FUNDING from Pembrokeshire County Council has enabled a book on the history of Haverfordwest shops to be published.
The book by local historian Pat Swales Barker – herself a well known shopkeeper – has been supported by a grant from the Council’s Haverfordwest Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) along with backing from the town’s Civic Society and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Said Pat: “I’ve been working on the book for some years and as one of the town’s shopkeepers, I’m pleased our family has had an investment in this aspect of the town’s history. It was the shops which made Haverfordwest a county town to be proud of.
“There was an immense variety of shops, small and large, family businesses, independents and chain stores all with their own stories.
“Sadly the last twenty years or so have seen a steep decline in the quality and size of the town’s shopping centre as more businesses have located outside the town.
“The book was an opportunity to record something of the fascinating history and tune into the nostalgia there is for what it used to be and I am grateful for the support from the local organisations.”
County Councillor Thomas Tudor, Chairman of Haverfordwest THI, said his group was pleased to be able to support the book.
He explained: “It is Important to recognise and record our proud past as we work to provide a successful future for Haverfordwest.
“With the completion of the new Glan-yr-afon / Riverside facility and, more recently, the Castle Link walkway together with the planned significant investment in future work, I am positive and optimistic for the future of Haverfordwest.
“It is all an integral part of the Haverfordwest Master Plan which aims to boost the footfall and economic activity of the town centre both day and night.”
‘The Shops of Haverfordwest’ by Patricia Swales Barker is available from Victoria Bookshop and other local outlets and from the author (tel: 01437 766107) price £7.99.
Pictured at the top of this article: Author Pat Swales Barker with Haverfordwest THI Chairman, County Councillor Thomas Tudor, and the new book.
