The Royal Engineers Association, Pembroke Dock branch, sat down to a splendid annual dinner recently at The Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock. A first class meal was enjoyed in a wonderful setting. The principle guests were Brigadier John Wootton MBE and his wife Sarah Wootton. The Brigadier gave an update of the Corps activities and of the future commitments of The Royal Engineers. Following his talk, he kindly presented on behalf of Nigel Hissey, a copy of 'Follow The Sapper' so that branch members could refresh their memories of Corps history. Sarah Wootton presented the branch, on behalf of The REA HQ, a golden pennant to be attached to the branch standard. The branch chairman presented to the Brigadier and his wife a beautiful picture of Pembroke Castle to remind them of their visit. The final presentation was made by the deputy director South Wales group, Captain Brian Henderson, who presented the branch president, Dennis Taylor, with the Director's Commendation for services and good work to the branch. During the dinner, a raffle was held and the proceeds of which, over £120, were donated to the Martin Roberts Charity. Amongst the raffle winners were Mr. and Mrs. Powling, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Piddington, Mrs. Halsted, Mrs. Saunders, Mr. Hills, Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Richards, Mrs. Best, Mr. Cotton, Mr. and Mrs. Hissey, Mr. and Mrs. Kenvyn and Mr. Taylor. The honorary members thanked all the members who had donated the prizes and congratulated all the winners. It was yet again a very successful dinner and a special thank you to Thomas Renault and his staff at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel. The branch met up again on Monday, February 26, at the Star Social Club for the branch's annual general meeting.
The chairman gave a warm welcome to the members present and congratulated Dennis Taylor on being awarded the Director's Commendation. He also presented standard bearer Bill Kellaway with the golden pennant to attach to the standard. During the meeting, the programme for the next 12 months was approved and the committee were asked to organise a social evening for the visit of the Swansea branch on July 21. Both the chairman and treasurer's report were received and approved by the branch.
All the branch officers were re-elected. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 26, at 7.30 pm at the Star Social Club. At this meeting, there will be a presentation to Peter Kraus of the Martin Roberts Charity.