THE Falcon Hotel, in Bude, proved to be an excellent venue for more than 50 shipmates (s/m) of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) and guests to celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar on Saturday, October 21.

Chairman David Worth welcomed all present and swiftly advised what the RNA was all about.

Following the exhortation by honorary secretary Bob Gelder, Nelson’s prayer was given by president Alan Litchfield and vice-chair Stuart Douglas gave Bishop Bill Ind’s ‘Grace’.

An excellent and generous dinner was then served and was thoroughly enjoyed. The meal concluded with port, during which the chairman proposed the Trafalgar toast.

A spokesperson said: “With our PRO/vice-president Godfrey Harrison having carefully protected his RNA tie from gravy splashed and a/s/m [associate s/m] Pat Moore opting for a third helping of roast beef, such were the vegetable helpings that the local pig farm should be producing some fine porkers! Godfrey did note, however, that his menu card read ‘Godfrey Harrison — Prawn!’”

A ‘dit’ from Chunky Philp followed about the methods of inserting a cat pill down a cat’s throat brought several chuckles and one member quipped ‘the A&E department was glad to see the back of him!’

The chairman then made annual presentations, with a brief explanation for each via the honorary secretary. Awards were presented to the following: ‘Shipmate of the Year’, for services to the branch — Chunky Philp; The ‘Mick Philp Tankard’, for services to raffles and auctions — Godfrey Harrison; the Jim White ‘Golden Spanner Award’, dedicated to Jim White an ex-stoker and awarded to the ‘nut’ or ‘twit’ of the year — retained by Tanky Williams.

Following an excellent raffle, thanks were expressed to all contributors and certain items were then subject to the evening’s auction via current auctioneer Peter Phillips.

There was first class enthusiasm, which raised a considerable income, including two fine photographs of a pair of the Philp family enjoying the local beach.

Separately, and in farther memory of Jim Watling, who recently crossed the bar, a fine litre bottle of rum raised £55 in favour of Cancer Research UK.

Finally, two knitted dolls, made by Margaret Horswill, of ‘Jack’ and the other ‘Royal’ were auctioned separately in favour of the Children’s Hospice South West.

Following voluntary donations the sum of £233 will be handed over to charity. Thanks were expressed to Debbie and the staff at The Falcon Hotel for seamless service and the chairman presented Debbie with a bouquet on behalf of the branch in appreciation.