The Trustees at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery have installed a new Chairman and Vice Chairman, at the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Governors.

Following notice from the incumbent Chair, County Councillor Michael Williams, that he would be stepping down, and from the sad loss last year of Vice Chair, Dr Michael Brew; appointed as Chair was Andrew Edwards, with Neil Westerman taking on the role of Vice Chair.

Both Andrew and Neil have extensive experience in the museum and heritage field.

Honorary Secretary of the Trustees Julie Evans said: “Both Michael and Meic have given years of tireless service to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

“Their contribution and commitment over many years has been instrumental in maintaining this important asset to Tenby, its communities and visitors, and grateful thanks go to both Michael and Meic for all they have done.”

In praising the dedication of Cllr Williams (who will remain a Trustee) to the facility that sits on Castle Hill, Julie continued: “You have given almost 40 years to supporting and promoting the Museum, that you hold dear to your heart.

“The general public have no idea how much you have given to the Museum, from phone calls and walks in the early hours to sort out alarms to trudging up the hill to empty dehumidifiers or discuss work with workmen, but more importantly your strategic direction as Chairman.

“Your influence in the community has benefitted the Museum no end from your local contacts, including the gardeners, builders and plumbers you’ve managed to ‘reel in’ by telling them ‘it’s just a small job’.

“Your influence within PCC has also been invaluable, knowing who to go to and using your suave approach to getting things done. On that note, you also managed to reel in a lot of Trustees - me included - by saying ‘there’s not much to it’.

“You truly are a good fisherman! Meic, we cannot thank you enough for all you have done as Chairman and it is up to all those who follow in your footsteps to keep this little gem alive and shining,” she added.

Hannah Saunders is the new Curator at the Museum; moving up from the role of Exhibitions and Interpretation Officer.

Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is currently shut for a short winter closure, so some TLC can be carried out throughout the premises. It will reopen on Saturday, February 15.

The next temporary art exhibition will be by Mohamed Hassan to open on March 22.

In 2016, Tenby Museum and Art Gallery became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (ClO).

As the oldest surviving independent Museum in Wales, and with it approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2028, The Board of Trustees is seeking to develop a strategy for the facility that achieves greater financial sustainability, increased partnership working with the philanthropic community, and real growth in the services the Museum can provide.

The Museum’s audience comprises both residents and visitors to the area.

For further info, head to: https://tenbymuseum.org.uk