The original working life of Hancock’s Shipyard in Pembroke Dock ran from 1920 to 1979, but the yard is increasingly being used as a centre of boat-building, maintenance and restoration today. There are even volunteers at the yard who served apprenticeships when it was still a working shipyard.

In 2019, after grand plans for a Pembroke Dock Marina had stalled, the West Wales Maritime Society were granted a 21-year lease on Hancock’s Yard and so gained momentum. Rent was set at a reduced rate until 2024 to fund various repairs and improvements that were stipulated in the lease agreement.

Enthusiasts don’t need asking twice; they didn’t let the grass grow under their feet but immediately set about a programme of renovation. Generators and torches were made a thing of the past as electricity was brought on site late 2019. Repairs were made to the slipway, although more is hoped to be done when funds allow. Using on-site skills and labour, new workshops have been built for working on smaller dinghies and boats with provenance, and a shed erected to house an old forge, so that iron work will be able to be done on the premises. A new front gate has been ordered.

“We have met all our obligations ahead of schedule,” stated Secretary Steven Preece.

Over the last few years, interest and activity has greatly accelerated. Gone are the days when the yard was only open on Mondays; now you will find people there five or six days a week. This year, 16 new members joined, and the demographic shifted to include younger people. The main shed has become very active with boat building.

Among the projects there is an original Tenby Lugger that was taken from Swansea Docks, reclaimed for Pembrokeshire and arrived partially planked. After realigning the hull and replanking, it is hoped that she will go back into the water.

Now on the slipway, a replica Tenby Lugger that started its life at the Mitec School of Boatbuilding and Marine Engineering, Milford Haven, was finished at Hancock’s Yard and sailed to Tenby for her inaugeration.

Under a tarpaulin on the quayside, waiting patiently for her renovation to begin, is the Charterhouse Lifeboat from Fishguard that is over 100 years old. The lifeboat was in service from 1909 to 1931 and in 1921 was responsible for a daring and arduous rescue of the Dutch motor schooner Hermina, carrying seven people, all of whom were saved. The lifeboat should become a major visitor attraction. The plan is to allow the public to view the process from within an open-sided shed as the lifeboat is restored to her former grandeur - a living project of restoration. Keeping it local, steel is on order from Kingswood Engineering in Pembroke Dock.

Another promising attraction, which has already been tried out last month by the Carter family, is Pembroke Dock’s very own ‘Escape Boat’. The ‘Escape Boat’ is actually a Norfolk Broads Cabin Cruiser. Based on the popular ‘Escape Room’ games, ‘gamers’ are given one hour aboard a real boat to thwart a Soviet spy and prevent him from passing on vital secrets. The Carter family had a great time solving various tasks and revealing the position where the spy ‘John Smith’ was to rendezvous with a Soviet submarine.

The Maritime Museum, previously an open-vaulted building, was rebuilt and modernised as part of the ongoing improvements to Hancock’s Yard, and is now on the way to being accredited.

“Instead of being a cottage museum, it will be a registered museum,” explained Mr. Preece. “It marks a big step for us in finally being recognised.”

The museum is expected to be reopened to the public on April 9. Check the Observer for any updates.

The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society was started in 1984, and took off exponentially as a bone fide organisation aimed at preserving local maritime history. They are dependent on members’ fees, donations and members of the public for finance. They are still learning as they go, but now feel that they are in a transition from amateur to something more professional.

“All are welcome here,” explained one of the members. “You do what you want.”

The yard is home to a diverse skill set - from the retired shipwright picking up tools again, to those who like “messing about in boats”, or those who come more for the ‘men’s shed’ aspect of it: rubbing down a sailing dinghy, punctuated by coffee and chat. Some have their own boat projects and plans to sail or cruise; others relish the opportunity to practise traditional boatbuilding skills in a relaxed environment. And all are regarded as equal. Membership costs £40 per year - “worth it if only for the fishing!”

Interested? Pop down to the yard on Pembroke Dock’s Front Street on a Monday or Tuesday, visit www.wwmhs.org.uk or follow West Wales Maritime Museum on Facebook.