Archives’ facebook page goes global!

The Facebook site of a Pembrokeshire County Council department is receiving international attention, as well as reminding people of their roots.
Fans from as far afield as the USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia and China, have been contacting Pembrokeshire Archives, the centre which cares for the county’s written culture, history and heritage, to comment on postings and ask questions.

One contributor, Greg Ralph from Western Australia, has been talking to Pembrokeshire Archives through Facebook since the site was created in January this year.
The retired surveyor, who grew up in Pembroke Dock and  emigrated in 1957, comments  on most things posted  but especially enjoys the weekly  ‘Guess where we are?’ photograph,  chosen by Mary Robinson, Archives and Local Studies assistant.

Taking part each week has given Mr Ralph more than just a greater knowledge of Pembrokeshire. He said: “Whilst I have had some modest success, what has been highlighted is the fact that although I may know the geography of the south of the haven, north of the Cleddau is not my strong hand.
“This weekly post from Mary has led to renewed interest in our home county by quite a few others in different parts of the world. I now regularly converse over the internet with contemporaries in Wales, England, Oregon, Spain and other parts of Australia.”

Mary has also offered advice to Denise Hutton, also of Western Australia, who’s a descendant of the Jemima Nicholas – the redoubtable heroine of the Last Invasion of Britain at Fishguard in 1797.

Denise initially asked a question about the parish records of her famous relative and is now dedicated to keeping in touch with her Pembrokeshire roots.
“My great-grandfather, James Nicholas emigrated to Australia and carried on the tradition of being a Master Mariner in the Merchant Navy,” she said.
“My sister and I have stayed with fifth cousins who own The Old Smithy in Mathry. I plan to visit once again next year and will hopefully spend many hours at Pembrokeshire Archives. I continue to really enjoy your Facebook site. Keep up the great work.”

The Pembrokeshire Archives’ Facebook site, which is also staffed by Angela Atherton, David Llewelyn and Helen Evans, features news from 100 years ago, old photographs, adverts, the latest books in the collection and many other articles.

The Archives manager, Claire Orr is delighted that the department is attracting worldwide attention. “Since our Facebook page started nearly a year ago we have see its popularity grow with followers from all around the world,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to have such contact with people thousands of miles away and also bring ex-pats together to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s past.”

For more details please view:www.facebook.com/PembsArchives
Details of opening hours, location, readers’ tickets, scale of charges and other information can be found on its website www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/archives
Or please email record.office@pembrokeshire.gov.uk / telephone 01437 775456.

Captions
Pictured are Pembrokeshire Archive’s Facebook page enthusiasts Greg Ralph and Denise Hutton. Also pictured is Mary Robinson, Archives and Local Studies assistant.