO), the young cadets dressed up and learned about the role of a librarian.

During the visit, they explored the library and each chose a favourite book, helping to encourage reading and learning outside the classroom.

Milford Haven Sea Cadets said the week highlighted the wide range of experiences available to cadets, from maritime training and community support to educational activities.

The unit is part of the wider Sea Cadet network operating across West Wales and continues to provide opportunities for young people in the Milford Haven area to develop skills, confidence and teamwork.