Community

A Sunderland farewell for Heritage Centre’s Ron

Published

9 years ago

October 28, 2016

Ron Boreham: Receiving the Sunderland T9044 print from Graham Clarkson (left) and Gareth Mills (Pic. Martin Cavaney)

PEMBROKE DOCK HERITAGE CENTRE’S ‘resident Sunderlander’, Ron Boreham, was given an emotional send off before heading to a new home in Norfolk.

A stalwart in the Sunderland Trust Volunteer Team, which runs the Heritage Centre, Ron has been involved in town heritage projects for many years – at the Gun Tower Museum, Flying Boat Centre and latterly at the centre in the Dockyard Chapel. He was also a Trustee of the Sunderland Trust.

Ron lived in Pembroke Dock since 1979 and spent 34 years in the RAF. His first operational station was RAF Pembroke Dock where he joined No 230 Squadron as an aircrew signaller in the early 1950s. He did a tour of 800 hours on Sunderlands before moving on to fly in Shackletons and then various jet aircraft before becoming an air traffic controller. He last posting before retirement was at RAF Brawdy.

Originally from London, Ron met his late wife Nan (nee Heslop) when stationed at ‘PD’ and they were married for 53 years. Ron has three sons and a daughter and will be living with daughter Gill and family in Norwich. He also has nine grandchildren.

The Sunderland flying boat will always be special for Ron and it was appropriate that his leaving gift was a print of this famous flying boat. The print, donated by Welsh artist John Wynne Hopkins of the Guild of Aviation Artists, depicts Sunderland T9044 over a convoy in 1940. This aircraft sank off PD and its story and artefacts have become a centrepiece of displays at the Heritage Centre.

During a surprise farewell party at the centre, the print was presented to Ron on behalf of volunteers, staff and friends by Graham and Sue Clarkson and a magnificent Sunderland Trust cake, made by Caroline and Mike Jones, was enjoyed.

Among many tributes paid to Ron were those by Graham Clarkson, Trust Chairman, Gareth Mills and Trust Patron John Evans.

Joining Ron and many of his friends in the Volunteer Team were members of his family from Carmarthen and Norfolk.

Community

Rare photo shows original owner of 100-year-old ‘Charlie’ the ventriloquist doll

Published

3 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

A PHOTOGRAPH has come to light of the first owner of ‘Charlie’, the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll who was a star turn when Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre opened for the new season last month.

On the opening day (Mar 30), Gerald Williams, a member of the Carew Cheriton Control Tower team, brought along a group photo which features both Charlie’s then owner, Ernie James, and Gerald’s father, Hubert.

It was the first time Paul Elliott, Charlie’s current ‘minder’, had seen a photo of Ernie, who was at one-time very well known as a local entertainer.

“This has made my day,” said Paul. “It is great to see a photo of Ernie, who originally acquired Charlie over 100 years ago.”

***Charlie is pictured with Gerald Williams (left), and Paul Elliott. (Credit: PDHT)***

Gerald added: “Both Ernie and my father were involved at one time with a travelling cinema, visiting communities all over this area.

“Ernie had his own small bus company called Pioneer Buses. This is where dad first met Ernie during driver exchanges during the war. They also worked together for Silcox Bus Company at Pembroke Dock.”

Charlie currently sits in a neat glass case keeping a watchful eye over visitors and volunteers at the Heritage Centre.

While the photograph has solved one mystery, another remains. Ernie is believed to have had another ventriloquist’s doll, named Daisy May. Anyone with information on Daisy May is asked to contact the Heritage Centre on 01646 684220 or [email protected]

Community

Lauren Clewes begins trainee solicitor role at Eaton-Evans and Morris

Published

1 day ago

April 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire law firm confirms internal promotion after Lauren joined the business as a paralegal in 2024

LAUREN CLEWES has been promoted to trainee solicitor at Eaton-Evans and Morris Solicitors.

Lauren joined the firm in 2024 as a paralegal, working first with Helen Hodges and later with Pauline Mainwaring. Over the coming months, she will work alongside the firm’s fee earners across all departments as part of her training.

Sean Dyer, one of the firm’s directors (pictured), offered his congratulations on her promotion.

Community

Comedy in the Pavilion: Elis James at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las

Published

2 days ago

April 11, 2026

Richard Lewis

COMEDIAN Elis James will take to the Pavilion stage at the National Eisteddfod for the first time this year, performing on Wednesday, August 5 as part of the festival programme. Entry to the gig is included in the Maes day ticket, and with strong roots in the area, his return promises an evening of laughter and a warm homecoming atmosphere.

Famous for making quick connections with people from across Wales on his podcast ‘Elis & John’ on BBC Sounds, Elis will no doubt receive a warm welcome at the National Eisteddfod, arguably one of the best places in the world to connect with fellow Welsh people. With his observational comedy, often inspired by his upbringing in west Wales, this is expected to be an evening full of humour, marking the halfway point of the Eisteddfod week.

Elis said: “I’m very excited. I’ve never done stand-up in the Pavilion before. Mam will be there, I’m sure other members of the family will be there too, but don’t worry, I’m one of those people who is funny under pressure!”

Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Elis back home to the Garreg Las area.

“As a Welsh comedy giant, we’re looking forward to a night of humour in his company, reflecting the true spirit of the Eisteddfod.”

Elis was born in Haverfordwest and raised in Carmarthen. He’s a comedian, podcast presenter, actor and broadcaster. Since 2014, he’s presented a radio show with his friend and fellow comedian, John Robins, originally on Radio X before moving to BBC 5 Live in 2019.

Among the UK’s most popular comedians, Elis toured Wales with his show Derwydd in 2024, recording a performance at Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre. He has since returned to English‑language stand‑up after a ten‑year break.

Day Maes tickets, which include admission to the gig, are available on the Eisteddfod website.

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire between August 1 and August 8.