What a beautiful day it was for a special event in Pembroke Dock! Officially opened at the brand new gate by Roy Noble OBE at 1 pm, Hancock’s Yard was soon full of cheerful and relaxed visitors and volunteers last Saturday. The sun shone brightly on the newly refurbished boatyard and museum, enabling people to mingle, explore, chat and enjoy the street food, including some delicious home made cakes.

Pembroke & Pembroke Dock Sea Scouts were there to help out, and the Fishguard Folk Singers provided a background of maritime folk songs and shanties.

Books were on sale in the boat shed, and visitors were invited to see inside the museum - full of interest for all ages.

Event host Peter Kraus gave Mr. Noble and his wife Elaine the ‘grand tour’ and they were able to see for themselves the Maritime Museum, the Escape Boat and the Charterhouse Lifeboat. They talked to the blacksmith as he demonstrated his craft in a new Blacksmithy he had built himself.

Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Clr. Joshua Beynon said that he was really excited to be at the opening of the Maritime Museum, while Central Ward candidate Rhian Cowan, who runs the Project Pembroke Dock Facebook group, had this to say about the event:

“The weather was perfect for Roy Noble from the BBC who came down to cut the ribbon and then we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak of their new attraction (it’s still Top Secret but all will be revealed soon!), exploring their amazing interactive museum, enjoying some chips from Olivia’s and all topped off with a delicious ice cream from Betty’s and some lovely crafts provided by Carina from Luna Crafts.

“These volunteers do an amazing job and are always on the look out for more helpers in all aspects of the running of the museum. They are particularly keen to get help with the renovations of their new addition ‘The Charterhouse Lifeboat’ which has had a fascinating career of daring rescues, which you can read all about at the museum itself.

“Thank you Peter Kraus for inviting us to be part of your special day.”