AFTER nearly a decade two of the team helping to steer the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust to impressive heritage heights are standing down from their positions.

After nine years in post both chairman William McNamara and Trust secretary John Evans retired at the annual meeting, but they will continue in supporting roles in the future.

Retired history teacher and education administrator Gareth Mills, of Cosheston, will take over as chairman, while the new Trust secretary is Marcia Heaviside of Pembroke who has had wide experience in the commercial and business fields.

William and John, along with two Trustees Martin Cavaney and Steve Thompson, established the Sunderland Trust in August 2006 and within three years the Trust opened the UK’s only Flying Boat Centre and Workshop.

This attracted more than 30,000 visitors to Pembroke Dock in five years and recruited an army of volunteers to develop many areas of the project.

Expansion temporarily into the Fleet Surgeon’s House led directly to the opening in April 2014 of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre, in the beautifully restored Royal Dockyard Chapel. This was officially opened by The Queen just weeks later.

The Heritage Centre has quickly gained an enviable reputation for its displays and interpretation on the town’s remarkable military connections with all three Armed Services, and its social story.

William McNamara will continue as a Trustee, concentrating on fundraising and promotion of special projects.

Although ‘retiring’, John Evans - who has been involved in heritage projects in Pembrokeshire for more than 30 years - will work part-time on special events and initiatives.

At the annual meeting John accepted an invitation to become Patron of the Sunderland Trust, following the late Wing Commander Derek Martin who actually flew Sunderland T9044 which sank off Pembroke Dock nearly 75 years ago.

T9044’s story is a central theme at the Heritage Centre, told through artefacts, displays and recordings. The Centre is open daily, 10am to 4pm.