THERE was another lively and enthusiastic monthly meeting of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) at The Falcon in Bude on November 2, opened in the normal manner by the vice chair, at 7.34pm.

A quartet of ‘apologies’ were received but finance, correspondence and membership were all stable.

The annual Trafalgar Night Dinner had been thoroughly enjoyed by those attending and next year’s celebration is already booked in for Saturday, October 20 — make a note.

On the welfare front the branch has one member facing medical treatment and another enduring removal problems.

The president will lay the wreaths of the RNA and the RBL on Remembrance Sunday, November 12, and whilst he is on leave, Lt Stuart Parrott will take the RNA salute following the church service — he also kindly sponsored the Tot on the evening.

S/ms are reminded to muster from 10.30am on the Strand.

The branch’s widows will not be forgotten at Christmas — the branch will provide a card and voucher.

A presentation was made to Margaret Horswill representing Childrens’ Hospice South West. Following an independent auction at the Trafalgar Night Dinner for ‘Jack and Royal’ knitted dolls — both of which are now preserved as the annual charitable donation — this year amounted to just over £233.

’Volunteers’ for the December raffle are: s/ms Tanky Williams, Dave Worth, Steve Adams, John Bosworth and Peter and Margaret Phillips.

The meeting was closed by the vice chair promptly at 8.25pm following the loyal toast.

The ensuing raffle and auction was healthy, including one non-vintage bottle of cider which appeared three times!