A meeting of the Pembrokeshire REME Association was held recently at the Oak Inn, Haverfordwest. The chairman, Mervyn Davies, welcomed the members present, with a special welcome to five new members, Alec and Babs Berkley, John Clark and Elizabeth, and Simon Potter. He also welcomed the guest speaker ex-RSM Mike Davies. The families day at Bradley had been cancelled due to inclement weather and military personnel on 'stand by'. With regard to the sick list, the association's welfare officer had visited Withbush Hospital to see John Jones. John was cheerful and sent his regards to all members and was hoping to be sent home very soon (he had since returned home). The chairman than welcomed guest speaker RSM Mike Davies. Mike lives in Haverfordwest and in Spain. He certainly had members sitting on the edge of their chairs, listening to his exploits after giving a little insight into his background, growing up in Haverfordwest, joining the Army, going into the Parachute Regiment, and eventually returning to civilian life. Not content to sit back and take life easy, he combined his job with civic duties, including a year as Mayor of Haverfordwest. He embarked on many years of fund-raising for a variety of different charities. He has walked the Appalachian mountains, but the majority of his fund-raising has been done by cycling. This has taken him to many parts of the world, including a long trip up the 'Eastern Seaboard' to the Canadian border. He has also written a book about his exploits, with the proceeds going to charity. Retirement hasn't lessened his activities and he has just finished cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End, completing this in 11 days - what a marvellous achievement! He then had to cycle to Penzance railway station to catch a train home! The chairman gave Mike a sincere vote of thanks, echoed by all, for a very entertaining and interesting talk. The next meeting has been arranged for August 23, same time, same place. It is hoped that as many members as possible will attend and support the visit by National REME secretary, Captain Andy Anderson from Arborfield.
