TWENTY-FIVE years since birth of the Pembrokeshire Flag

“ON JULY 20, 1974, a Parliamentary Bill previously presented by Nicholas Edwards MP was passed abolishing Pembrokeshire as a county in Wales, and much to the disappointment of many locals, Pembrokeshire became part of Dyfed.

“In a Western Telegraph report dated September 18, 1980, the Hon R. Manning Phillips, a former Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, became the founder member and chairman of the Bring Back Pembrokeshire campaign, and organised a public meeting in November of that year.

“A committee of delegates from north and south Pembrokeshire were elected to form the working nucleus of the Bring Back Pembrokeshire Campaign, which later became the Campaign for Pembrokeshire.

“During the ensuing years, this 20-strong workforce dedicated themselves in the pursuit of the return of Wales’s ‘premier county’ - one of only two in Wales to have its own Town Sherriff, who together with the Mayor was also Admiral of The Port.

“This dated back to when the fleet of ocean-going galleons from Bristol used the quay in Haverfordwest in its transatlantic trade with the developing new world of America.

“Mindful of this historical background, the Campaign for Pembrokeshire grew in stature. Among the stalwart committee members were Micky Folland – former Mayor of Tenby, Brian Phillips – former Mayor of Pembroke, Viv Hay – Pembroke Dock, John Evans, Tenby. Peter Lewis, Eddie Masterson, Jim Brock.

“Of course, there was also Cllr Peter Stock, who has been tireless in his efforts in extolling all things Pembrokeshire.

“The campaign ‘won the day’ in 1996, when the Pembrokeshire County Council Unitary Authority was created and the ‘Campaign for Pembrokeshire’ disbanded.

“Also at this time, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and ‘Lord of Haverford’ let it be known of his pleasure at the return of Wales’ Premier County.

“On the September 27, 1985, a Pembrokeshire Flag Design Competition, arranged in junior schools across the county, produced more than 200 entries, the winner of which was a star pupil from Manorbier.

“However, his design was not to be used, as in the event, some collated ideas from sub-committee members, Marjorie Jacobs, James Brock, Peter Stock and Dewi Pritchard MA, resulted in Dewi Pritchard designing the flag as we see it today.

“While the flag went on sale to the public in 1985, it could never be paraded at civic events as the flag had not been consecrated.

“So, despite its popularity with enthusiastic flag-wavers at public events, it was not until 1988 that the flag was to come into its own.

“During those three years many attempts had been made to have the flag consecrated at various churches, including St David’s Cathedral.

“Indeed, records show that on September 2, 1986, a request was turned down by the Rev Gordon McWilliams, because of possible political repercussions.

“So it was in desperation as much as anything else, that the late and great Jim Brock of Llangwm, then-Chairman of the Campaign for Pembrokeshire and a very inspirational man who later became a close friend, approached me with an invitation to co-opt onto the committee as the Campaign Promotion Secretary, with a mandate to use my professional military skills and knowledge to break the flag impasse.

“Taking my inspiration from Henry VII’s birth place, I devised the Pembrokeshire flag dedication service within the grounds of Pembroke Castle.

“On July 28, 1988, a group of State Trumpeters, stationed high up on the Castle Battlements announced the arrival of the parade, led by the Band of The 1st Queens Dragoon Guards.

“The Pembrokeshire flag was carried by myself, escorted by James Brock and Cllr Peter Stock, to the centre of the castle grounds where it was laid upon the ‘field alter’ created by the piled high drums of The 1st Bn The Royal Welch Fusiliers, which was followed by a consecration service, led by The Rev Alan Thomas.

“On completion of the service, the now ‘blessed’ flag was marched out of the castle to a three-gun salute by Pembroke Dock Volunteer Artillery and an appreciative cheering, from a packed audience.

“The experience was amazing.

“I remained The Pembrokeshire flag Standard Bearer, attending civic functions across the county until handing over the duties in May of 1992, when I assumed the role of Mayor of Haverfordwest.

“There were three other friends to the campaign who were iconic in their support, the late David Evans, past editor the Western Telegraph; Geoffrey Swales, late town band musical director, and the late Brigadier Cliff Gough, of St Florence, a Pembrokeshire impresario without equal.

“The amazing publicity that followed the Pembroke Castle Flag Dedication, was, believed by many to be the pivotal point in the fight to regain independence from Dyfed, and the experience of carrying the flag 25 years ago remains one of the most memorable days of my life.

“I am equally delighted to see the younger generation fighting for continued prominence for the flag.

“Pembrokeshire's youngest county councillor, Jacob Williams, who represents the East Williamston ward, recently put forward a successful proposal for the Pembrokeshire Flag to be flown at all times outside County Hall in Haverfordwest.

“I think it's safe to say that, as one of the ‘old guard', I can rest assured that 'the baton' passes to younger and safer hands."