BUDE branch of the Royal Naval Association recently held their annual awards event. They were presented by branch chairman, Chunky Philp. The 'Shipmate of the Year' went to Shipmate Father Russen Thomas (branch padre), for his commitment throughout the past year. The 'Golden Spanner' for the nut of the year, was hotly contested and shared by Shipmate Alan Litchfield and Shipmate Bob Gelder. It was adjudged that they were the shipmates who had both enlivened and promoted the RNA. The branch is always actively recruiting new members — age is never a barrier, three of the shipmates are 90 this year and are very active members. The club meets at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of the month at Bude Rugby Club and will welcome new members. For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.