Volume Four - An Era of Change, Uncertainty, Depression & War - 1950 to early 1960's . . .

The pontoon in use in early 1961. The history of the Penarth Pontoon, Slipway & Shiprepairing Co. Ltd. states;- "the removal by the Admiralty, from this area, of the Reserve Fleet combined with other factors compelled the Company to cease their ship repairing activities in April 1961 after eighty-three years trading."

The time has come, I’m sad to say, When this proud dock could pay her way, We’ll not forget her contribution, As she fades away to evolution.

A lovely gentleman, Mr. Geoff Mules, with strong links to Penarth and the Penarth Dock, now living in the US, wrote the poem above when, in the early 1960's, the Royal Naval Reserve Fleet and the Campbell's steamers had left the dock and it was empty. It was written on the reverse of a photograph he took at the time of the empty dock. Apparently, it was left at the Pilot Inn but is probably worn out or lost now. Thank you so much Geoff. [253]