Royal Naval Association THE annual meeting of the March branch of the RNA was opened by president George Brewin, who paid tribute to the tireless work by the branch officers. Shipmate Bill Campbell was elected vice-chairman and shipmate Maureen Campbell w

Royal Naval AssociationTHE annual meeting of the March branch of the RNA was opened by president George Brewin, who paid tribute to the tireless work by the branch officers. Shipmate Bill Campbell was elected vice-chairman and shipmate Maureen Campbell was elected treasurer.Afterwards, branch chairman Bill Barry conducted the regular monthly meeting, welcoming four new members to the branch.Samples of clothing which carry the RNA March Branch logo, and which can be purchased through the branch from D & L Promotions of March, were displayed and the branch memorial board was unveiled by the chairman. The board is dedicated to the memory of Phyllis Parfrey, who died last year and it has been gifted to the branch by her husband, shipmate Les Parfrey.St Mary's WIAT the January meeting, birthday pens were given to Mrs E Whittlesea and M Keightly.The annual cup for the monthly competition was presented to E Blake with 37 points. Runners-up were B Smith 36 and J Henchman 34. The produce cup went to B Smith with 43 points. Runners-up were L Lacey 40 and E Blake 39.Renee presented a gift to the secretary and treasurer for their hard work. The annual outing will be on August 10. Members were asked for venue suggestions.Speaker was David White, of DJs nurseries Chatteris, who gave a talk on how he became a horticulturist. Points awarded in the competition for a home-grown hyacinth were E Blake 10, B Smith nine and L Lacey six.The social half-hour was a gardening quiz by L Lacey. Winner was B Smith, with A Marsh second. Teas were served by P Doncaster and M Keightly and the draw arranged by B Smith, M Keightly and E Blake.At the next meeting, on February 9, the speaker will be Paul Bass from the county trading standards department.Stone Cross WIAT the meeting last Thursday, six more dates were announced to include a craft evening, a garden party and an outing.President Nad Stoker introduced speaker Deana Hudson, her theme being "Victorian Dress". Linda Wilson volunteered to be her model. Among Deana's collection were two Victorian dresses, one being a silk wedding dress with matching ostrich feather fan and shoes. She spoke of early Singer sewing machines, origin of the zip and corsets. A vote of thanks was given by Valerie Bedford.There were 16 entries for the competition "A Favourite Piece of Jewellery". Results: Shirley Stacey 10 points, Mary Badcock nine, Connie Holmes eight, everyone else