The Pembroke Dock branch of the Royal Engineers Association held its monthly meeting on September 27, at the Star Social Club. The chairman congratulated three members who had just celebrated their 70th birthdays and reiterated how high the average age was and therefore a need for more younger members to be recruited. During the meeting, details were given regards to the annual dinner in 2005 and the menus were handed out for consideration. The memorial dates were issued for the wreath-laying ceremonies and volunteers would be requested at the next meeting on Monday, October 25. Wreaths will be laid at Freshwater West, Military Cemetery Llanion Park and at St. Johns Church. The hon. secretary introduced, following the meeting, the evening speaker. Mark Jones had attended to talk about the Bobby Van service in Pembrokeshire. Mark, who was based in Pembroke Dock, went on to talk about the free home security equipment for the elderly and disabled people in Pembrokeshire. The service is available to persons over 60 years of age and who are vulnerable, living alone and to the disabled. Following an initial assessment of the work to be carried out, a trained carpenter, instructed by the Pembrokeshire Crime prevention Partnership, will supply and fit the necessary equipment free of charge. This ranges from locks to door chains. He went on to illustrate, together with the video, how a few simple precautions can help deter the would-be criminal. The talk was well received by the members and the question and answer time was soon finished and Mark was invited to take part in a small, but delicious, buffet presented by the ladies section. The vote of thanks was given by Ted Hissey, hon. secretary of the branch.
