The Pembroke Dock branch of the Royal Engineers Association held its annual dinner at the Holyland Country House, Pembroke. Members, together with their wives, widows of past members and invited guests, sat down to enjoy a splendid meal and to listen to the music of the Max Cole Duo.
The principal guest was the deputy group director, who gave a brief update of the Corps' commitment in various locations around the world.
Amongst other guests were the group secretary, David Richards, and his wife; past secretary Tim Poole and his wife; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Glover, chairman of Swansea branch REA; and Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Scott.
During the evening, two of the younger members, David Price and Robert Marshall, organised a raffle for a local charity. Amongst the winners of this raffle, which raised over £100, were: Albert Jones, Ann Powling, Audrie Glover, Trevor Hills, Kate Sherwood, Margaret and John Worley, Viv Richards, Jenny Hissey, Susan and Colin Harris, Lilian Rowlands, Nigel Hissey, Julia and Tim Poole, Dorothy Simes, Gwawr Hitchings, Deryle Gould, Shirley Marshall, Una and John Cotton and Margaret Britton.
During the speeches, the chairman, Eric Powling, thanked the Holyland Country House for a splendid meal and hoped that all the guests would have an enjoyable evening. He also presented Albert Jones with a certificate from Headquarters Chatham signed by the controller, Lt/Col John McLemman, to commemorate his 90th birthday and 74 years as a life member of the association.
The president, Dennis Taylor, presented to the deputy group director a framed picture of Carew Castle to remind him of his visit to the Pembroke Dock branch REA.
On Monday, January 28, the branch held its monthly meeting at the Star Social Club, Pembroke Dock. The chairman commenced the meeting by asking the members to observe a silent tribute for Brian White, deputy controller, who had passed away in December.
One of the items fully debated during the evening was which charity to donate the proceeds of the raffle held at the annual dinner; it was eventually decided that the proceeds would go to the Hawkstone Road Day Centre. The chairman reminded members that other donations to charities would be agreed at the annual general meeting.
The hon. secretary wished to remind all members of the Pembroke Dock branch REA that the annual general meeting would be held on Monday, February 25, at 7.30 pm, at the Star Social Club, and in accordance with the rules, all officials and committee members would be elected. He hoped that all the branch members would make the effort to attend.