The Pembroke Dock branch of the Royal Engineers Association had a very busy month in September, including playing host to the Swansea branch REA. The first stop was for a brilliant lunch at the Cricket Club, and then two Pembroke Dock couriers joined the coach and took them all to visit HM Coastguards at Milford Haven and the Port Authority. A very interesting tour of both departments took place and special thanks must go to Mr. Peter Morris, of HM Coastguards, for arranging such an interesting and educational afternoon in such a busy environment.

The Swansea branch then returned to the Star Social Club in Pembroke Dock, where the local REA took over for the rest of the evening.

A special buffet was followed by a humorous session of bingo, courtesy of Brian Kenvin, and a quiz organised by the master of quizzes, Dennis Taylor.

Eventually, the Swansea branch had to say farewell after being well fed and watered.

On September 16, a more serious occasion was the award of the first Sapper Scholarship at Pembroke School to Sam Robinson, who is now on his way to Cardiff University.

The branch standard was on duty on September 20, at the 60th Anniversary Memorial Concert at Pembroke Castle, together with the Royal Marine Band and Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir. The standard carried by Robert Marshall proudly showed the additional 1914 pennant recently awarded by REA HQ, marching from Pembroke railway station through Pembroke into the castle where the HM Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, J. Allen Mirehouse, took the salute and gave the parade marshall permission to commence the evening's proceedings within the castle.

The evening was a great success from the moment of introduction by the town clerk, Phil Lloyd. The Mayor of Pembroke, Clr. Dilwyn Davies, gave a very warm welcome to all the visitors and, despite a slight nip in the air, hoped that they would enjoy the evening of music.

Following the reading of the roll of honour, the band of HM Royal Marines, Plymouth, played as only the Marines can, first class, and had all the visitors applauding each movement.

Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir and the Hale Male Voice Choir each sang various items and then combined for hymns and the national anthems at the end of the evening. After a superb rendering of the Beating of the Retreat and the Last Post, the exhortation was read by David Limmage, chairman of Pembroke Dock Royal British Legion, followed by the reading of Kohima Epitaph by county patron, Col. Peter Howells CBE, Ostj, TD, DL. The Marines Band played the reveille and this was followed by the singing of 'There is no death', with both the choirs in complete unison.

The blessing at the conclusion of this splendid memorial concert was carried out by the Rev. David Hammon, padre to Pembroke Dock Royal British Legion.

Monday, September 29, was the branch monthly meeting held at the Star Social Club. Guests at the meeting were Lt. Col. Caulfield and RSM MacFarlane, who had just returned from Iraq. Lt. Col. Caulfield gave an interesting and informative talk on the role of the army and in particular what the Royal Engineers were achieving in Iraq.

This was followed by a buffet provided by the ladies section.

The next meeting will be on October 27, at 7.30 pm, at the Star Social Club.