YORK RN Association has been out of the picture for a short time but the years are beginning to creep up on me. I will be 94 in May.

Recently, I made the acquaintance of the events director of the Not Forgotten Association, and my life took on a new aspect.

I was invited to St James’s Palace for a Christmas meal hosted by Esther Rantzen, where I recited one of my poems, A Tribute To The Few, which was greeted with a standing ovation.

A few weeks later I was invited to a fundraising ball hosted by Aspen Insurance Company (black tie and medals). I was asked to recite my poem and again it received a standing ovation.

After dinner I met the amputees from Afghanistan. They deserve all we can give them and more.

My poem was first published in The Press last November and then picked up by Sir Simon Bryant, Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

I have to end on a sad note. Terry Halder, RM, who is treasurer of the RN Association, has relinquished his job due to bad health.

He is, however, determined to carry on as long as possible as secretary.

Bernard Hallas, Hawthorne Avenue, Haxby, York.