THERE was a distinctively royal theme to this months meeting as we were joined by David Rushforth, who spoke to us about his time serving as a yachtsman aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

David had been a crew member on the royal yacht for several years in the late seventies, including the 1977 Silver Jubilee Tour, the only time the yacht has been at sea for a royal jubilee. He talked us through the yacht's design and build, which ensured that as well as serving the royal family, it could at times of war be easily adapted to a hospital ship for wounded servicemen and women. He gave a photographic tour of the yacht including the royal quarters and an insightful view of life aboard, including taking part in variety performances on the foredeck to the royal family and fellow crew members. He told anecdotes that reflected the mutual respect that exists to this day between the royals and the crew, as senior royals attend biannual reunions of the Association of Royal Yachtsmen. The yacht, which was decommissioned in 1997 is now moored at Leith in Scotland where it is a popular tourist attraction.

Keeping with the royal theme of the evening, Jenny Masser announced that our summer outing this year is a trip to Kensington Palace in August, including the Princess Diana Exhibition. Other upcoming events include a walking tour of Upton upon Severn, and a talk at Worcester University about Forensics.

Next month is our Annual Meeting and will include a quiz and a bring and buy sale on Tuesday 9 May at 7.30pm Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall, If you are interested in joining us or just coming to visit then please contact 01386 247439

JANE WAY