PEMBROKE saw an unusual and impressive example of people power on Saturday, November 19, when some 500 people took part in an ambitious event, to link hands around the town walls.

The Pembroke Town Walls Trust Link Hands around the Walls project celebrated Pembroke’s heritage reflected in the historic stone walls first built by William de Valance to surround and protect the town and its castle in the 13th Century.

The ‘linking’ was preceded and followed by guided walks around the walls in the morning and afternoon – Phil Carradice leading a Norman Walk; the Pembroke Civic Trust leading a Town Trail, Pembroke Millponds Action Group leading a Nature Trail and the Pembroke Story group leading a Junior History Detectives walk. The event was funded by the Big Lottery Celebrate programme, with youngsters also securing sponsorship towards the Trust’s pilot project – the restoration of the walls surrounding the burgage garden behind the Tabernacle URC Church.

It was estimated that 1,500 people would be needed to provide a human circle all around the town.

While that figure was not reached, some 500-plus members of the public took part in the event, with many parts of the town walls well “covered” by families and friends celebrating the incredible history of the walled town.

They were joined by Pembroke Mayor Dennis Evans, Pembroke Dock Mayor Maureen Colgan, Pembroke Dock councillor Peter Kraus, as Henry VII, Pembrokeshire South AM Angela Burns, former Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Wynne Evans, and Mid and West Wales AM Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine, amongst others.

Chair of the Pembroke Town Walled Trust Janet Drogan said: “It was an amazing event, a real team effort and lots of community spirit. Together we were able to hold hands around a large portion of our walled town in a powerful and symbolic gesture.”

It is hoped a similar event may be staged next year.