Compliments of the season to everyone - here at Pembroke Probus, the festivities culminated in the successful Christmas draw and quiz night (writes K.M.).

Well over 30 members were lucky winners of the 'draw prizes' and the winning quiz team were the 'Out of Towners' - Chris Langton, Dennis Hughes and Mike and Wendy Davies.

The first club meeting of the year soon settled into the slick routine which members have come to expect.

Then after a short break, Lt. Cdr. Philip Vanner, our valiant speakers secretary, introduced the Rev. Martin Spain.

I would like to pause here to congratulate, young Philip on a difficult job well done.

A quirk of fate had caused two proposed speakers to withdraw at short, short notice.

Yet Philip had arranged for the Rev. Spain to speak to club members in the very short time available. Well done boy!

The Rev. Spain spoke on 'Policing above the Lansker Line'.

Most importantly he advised his audience that we were collectively known as 'Down Belows', also that there was more to the differences than variations in the language spoken.

Having lived and worked in Holyhead, on the cross Irish Sea ferries, I had experience of this.

Prior to this, I had sailed on tankers with Indian crews and had picked up a smattering of Hindi.

This particular night in Holyhead I was O.o.W on the ship and the night watchman asked me, in Welsh, what time was the ship due to sail.

I replied in Hindi and in so doing confirmed to him, all that was ever said about South Walians and 'Down Belows' in particular.

The observations that the Rev. Spain made on the work and development of the police service were fascinating, particularly the circular form of evolution that had gone since the days of the 'Peelers'.

Also the non political nature of police involvement in society. It is and, I hope, always will be for the prevention and the solution of criminal acts. It was a thoughtful and humourous talk, that was much appreciated by the club members.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Ken MacCallum.