THE Lezant Lunch Club met on Wednesday, February 28.

It nearly did not take place as the weather forecast threatened heavy snow, but that held off until the following day.

The cooks produced a tasty meal of beef stew, buttered new potatoes, carrots and peas followed by a sweet of apple crumble with custard.

The speaker Brian Champness was very knowledgeable about some generally unknown facts about The Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke’s parentage was very mixed, from the royal houses of Europe. Although he was born in Corfu, Greece, he had no Greek blood in him. His title at that time was Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, but when he was only 18 months old there was an uprising and the family were forced to flee in a British war ship fortunately sent by King George V.

As they had to leave everything behind, they were penniless and had to rely on the generosity of relations, of which there were many, for housing and all basic needs while living in Paris.

Philip wanted a bicycle, but there was no money for one, so he saved up the money he had been given and also sold family items at the gate until he had enough to buy one. He was educated in France, Germany — all four of his sisters were married to German princes — and Gordenstoun in Scotland, paid for by his uncle, Earl Louis Mountbatten.

Philip worked hard to gain a place in the Royal Navy and was awarded many commendations in battles.

When the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were to be shown over Philip’s ship, he was chosen to be their guide. From that time, Princess Elizabeth was attracted to Philip, which increased with many trips abroad such as their games on deck on the Royal Yacht Brittannia. When Elizabeth and Philip wished to marry, the Princess’ parents were hard to win over, but it was managed with help from Uncle Louis.

The night before the wedding it was realised that Philip was still a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, which meant waking the Archbishop to change Philip’s religion to Church of England.

Throughout their marriage while the Queen was working on the red box, the Duke became the leader of over 800 organisations — the most well known is probably the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. He was also a champion chariot driver and polo player.

A vote of thanks was given and the diners responded in the usual way.

Anyone who would like to join the Lezant Lunch Club can telephone Ruth on 01566 782286 or Audrey on 01566 773062 for more details and to reserve a place.