Our wonderful ‘429 Ladies Committee’ celebrated their 10th Anniversary of good deeds for the benefit of the Lodge on Saturday, 18th October 2003, by inviting all their regular supporters to a sit-down Buffet. As is usual the decorations and tables were at their best.

Since July 1993 the Ladies have held 27 social functions, among which have included themed meals - French, Italian, Scottish, Irish and Greek, many types of quizzes, a Garden Party and a trip to Bruge. Over £3,000 was raised from these functions. Their good works include curtains for the dining room, a hearing loop for the Temple, crockery and kitchen utensils to the value of over £1,000 and many other items too numerous to mention.

The Editor of ‘The Provincial’ who mentioned the Ladies in an earlier edition nominated them as ‘Paragons of Virtue’ - this they are and we thank them for all their good deeds and hard work.

As Almoner of the Royal Navy Lodge they assist me by holding a Christmas dinner and in the summer a strawberry tea for ten Lodge Widows which they pay for. They also provide hampers for each one.

The Ladies involved are Mesdames Barbara German, Betty Outhwaite, Carole Denyer, Rita Jenkins and Sue Cocks.