PEMBROKE Town Walls Trust is planning an ‘off the wall’ event next month, with the aim of around 1,500 children, young people and adults linking hands around the entire medieval walled town.

The event, planned to take place on November 19, will replicate the logo of the Trust, a crown of people holding hands.

The event is planned to celebrate the heritage of Pembroke and the historic stone walls first built by William de Valance to surround and protect the town and its castle in the 13th Century.

It is also hoped the ambitious event, to completely circle the 1.48 kilometres (nearly a mile) of the old walled town, will raise awareness of the walls, both locally and nationally, and the work that Foundry House-based Pembroke Town Walls Trust is doing towards their restoration.

Pembroke Town Walls Trust Trustee Elizabeth Gossage said: “We are asking people to gather from 11.30am on the day for the ‘linking’ to take place at noon. It will be well stewarded, but if you are bringing a group please contact us first to find out the best place to gather and join in.”

It is hoped local youngsters will be able to collect sponsorship for the Town Walls Trust, but this not a condition of them taking part.

The ‘linking’ will be followed by guided walks around the walls; Phil Carradice leading a Norman Walk; the Pembroke Civic Trust leading a Town Trail; Pembroke Millponds Action Group leading a Nature Walk and the Pembroke Story group leading a Junior History Detectives walk.

Tanyard Youth Project will be running a café with cakes and tea, and there will be an exhibition from the Trust about their work.

“It is going to be a unique, special and significant event for the heritage or Pembroke,” said Elizabeth.

Sponsorship forms are available at www.pembroketownwallstrust.org.uk

The Trust is already developing a pilot project to restore the walls surrounding the burgage garden behind the refurbished Tabernacle United Reformed Church in partnership with the church and Pembroke 21C Community Association, who are creating a garden within the walls to tell the story of Pembroke through time.

Janet Drogan, Chair of the Pembroke Town Walls Trust, said “We hope that Link Hands Around the Walls will be supported by people of all ages but most especially by the children. Conserving and preserving our history for future generations is important and every individual can make a big difference.”