Community
RAF airman’s logbook donated to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre
An RAF airman’s logbook donated to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre has added key information to the story of the wartime Sunderland flying boat which sank off the town in 1940.
Brothers Ross and Chris Burrows made a special visit to Pembroke Dock, bringing the logbook of their RAF navigator father, Pilot Officer (later Wing Commander) David Burrows, who was among the crew which made the last flight of Sunderland T9044.
That flight – from Oban in Scotland to ‘PD’ on 9th November 1940 – is listed as a ‘calibration flight’, proof that T9044 was involved in early radar equipment trials.
Said Ross: “When researching our father’s story we discovered that T9044 had sunk days after his only flight in the aircraft, and that many artefacts from the Sunderland are displayed at the Heritage Centre.”
Added Chris: ”We are delighted that the logbook has come ‘home’ to ‘PD’ and we are also so pleased to donate Dad’s uniforms, copies of photos and other items.”
Their guide at the Centre was Trustee Rik Saldanha who pointed out an especially relevant artefact from T9044 – the Perspex astrodome now incorporated into the replica Sunderland cockpit.
“This is where navigators often stood and it is most likely that Ross and Chris’ father was the last crewman ever to look out of the astrodome,” said Rik. “It was recovered from the seabed and is like new, 84 years on.
“Thanks to the logbook we now know what trials our Sunderland was engaged in.”
The Heritage Centre, which has permanent displays on Sunderland T9044, is open Mondays to Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm.
Community
West Wales eco centre honoured with commemorative plaque
A NEW commemorative plaque is set to be unveiled in Newport, Pembrokeshire, celebrating a landmark achievement in the UK’s journey towards sustainable energy. The plaque, located on The Old School building on Lower St Mary Street, marks the site of the first and smallest commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the UK, which began feeding electricity into the national grid on 11th October 1996.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at 2:30 pm, and aims to honour the contributions of the West Wales Eco Centre, a pioneering charity that was once housed in this building. Established in 1980, the Eco Centre played a crucial role in promoting innovative solutions to combat climate change long before they became mainstream.
In addition to installing the groundbreaking solar PV panels, the Centre was instrumental in launching several other forward-thinking initiatives. These included the UK’s first bulk purchase insulation scheme and the establishment of West Wales’ first bottle bank. The Centre was also a hub for environmental education and provided energy advice, helping to raise awareness of climate change challenges. It trained and employed local individuals, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues.
The people of Newport and the wider Pembrokeshire area take great pride in the legacy of the West Wales Eco Centre, which stood at the forefront of environmental activism and education. The plaque serves not just as a marker of past achievements, but as an enduring reminder of the community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Following the unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and thank those who were involved in these pioneering efforts. Tea and cake will be provided at the Golden Lion, bringing the community together in celebration of this significant milestone in the history of sustainable energy in the UK.
Community
UK’s favourite childhood holiday spots include Tenby
NEW research has uncovered the most beloved childhood holiday destinations across the UK, with many Britons returning to their nostalgic haunts well into adulthood.
A survey conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk found that 68% of respondents had revisited their childhood staycation spots as adults, making an average of 4.5 return trips. For over half of those polled, these cherished locations held a special place in their hearts, with 51% describing them as their “happy place”.
Topping the list of favourite childhood destinations was the picturesque Cornish town of St Ives, followed closely by Whitby in North Yorkshire and Weymouth in Dorset.Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, commented: “Our research shows that many of us keep these childhood memories close for life, even bringing our families along for the adventure in the future.”The study also revealed the enduring appeal of these destinations beyond the peak summer season.
In St Ives, visitors can enjoy the town’s artistic heritage at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Tate St Ives during the quieter months. Whitby comes alive in autumn with its famous goth festival and ghost tours, while Weymouth offers brisk walks along its golden beaches and exploration of the historic Nothe Fort.
Other popular childhood haunts included Tenby in Pembrokeshire, known for its colourful harbour and Blue Flag beaches, and Cromer in Norfolk, famed for its traditional pier and delicious crab dishes.Brixham in Devon and Seahouses in Northumberland rounded out the top destinations, offering family-friendly attractions and opportunities for wildlife spotting even in the off-season.Keary added: “Although the winter seasons can be quieter for some popular destinations, especially seaside towns, the new seasons bring a completely different perspective to the areas, with activities you are likely to experience in the summer months.”This research highlights the lasting impact of childhood holidays on British travellers, with many choosing to recreate fond memories by returning to their favourite spots year after year.
Community
Poignant Lancaster Relic donated to Heritage Centre, honoring local WWII hero
A WARTIME Pembrokeshire airman is especially remembered in this the 80th anniversary year of D-Day thanks to a unique and poignant donation to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
Trevor Hordley of Pembroke Dock was the pilot of a Lancaster bomber shot down over France in July 1944, soon after the D-Day invasion of Occupied Europe. A section of metal from his aircraft was secreted away from the occupying German forces and in 2013 was given to members of Trevor’s family attending commemorative events held annually in the French community of Serifontaine, near Beauvais.
Five of the Lancaster’s crew, including Trevor, are buried in a Beauvais cemetery.
Now, 11 years on, Trevor’s daughter, Christine – who was born after her father was killed – has donated the relic to the Heritage Centre.
Trevor’s niece and nephew, Pauline Cole and Peter Hordley, were joined by family members when they presented the metal section to the Centre’s team on Christine’s behalf.
Efforts are already underway to try and identify where the piece came from on a Lancaster. Plans are to exhibit it alongside an existing information panel telling Trevor Hordley’s story. He was one of over 55,000 Bomber Command aircrew lost on operations in World War II.
The family have also donated the wartime suitcase and other items belonging to Pauline and Peter’s father, Roy Hordley – one of the three brothers who went to war from their home in Pembroke Dock. Only two returned.
-
Health4 days ago
Man dies following nine-hour wait for ambulance in Pembroke Dock
-
Health3 days ago
Ambulance error admitted in 999 call before Pembrokeshire mother’s death
-
Crime7 days ago
Man arrested following violent Incident in Pembroke Dock
-
Community2 days ago
Affordable homes plans for fire-ravaged Cleddau Bridge Hotel site
-
Crime1 day ago
Victim left unconscious after unprovoked attack in Haverfordwest
-
Education7 days ago
Whitland School goes into lockdown following threats to pupils
-
Crime6 days ago
Man with limited mental capacity sees child grooming conviction overturned
-
Crime4 days ago
Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards faces sentencing over indecent images