Sir,

Through your newspaper may I, on behalf of the Royal Marines Association, Swansea Bay branch express my sincere thanks to all those who participated in the sad but successful laying-up of the Standard of the Royal Marines Association, Saundersfoot and Tenby branch.

We felt it a great honour to be allowed to be part of this solemn ceremony and would like to express our sincere thanks to Father Paul Boyle, his assistants, members of the choir and lay people, I found the cup of tea truly welcome after the service.

The congregation of St. Issell’s, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Mrs. Sharon Lusher, Civic Dignitaries of Saundersfoot. Thanks also to all those members of Tawe Division, HMS Cambria commanded by Lt. Commander RNR Ruth Fleming.

Grateful thanks to all those members of the many Royal Navy Associations and Sea Cadet Units in attendance and many other serving and former Royal Marines and other former service people who gave us their time.

Furthermore and most importantly, sincere thanks must be given to Mrs. Diane Phillips and the other surviving family members of those, our service forefathers.

Mention must also be made of the high standard shown by Mr. Ceri Phillips in processing the Standard to the Alter in readiness for the Intercession.

May I also make mention of PCSO Jim Moffat, of Dyfed-Powys Constabulary in Saundersfoot, without whose help in obtaining vehicle parking facilities and other matters we would have had many problems.

Once again, many thanks to all those people of Saundersfoot and environs who made a dull and dismal day truly remarkable which just goes to show, although the Royal Marines Association, Saundersfoot and Tenby, is no longer active, the spirit of the Corps is alive, vigorous and truly maintained by their families and long may it do so.

Roger Sheppard,

Royal Marines Association

Swansea Bay Branch.