IN JUNE 2022, the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions decided to make a donation towards the restoration of the church bells of St. Mary’s Church, Pembroke.
St. Mary’s Church is a Grade 1 listed Norman Church and the present-day church dates back to the 13th century. The original bells were installed in 1763 and four more were added in 1765 and 1897. As the bells were in a terrible state, it was going to cost was almost £200,000 to have them removed, restored and rehung. This did not include another £66,000 for the building to made safe enough for the bells to be rehung. Fortunately, they received a £154,000 grant from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and the restoration has been completed. There still seems to be significant work to be done to the church as there are metal girders stacked up but it all looks very promising.
As part of the celebrations of the return of the bells, St Mary’s asked the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions to decorate one of the bells. They agreed and their President, Vicky Wilson, made a beautiful floral display for the bell. Another Lions member, Ann Mortenson, is a Trustee of the church and was heavily involved in organising the event.
The other bells were decorated by Golden Manor Nursery, St. Mary’s Church, Mothers’ Union, Pembroke & Monkton Local History Society, Pembroke Civic Trust, Pembroke Town Council, The Kings Arms, Gild of Freemen of Pembroke, 4th Lamphey Scouts, and Golden Grove Primary School.
A few days ago, all of the decorated bells were on display to the public. Once the tower has been fully prepared for them, they will be winched back into their place where the people of Pembroke will once more be able to hear the impressive peals of their bells.
If anybody is interested in either joining The Lions or helping at events, please send an email to [email protected] As well as in Pembrokeshire, there are Lions Clubs in both Fishguard and Tenby. If you live further afield, they’ll be happy to let you know where your local club is located.
