A photograph has come to light of the first owner of ‘Charlie’, the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll who was a star turn when Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre opened for the new season last month.
On the museum’s opening day Gerald Williams, a member of the Carew Cheriton Control Tower team, brought along a black-and-white photo in which Charlie’s then owner, Ernie James, can clearly be seen with Gerald’s father Hubert.
It was the first time Paul Elliott, now Charlie’s ‘minder’, had seen a photo of Ernie, once very well known as a local entertainer.
“This has made my day,” said Paul. “It is great to see a photo of Ernie, who originally acquired Charlie over 100 years ago.”
Added Gerald: “Both Ernie and my father were involved at one time with a travelling cinema, visiting communities all over this area. Ernie had his own small bus company called Pioneer Buses. This is where dad first met Ernie during driver exchanges during the war. They also worked together for Silcox Bus Company at Pembroke Dock.”
Charlie currently sits in a neat glass case with a cheeky smile for visitors and volunteers at the Heritage Centre.
While the photograph has solved one mystery, another remains. Ernie is believed to have had another ventriloquist’s doll, named Daisy May. Anyone with information on Daisy May is asked to contact the Heritage Centre on 01646 684220 or enquiries@pdht.org.
