‘The Vision Moves On’: Four former chairmen came together to cut the beautifully decorated anniversary cake

CELEBRATING their silver anniversary in style with fine dining were the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (FPCNP), who attended the Wolfscastle Country Hotel last Friday (May 20).

From its inception, the independent voluntary charity FPCNP has been committed to helping protect, conserve and enhance the National Park for all to enjoy.

The FPCNP also aim to be of critical support to the Park Authority, and in recent years they have managed to form an effective campaigning alliance with other sister National Park societies in Wales.

In the unavoidable absence of Steve Drinkwater, the new chairman of the 400-member organisation, his predecessor Peter Heard welcomed the visiting colleagues and guests.

Among the attendees was guest speaker Tori James, Jim Wilson from the Brecon Beacons Society, David Archer from the Snowdonia Society, County Councillor Mike James, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Tegryn Jones and the Campaign for National Parks’ Fiona Howie.

Also in attendance were the five founding members of the group, who had participated in the first general meeting which took place at the Skrinkle Centre in Manorbier back in May 1991.

Some of the key issues which were discussed back in the first meeting, such as wind turbines, remain on the agenda to this day.

After their delicious dinner, which was made using local produce, guest speaker Tori James gave the group a vivid insight into her many different adventures.

Tori, who was raised on a farm in Pembrokeshire, says that her enthusiasm was kindled through the girl-guiding she completed as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

She says that her resolve was tempered by completing a 360-mile Polar Challenge in polar bear territory, across constantly shifting sea ice whilst battling against temperatures of -40°C as part of the Pink Lady Polecats ski team.

In 2007, Mount Everest became her next challenge. The expedition demanded unrelenting physical and mental preparation over the course of 18 months.

Tori described the exhausting acclimatisation process on the mountain, as well as the sickness which took away her first chance to go for the summit, and the obsessional mindset which drove her onwards.

She became the youngest British woman and first Welsh woman to climb Everest on May 24, 2007. During the 40 minutes she stood on top of the world, she said that her overwhelming emotion was one of relief.

She is currently helping to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award by taking part in 60 days of adventure, believing that taking part in outdoor activities can transform lives.

Tori’s infectious enthusiasm and her unquenchable passion for adventuring are why she was chosen to be the ambassador for the Visit Wales ‘Year of Adventure.’

After Tori’s inspirational talk, four former chairmen of the FPCNP came together to cut and serve the beautifully decorated anniversary cake.

Peter was thanked for guiding the group through a period of great change, as he led several important developments within the last five years.

One of these developments is the alliance of the Welsh National Park Societies which has brought a new campaigning force to the Welsh Assembly.

Also praised was Peter’s Children’s Literary Competition which piqued young people’s interest in, and awareness of, the unique and special qualities of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The evening concluded with a presentation to Peter on behalf of all members present. This was followed by a toast to the prosperity of the association for the next 25 years with the stirring headline that appeared in the first issue of their newsletter – ‘The Vision Moves On’.