David Dando told us the 18th century story of Englishman Thomas Paine, son of a corset maker, who followed briefly in his father’s footsteps, but later took to writing pamphlets such as “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man”. These often struck a chord with the general populace, and sold widely, but often irritated the establishment.He travelled and had influence with the leaders of the Independence Movement in the USA, and later moved to France as the Revolution progressed.

For a more detail click on Jim Price’s report –Talk by David Dando 01 02 18 pdf

On Thursday 4th January 2018, at Crundale Hall, Martin Roberts told us the reasons for construction of the first Smalls Lighthouse, in the late eighteenth century and how it was brought about on the challenging wave cut platform 23 miles west of Solva.

He went on to describe in dramatic fashion the drama of the death of one lighthouse keeper and the drift to insanity of his work partner as the dead mans’ finger tap tapped at the glass window.

For more detail on the talk read Jim Price’s report Smalls Lighthouse Talk 4th Jan 2018 pdf

Following his January talk on Costa Rica, Julian made a welcome return, on 7th December 2017,  to tell us about his expedition to Madagascar. As well as showing us fine photographs of the wildlife, he included geographical information plus social and political details of the island, to put the ecology in context. He was helped in finding animals to capture on digital media, by experienced locals who would smear branches with banana and send text message to his guide when creatures showed up.

Photos courtesy of Julian Cremona.

For more click for Jim Price’s report on the talk – Talk 071217 Madagascar pdf

At Crundale Hall on Thursday 2nd November, John Archer-Thomson, retired Assistant Director of Studies at Dale Fort Field Centre, gave a talk on Skomer featuring plenty of his fine photographs.

He talked of  many species of the natural world including  humans. Fortunately the latter crowding the area of  burrows for photographs do not have a negative impact on the puffins. In fact they do the birds a favour by discouraging the food stealing gulls. However man’s fishing habits do have a negative impact on the colourful hidden world of nature on the sea bed.

For a more details click on Jim Price’s write up->Talk on Skomer 2nd Nov 17

Our guest speaker, Richard Turner, retired Senior Inspector of Ancient Monuments for CADW, started our event by taking us on a tour of Lamphey Palace explaining the history and purpose of the various buildings.

This was followed by lunch at Lamphey Court Hotel. After the meal Richard gave a further presentation where he gave more detail of the other Bishop’s palaces in the area, namely St David’s and Llawhaden, highlighting their differing functions of Work, Rest and Pray.

For Jim Price’s more detailed report click Lamphey PNTA Lunch 6th Oct 17

There was no need for a screen and a digital projector for PNTA’s first talk of the season, which had an explosive ending.

Bill Cainan, former Curator of the Regimental Museum in Brecon made his presentation dressed in a replica redcoat uniform, painting a picture, in words and actions, of the life of a soldier of that time.

To learn more of his talk click on Annie Weaver’s report ->redcoat

Afterwards, Bill gave an outdoor demonstration of the drill to load and fire the musket.

Photos by Andrew Weaver

On the warm evening of 20th June 2017, Steve Whitehead, Manager at Colby NT took us on a stroll up the hill towards Craig y Borion, stopping on the way to point out the ancient Royal Fern in a cottage garden. Up into the fields we were shown the process of  gradual expansion of wildflower plantings to encourage wildlife.

The caretakers of Little Craig y Borion showed us the renovations to the farm house and supplied us with very welcome and delicious homemade elderflower cordial.

To see Jim Price’s more detailed report click here->Walk at Colby 20th June 17 pdf

The weather was less kind for our walk at Stackpole, with head Ranger Chris Oliver, on 11th July 2017. Nine members turned out, despite the rain. Having walked to the Grassy Bridge, from Stackpole Centre, we progressed towards Stackpole Warren and climbed to Lady Cawdor’s seat. But our thoughts were of earlier inhabitation as Chris pointed out sites of iron age and bronze age settlements, in days when Stackpole had a tidal inlet, before the creation of the lily ponds.

After the stroll we dried out with a meal at the Stackpole Inn.

For more detail click->Walk at Stackpole 11th July 17 pdf

Our final summer excursion was the boat trip from Neyland Marina to the quayside at Haverfordwest.

It was a fine day for the journey past Lawrence and Llangwm. The final approach to Haverfordwest was slow, waiting for the tide to peak, to enable access for the quay (and the meals waiting for us t the Bristol Trader).

Click on Jim Price’s report for more->Boat Trip 25th July 17 pdf

The trip took place on the birthday of the organiser, Tim Sims-Williams, and there was a chance to raise a glass of bubbly, in his honour, whilst on board.

Photo of Tim Sims-Williams, by Roland Edwards.

Other photos by Andrew Weaver.