HAVERFORDWEST Gild of Freemen, made up for lost time hosting a successful online Zoom AGM bringing together not only the locally-based Freemen and Burgesses, but also representation from Canada and New Zealand.

The 2020 Annual weekend had to be cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

The Zoom meeting was followed by the celebration of the Gild's Benefactors' Service, conducted by Gild Chaplain, Rev Father Neil Hook in the Gild's church at St Martin's.

Also four new Burgesses were enrolled at the end of the service by Gild Master, Freeman Charles Davies, in recognition of their contributions to the life of Haverfordwest.

They were Rev Dr John Saxbee, former bishop of Lincoln and assistant bishop of St Davids; Maurice Sheppard, internationally renowned artist; Rev Dr David Owen, former minister of the Landsker Group of Churches and the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, and Cllr Michael James, who holds the position during his term of office.

During a short reception after the service the Gild Master took the opportunity to present charitable donations to Haverfordwest Museum, Haverfordwest High VC School, Portfield Recreation Committee and The Racecourse Public Parks Trust, in recognition of the support they provide to the well-being of Haverfordwest.

Local county councillor Tom Tudor was also in attendance and said how much he enjoyed the event.

"It was lovely to join the Gild of Freemen of Haverfordwest Benefactor's Service at St Martin's Church and to later meet in St Martin’s Church Hall for the Gild Charitable donations of support presented to the Haverfordwest Museum, Portfield Recreation Committee and the Haverfordwest Racecourse Public Parks Trust.

Cllr Tudor added: "It was also lovely to see Students from Haverfordwest High VC School in attendance to receive support for Years 2 and 3 of the 5 year bursary plan put in place by the Gild."