A special History Fair to commemorate the 900th anniversary of Haverfordwest is taking place next month.
Organised jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Information and Cultural Services directorate and the Pembrokeshire Affiliation of Local History Societies, the fair includes a series of events, including talks and displays, for those wanting to learn more about our County town’s past.
Among the topics highlighted will be the town’s port, its workhouse and St Mary’s Church.
All events take place at Haverfordewest Library, are free to attend and are, with the exception of a special Schools Day, open to all.
Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, said history – and local history in particular – was becoming increasingly popular.
“This fair is aimed at reaching as wide an audience as possible to meet this increasing interest,” he said.
“Our society is largely created by those who have gone before us – just as we help create a new society for future generations – so, on the anniversary of the birth of Haverfordwest, it behoves us to try to understand our past.”
The History Fair kicks off on Thursday 9th September with a Schools Day at Haverfordwest Library gallery.
Local author Phil Carradice will deliver sessions to local pupils throughout the day on the chequered history of Haverfordwest.
In the evening (starting at 6.45pm) local historian Simon Hancock will deliver the first in the series of free talks with a presentation on the history of the port of Haverfordwest. He will be followed at 7.45pm by Pat Barker, who will talk about the history of St Mary’s Church.
On Saturday 11th September a range of exhibition and information stands about aspects of the town’s history will go on display at the library gallery and in the foyer between 10am to 4pm.
Family history enthusiasts will be able to take part in a surgery at the Reference and Local Studies Library (on the first floor) between 9.30am and 12noon when experts will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to those interested in family history research.
The talks continue on Saturday afternoon at the Reference and Local Studies Library with a session on social class by Robert Nisbet at 12.30pm followed by a talk on Pubs and Temperance in the town by Keith Johnson at 1.30pm.
At 2.30pm Mark Muller will give a presentation on the history of the Haverfordwest Workshop.
While the talks are open to all, appointments at the Family History Surgery are limited and need to be booked in advance. Please either visit the Reference and Local Studies Library in person or phone 01437 775248.
For more information about the History Fair, please contact George Edwards, Local and Family History Librarian on 01437 776126 or email: [email protected]
