PEMBROKE and Pembroke Dock Lions was among several local organisations providing decorations to celebrate the homecoming of Pembroke St Mary’s Church’s restored bells.

It was back in June 2022 that 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 now 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. Happily, St Mary’s received a £154,000 grant from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The bells have now been restored, with Peter Hayward, Bell Hanger, designing the new bell frame, and Blyth & Co. Church Bell Specialists making all the bespoke fixtures and fittings for the bells.

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. Of course, they agreed and their talented 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.

All of the decorated bells were on display to the public during a day of celebration on January 21, prior to the construction of the bell frame. 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.

Anybody interested in either joining the Lions or helping at events, is invited to email to PandPD.Lions@gmail. There are further Lions Clubs in Pembrokeshire beside Pembroke and Pembroke Dock; one in Tenby and another in Fishguard. Or if you live further afield, they are happy to let you know where your local club is located.