Members of Narberth Ladies Probus Club have enjoyed a lovely outing to the Heritage Centre.

The group was met by museum volunteer Chris Howell and, after refreshments from the excellent café, was given a very informative tour of the centre.

Chris gave many interesting facts about Pembroke Dock’s military and industrial history, going back over some two hundred years. There were many artifacts relating to its shipbuilding past, with numerous models, including one of the Royal Yacht Britannia which was constructed in the Dockyard.

There was also a section devoted to the celebrated Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars movies which was also built here, allegedly in secret in a disused hangar.

However, of most interest to club members were the wide range of photographs, medals, uniform and other military memorabilia relating to Pembroke Dock’s time as the largest coastal command base for flying boats in World War II. Many of the collections were donated by the public, including one a Narberth Ladies Probus member. Her father, Flight Lieutenant Bob Galloway, had been an Observer with 228 Squadron and his medals, logbook and other mementos are all housed in the Centre.

Members were able to view numerous aircraft parts; notably, those recovered from Sunderland T9004 which sank in 1940. They were also able to make use of the aircraft simulator, flying a Sunderland in over the Pembrokeshire coast and alighting in the Haven.

All agreed that it had been a fascinating insight into the history of Pembroke Dock and thanked Chris for making it such a worthwhile experience.

After the tour, members enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Shipwright Inn, overlooking the iconic Martello Tower which originally housed the Sunderland Museum collection.