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PRESIDENT Anne-Marie Rutter welcomed everyone who attended the club's 65th anniversary event, which was held in the newly renovated Prince of Wales Hotel, the future venue for our meetings.

District 10 chairman brought greetings from the district and she was accompanied by the district editor.

Others attending were members from several local Inner Wheel clubs, Dursley Rotary Club president and members, as well as representatives from Cotswold Tyndale Club.

This event was rather a family affair with our secretary Sue Allen's son, Brigadier Nick Searle, being the speaker and the anniversary cake having been made by her daughter Helen.

A very interesting and thought-provoking view into his life in the military was given by Brigadier Nick, who joined after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

He had been to 30 different countries during his career, having lived in seven with his family and served in both Bosnia and Afghanistan.

He gave his personal views on defence in the modern world and the valuable role that women officers would play.

Changes will be made in the food rations that will be provided in future combats to ensure a healthy diet, and the old rifles will be replaced by modern weaponry.

Will there also, for instance, be unmanned aircraft and drones in future combat?

Nick was warmly thanked by President Anne-Marie.

Members had made and served afternoon tea at Dursley Rotary Club's event for the elderly at the community centre.

They had also been invited to join Rotarians at their meeting when a representative from Longfield Hospice would be speaking and to join them for a quiz event later in the week.

A busy time ahead, with members manning a team throughout the day at Dursley Sainsbury supermarket, collecting for the annual Poppy appeal, and member Chris McKinnon Wood will be our representative at the Remembrance Parade and lay a wreath on our behalf.

Plans were well ahead for our popular Kick Start Christmas event on December 7 this year, being held at the community centre.

Our next meeting will be on November 18, 11.45 for 12.15 at the Prince of Wales Hotel.