The Bude branch of the Royal Naval Association recently staged a successful renewal of ‘Trafalgar Night Dinner’ at The Falcon Hotel when it was a pleasure to welcome an 18-strong party from the Plymouth branch including NCM4.

An excellent presentation and event, MC’d by the branch social secretary, concluded in normal style with a quality raffle and subsequent auction.

Separately, as is the current custom, two knitted dolls were auctioned in aid of Children’s’ Hospice South West. Margaret Horswell knitted the dolls ‘Jack’ and ‘Royal’. They were sold for the magnificent sum of £575.

Margaret is promising to employ her creative skills and knit up a Jenny Wren for 2019 — so long as she’s depicted wearing black stockings!

The branch meeting then ensued to which a new associate member, Mike Dinsdale, was welcomed. Mike is a local businessman attracting locals and visitors alike into his emporium of goodies!   

Routine agenda items were swiftly dealt with and s/ms agreed to dispense the usual Christmas card and voucher to the widows.

The ‘tot’ on the night was kindly sponsored by Chris Masterman and that for December will be a shared affair.

Volunteers for the December raffle prizes are: s/ms Tanky Williams, Dave Worth, Steve Adams, Alan Bicker and John as well as voluntary contributions.

The meeting closed following the loyal toast including the memory of Pat Moore who the branch had the privilege of forming a guard of honour for at his funeral recently.