Fourteen intricate aircraft models chart RAF flying boat history from the First World War to the late 1930s

A REMARKABLE timeline of RAF flying boat history can now be seen at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, following the donation of an exquisite collection of aircraft models.

Fourteen models, showing flying boat types from the First World War through to the late 1930s, have been gifted by expert modelmaker Fred Martin, of Bristol, who made a special visit to Pembrokeshire to hand over the collection.

The models include the Supermarine Southampton, which in 1931 became the first flying boat to be stationed at the newly opened RAF Pembroke Dock, and the Short Singapore, the last of the biplane flying boats, which was still in operational use at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.

Fred, who has been making models for more than 60 years, estimates that many of the aircraft took between 80 and 100 hours each to complete.

He said: “The Heritage Centre team have done a quite outstanding job and the exhibits are so professionally presented and varied. I am so pleased that I have been able to contribute to the story.”

Trevor Clark, of the Heritage Centre’s Collections Team, said the models were an important addition to the centre’s aviation displays.

He said: “Many of the models are from vacform kits, which are very intricate and challenging to make. Every type of biplane flying boat used by the RAF in the 1920s and 1930s is represented. All were seen on the Haven Waterway at various times.”

Volunteer Paul Emens, himself a highly skilled modelmaker and member of the Penfro Model Club, added: “It is a remarkable collection and the quality of each one is superb, right down to the myriad of rigging wires.”

The Heritage Centre already displays several models of Sunderland and Catalina aircraft from the Second World War era, but Fred noted that one flying boat is still missing from the collection.

“This is the Saro Lerwick, which looks like a two-engined Sunderland,” he said. “I am only aware of two kits that have been produced in 1/72 scale. Both are no longer in production and are very rare. It does, however, occasionally appear, so I will keep a lookout.”

Pembroke Dock was Wales’ only Royal Dockyard, a major garrison town and, during the Second World War, home to the largest flying boat station in the world.

The Heritage Centre’s displays interpret the maritime, aviation and military heritage of the town, as well as the social and community history of Pembroke Dock.

The centre is currently open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Cover image:

Fred Martin, left, hands over a model of a London flying boat to Paul Emens and Trevor Clark, right, of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre team.
Pic: Martin Cavaney

Three performances in six days for local choristers

PEMBROKE and District Male Voice Choir has continued its summer season with three concerts in six days across its home communities.

The choir first performed at the Armed Forces service held at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre on Saturday, June 27, under the direction of Deputy Musical Director Ian Williams.

The following Tuesday, the choristers were welcomed to St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, by the Vicar, the Rev Alex Grace. On Friday, July 3, they performed at Monkton Priory Church, Pembroke, where the evening was introduced by the Rev Heidi de Gruchy.

Musical Director Juliet Rossiter selected a similar programme for both church concerts, with Bev Davies making her debut as accompanist at all three performances.

The programme included Working Man, with solo parts performed by long-serving baritone Ron Rees, along with two numbers from The Cheeky Boys, a group of ten singers drawn from the choir’s four sections.

The church concerts also marked the first local appearance of the choir’s newest recruit, first tenor Paul Williams, who was introduced to the audience as “Uncle Paul” by MC Matthew John, his nephew.

Also performing locally for the first time were first tenor Paul Owen and bass Martin Harries, although both had taken part in the choir’s recent tour of Ireland. Martin is the son of the late Frank Harries, who is fondly remembered as a chorister of more than 60 years.

Thanks were extended to the church ladies for the excellent refreshments provided after the concerts.

The choir’s next male voice concert will be held at Cresswell Quay, Cresselly, on Friday evening, July 17.

Picture:

The Rev Alex Grace, Vicar of Pembroke Dock, pictured following the St John’s concert with, left to right, Matthew John, Paul Williams, Paul Owen and Martin Harries.

The Story of Swing will bring the music of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Michael Bublé and Robbie Williams to Milford Haven next summer

A CELEBRATION of swing and big band music is coming to Milford Haven next summer.

The Story of Swing will be performed at the Torch Theatre on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of a UK tour taking in venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Presented by award-winning vocalist and trumpet player Gareth John, the show takes audiences on a musical journey through decades of swing, from the golden era of The Rat Pack to modern-day crooners.

The programme features songs made famous by Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, along with numbers associated with Michael Bublé, Robbie Williams, Matt Goss, Paul Anka and Harry Connick Jr.

Gareth John will be joined on stage by the SOS Big Band, bringing the full sound of brass, rhythm and big band arrangements to the Torch Theatre.

Promoters say Gareth is known for his showmanship, passion for the genre and strong rapport with audiences. He has previously shared the stage with acts including The Beautiful South and The Specials.

The Milford Haven performance will also feature Frankie Mack as a special guest.

The show has received praise from a number of musicians and broadcasters. Jazz FM’s Tony Minvielle described the arrangements, performance and concept as “fantastic”, while Dennis Rollins MBE called it “big band and swing music the right way”.

Other dates on the 2026 tour include Lytham St Annes, Lowestoft, Christchurch, Barry, Edinburgh, Solihull, Rhyl, Newark, Eastbourne, Wirral, Taunton, Clacton-on-Sea and Aberdeen.

Tickets for The Story of Swing at the Torch Theatre are available from storyofswing.com.

Caption: Gareth John and the SOS Big Band will bring The Story of Swing to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven on Saturday, August 1, 2026.