MEMBERS of the Newton Abbot branch of the Royal Naval Association have celebrated its 60th anniversary.

To help mark the occasion, Sea Cadets from the branch’s affiliated and sponsored unit TS Canonteign Teign Valley unit 609 joined members at the branch headquarters at Newton Abbot Royal British Legion club.

The celebrations included cutting a cake and drinking a toast.

The oldest member of the branch Christina Dishburn recently turned 101 years old and still helps at events, visits other members who are unwell and has been the deputy welfare officer for many years.

She also helps out at Newton Abbot museum.

Members also remembered long serving president Pat Mole who died recently with newly elected president Roy Butler leading the toast.

To mark the 60th anniversary, a branch project has been launched to raise funds to buy a new branch standard.

This will be presented as part of Newton Abbot’s Armed Forces Day and the RBL Poppy Appeal planned for the end of October.

Above: Ordinary Cadet James Barnett and able Cadet Imogen Fuller listening to stories from shipmate Christina Dishburn.

Right: Cutting the cake are president shipmate Roy Butler and chairman shipmate Nigel Wilson.