Mayor’s special link with Flying Boat Centre

 

 

A special connection between Pembroke Dock’s First Citizen and the town’s Flying Boat Centre has been continued by the current Mayor, Councillor Andrew McNaughton.

 

The Mayor and his wife, Jane, were the first visitors at the Centre’s second anniversary open day, maintaining a special tradition. When the Centre first opened in June 2009 the very first visitor was the then Mayor, Councillor Pam George.

 

In just two years the Centre has welcomed nearly 15,000 visitors, far exceeding predictions, and more than 60 volunteers are involved with running the Centre and other parts of the Sunderland Trust’s exciting project, like the archive centre and education programme.

 

A surprise presentation was made to the Mayor - a plaque of the crest of No 422 Canadian Squadron which operated Sunderland flying boats from RAF Pembroke Dock during the last war.

 

Project Manager John Evans explained that the Sunderland Trust had two similar plaques, part of the collection from the former RAFA Club in Pembroke Dock. It was most appropriate that one of the crests should be given to the Town Council to add to the superb display of military plaques at the Pater Hall.

 

Thanking the Sunderland Trust, the Mayor promised that the 422 Squadron plaque would be added to the display in the council chamber.

 

Captions:

 TOP :The Mayor and Mayoress of Pembroke Dock, Councillor and Mrs Andrew McNaughton, receive the No 422 Squadron plaque from John Evans of the Sunderland Trust.

 

Sunderland Trust workshop volunteers Jim Lyons and Roy Williams (right) show the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs Andrew McNaughton, some of the items on display at the Flying Boat Centre.

PICTURES: Martin Cavaney Photography