President David Thomas welcomed Dr Peter Claughton as guest speaker to a recent meeting of Narberth and District Probus Club. Peter's fascinating talk covered the trade, especially in metals, between Bristol Channel ports and Wales.

Peter, who was born in Bradford, came late to formal academic study after first serving for 23 years in the RAF. In 1994 he entered Exeter University and read Economic and Social History graduating with a PhD in 2003. He was always interested in non-ferrous mining in north Devon, However, his vast amount of publications also include in depth studies of metals as well as non-metals.

Peter mentioned the import of copper, lead and stone from Cornwall to Swansea where the copper was smelted from the late 16th century onwards. There was even a smelting plant in Aberystwyth and lead was also found at Llanfyrnach. He mentioned the quality of Pembrokeshire anthracite and the importance of harbours, especially Cresswell Quay from which boats transported coal from local coal mines in Landshipping, Cresselly and surrounding areas not just to ports along the Wales coastline but to England and even Brittany.

The coal was also required, locally, to treat the limestone needed for the land. The numerous limekilns near the coastline is proof of the importance of the industry throughout Pembrokeshire. Slates from various quarries in Pembrokeshire were transported far afield. Slates from Llangolman were used by the Romans at Caerleon. Porthgain in North Pembrokeshire was used to export slate and crushers were uses to reduced the size of local rocks to be used as rubble on roads, The hoppers still remain by the harbour.

President Elect Peter Lakey proposed a vote of thanks for an extremely interesting talk.

The next meeting of the club takes place on June 25 at The Old Board House Guest House, St Clears when the speaker will be Owen Jones who will talk about 'Life in Formula One'

If you would like to join, contact Patrick Jones on 07846 660904.