The Tabernacle ‘Garden Through Time’ was officially opened on Sunday last by Pembroke’s Mayor, Clr. Linda Asman and Deputy Mayor, Clr. Jonathan Nutting.

Rev. Stella Hayton, Tabernacle Minister, welcomed 53 guests, including congregation, funders and project organisers to her 11 am service preceding the official opening of the ‘Garden Through Time’.

The garden project was undertaken in partnership with the United Reformed Church, Pembroke Town Walls Trust and Pembroke 21c.

The late Nikki Anderson, creator of the Pembroke Story which is on display in the church, first thought of developing the Tabernacle Garden some years ago.

It was delightful to be able to assemble safely in the church and its grounds, still adhering to precautions necessary, as a result of the pandemic - a touch of normality for everyone, celebrating such a significant event in the history of the church and Pembroke town. Huge thanks to Rev. Hayton for ensuring that this was possible.

Rev. Hayton gave three most apt and poignant readings during the service, the first referencing ‘Creation’ from Genesis Ch. 2; secondly, referencing ‘Facing Life’s Challenges’ (Luke Ch. 22) and finally referencing ‘Healing’(Revelation Ch. 22).

HJymns were read silently from the order of service whilst organist Dai Rees played each beautiful melody.

At the end of the service, Chris Atherton, Project Manager, thanked project funders.

Howard Rudge, Pembroke Project Manager and Pembroke Town Walls Trust Treasurer, gave an explicit account of the pitfalls and resolutions leading to the success of the garden project.

Elizabeth Gossage, Pembroke Town Walls Trust Chair, spoke finally, endorsing everything said, and particularly thanking John Hayes, John Hogg M.B.E. and Joan Marsh for the final planting, planning and nurturing of the garden. Much gratitude was also expressed for the assistance of Valero’s Community Volunteers.

Rev. Hayton then invited guests into the church forecourt for coffee and Mary Williams’ delicious home made Welsh Cakes - all kindly served by members of the congregation, prior to the garden opening by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Once in the garden, guests were served Pembrokeshire apple juice by David and Jeanette Halsted.

It showed the shape of things to come, in what will be a superb venue for church and community events in the future of the garden.

The lovely photos you see here, kindly taken by Gwen Griffiths, depict a very happy celebration of a very successful project.

The project partners would like to give a special ‘thank you’ to Marc Vines of Acanthus Holden. His expertise has been priceless from the outset.

The project would not have been possible without local and national funding as Chris Atherton mentioned. Therefore the partners wish to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cadw, The Pilgrim Trust, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembroke Town Council, John Hayes and Melanie Phillips, who contributed to the viewing platform in memory of her late father Mervyn Phillips.

Last but not least, a massive thank you from the project partners to everyone who attended the Pembroke Tabernacle Garden Through Time Opening event. You were all vital in this celebration.