THE CHELMSFORD branch of the Royal Naval Association has unveiled a commemorative plaque to celebrate its landmark 75th anniversary.
Members of the division, which first opened in 1938, were joined by the Chair of Essex County Council, Kay Twitchen, and the chairman of the Royal Naval Association, Shipmate Chris Dovey for the presentation at Chelmsford library on Monday.
Other dignitaries at the celebration, which continued with lunch at the Golden Fleece pub nearby, included the Queen's representative in Essex, Lord Lieutenant, Lord Petre, as well as Navy officials and other local councillors.
The plaque represents all of the hard work of the organisation over the past 75 years in providing comradeship and welfare to retired local members of the Royal Naval Service.
Reports of the event will be sent to the Portsmouth HQ for circulation to all branches throughout the country and to the many branches around the world, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada
John Gamlin, secretary of the celebrated branch, said: "Not many branches have been going for so long, it's due to the dedication of those that belong to the charity."
Describing it as a proud moment for himself and everyone involved, he added: "The ceremony was very good."
