Saturday 31 August 2013

Comforting?!





A couple of weeks ago....
I asked the question..
"Where do you go
when you need to unwind?"


So many of you
shared your special ways and places.
Thank you!

I wanted to share with you
another of my 'winding down' places

The deep water estuary
of Milford Haven
has been used over the centuries
for many enterprises



The 3 o'clock ferry
to Ireland
goes all steam ahead




The deep dry docks
where boats come in for overhaul and repairs
are behind me as I look across
the estuary.
Doesn't that yacht look small against the ferry?

Behind me too is 
the Marina and a lot of
shops under the colonnade




and also



a few cafes!




Now, shall we have a hot chocolate
like this lady?
Oh, it does look scrummy...
with its whipped cream..
and marshmallows..



No...
I suppose a cup of tea
will be less fattening and..
more refreshing!




Young people are in the marina 
practicing rowing




It was time 
for a little walk around the marina 
before going home



An old winch



In the dry dock!



Working boats
Below is the Fishery Patrol boat



Milford Haven 
is a very special place
for me.

When I am there I just relax
and let go....
I feel so 'held' there.

Why?
Well my mother was born there....
and I spent many happy hours
on holiday
and spending time 
with my grandparents
and my aunt and uncle.


When I was young,
my parents lived in the Midlands
and I suffered terribly with asthma.
It was felt that the sea air might help 
so off I went
to stay in Milford 
and go to school there for a while!

In those days
this area was all docks....
and to many fishing boats...
this was their home.
What a busy place it was then 
with the fishmarket,
the ice factory,
and all the rest of the things necessary 
for a thriving Fishing port!

I spent so much time here with my grandfather
who was an electrician on the docks.
In fact it was always said by the locals that he..
'lit up the docks'!!
as he installed the electric lighting!

I remember one day
my younger brother was fishing off the end of the pier for tiddlers 
and caught nothing.
Grandad took him into the fishmarket 
and bought a couple of fish.
My brother took them home... 
and told granny that he had caught them!
I don't know whether.... 
or not... 
she believed him 
as they were plaice 
(which can only be caught a long way from here)
anyway she was very convincing in her praise!!



In the records in this museum
it mentions about Grandad
and the lighting


My mother was a wren in the war
and the building she worked in 
as a communications officer
still stands on the docks.



It's used by the fisheries now.

When Mum comes to stay 
this is one of the places we visit
so many memories..
memories of drilling, 
with the other wrens from the wrennery, 
along the Rath...
memories of walking home in the pitch black after a duty and feeling rather frightened...
So many memories!!



This is Mum
outside her office
with her immediate superior.

Mum met my father when his ship
came into Milford with a big hole in the side!
He was on destroyers
and then submarines....

They were married here in Milford....
and Mum stayed with her parents 
until Dad 
came home from the war

So Milford settles and comforts me
when I feel rather
out of kilter.
Somehow I feel held and embraced!



This week 

I'm joining


The Tablescaper for....... Seasonal Sundays




28 comments:

  1. I can see why this would bring you comfort and it's a lovely place, too!

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  2. How wonderful for you that the place where your parents met is close enough for you to visit. My parents met in Oklahoma and all 4 of us kids were born there - but we moved to Oregon when I was 4, so this is home for me and I only get to go "home" to Oklahoma once every 5 years for a reunion. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  3. Oh I like this post! Thank you for sharing the memories, especially those from WW2!
    Hugs Dear! Say hello to Mum for us!!

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  4. We never went to Milford when we use to visit Pembrokeshire. But I love this post and the happy comforting memories that the place brings you. Xxx

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  5. Oh a ferry to island is a dream. I can see how this place would comfort you Joan I am comforted by just knowing the memories this place has for you. Your photos are beautiful and the first photo still has me drooling even after reading this beautiful post I can still think of how it would taste:) I am so happy you have a place like this with such memories. Hug B

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  6. My very first words should have read. A ferry to Ireland is a dream. Hug B

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  7. What memories are wrapped up in Milford! It is amazing that the place is still one where you are able to go for comfort.

    I believe I would have taken the first drink, though the tea would definitely be a better selection.:-) xo Nellie

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  8. Thanks for sharing photos and stories from one of your favorite places!

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  9. What a wonderful story about a beautiful place. I loved hearing about how your Mother and Dad met, and all the amazing memories you have of that special place.
    Thank you for sharing Joan,
    Meredith

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  10. What a nice share . love seeing your mum and hearing this story . Nice place to unwind.

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  11. What lovely memories and photos you have shared. No wonder it is a special place for you. I'd love to join you for tea!

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  12. Lovely! My mom was born and raised in the Midlands and my aunt was a Wren too.

    I love your stories.

    Happy Sunday xox

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  13. Lovely to see another place you like to relax, Joan, great memories. I also like to go 'home' to where I grew up, but mostly we head up to the caravan and get very busy just slothing around.

    blessings
    Diana

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  14. What wonderful family memories Milford holds for you. I think the only place that connects me to special memories of family is the Quantock Hills ... I grew up there and spent a lot of time there when my youngest was small. I spent many happy hours up there walking sunken lanes with the older three running ahead while I strolled along behind with the baby on my hip.

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  15. I enjoyed seeing your comfort place. Rightfully so, many "roots and wings" found there!

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  16. Thank you for sharing these delightful memories...

    Tessa~

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  17. Hi Joan. What a lovely post today with some gorgeous photos. I love it how you feel 'held' when you go to Milford Haven. With those lovely childhood memories, no wonder it holds a special place in your heart. :)

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  18. Well I can certainly understand why you would feel such a connection to Milford. So many wonderful family memories. The photo of your mom is great! And anytime one can be near water, it is certainly calming. Best wishes to you, Tammy

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  19. Oh, what a lovely place to go for some beautiful memories! Your Mum was a pretty one - and how sweet the story of how she met your father. Spending time with Grandparents in this beautiful place must have been wonderful. I can see why you want to spend time there. xo

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  20. Wonderful pictures of Milford Haven. I was born in Haverfordwest but lived the first 20 years of my life in Milford. When I was small my father, who still lives there, worked down on the docks but they didn't look as nice as they do now.

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  21. Joan, once again, you have shared so much of yourself and your feelings and told us about your family as well. Enjoyed the reading.

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  22. You have some wonderful connections with this place. But it looks wonderful all on its own. I would love sitting for a sip at the cafe and taking in the scene.

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  23. Hello Joan. I've just happened upon your blog and I'm spent the weekend catching up. Your posts are so lovely and I love the photos. Wales is a beautiful country. Thank you for showing me the places that mean so much to you. I find my front porch swing is where I go to relax and let it out. I'm glad I found you.

    Hugs,
    Sharon/Grammy Braxton

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  24. Hi Joan, greetings from Canada. I'm originally from Cardiff but have been here for 43 years. I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  25. Hi Joan just checking in hope all is well. Hug B

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  26. I love going to any --well almost any---marina. We are pretty much surrounded by water out this way. Everett and Anacortes has some beautiful marina but none with the story you tell. Memories are what make us all feel connected with a place. Thanks for the bit of your own history. MB

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  27. BTW: I am going to have a hot chocolate NOW. MB

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  28. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories of Milford. It sound like the most wonderful place. I love hearing stories about the war.. and Milford looks like the most beautiful place.. Nice that you have a place to go to unwind and it feels like you are embraced and loved.. Hugs Judy

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