SURVIVING members of the Calne and District Royal Naval Association gathered to lay up their Standard in St Mary’s Church yesterday (Oct 21).

The eight surviving members of the branch met for a last farewell service at the church in Calne, conducted by Rev Bob Kenway, before disbanding for good.

The service, on Trafalgar Day the anniversary of Britain’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, included prayers, readings, hymns and a poignant two minute silence.

Peter Lee-Hale, 81, one of the four founding members of the Calne RNA, said: “Sadly out of the 64 members there’s only eight left so the standard is going to be laid up in the church for perpetuity.

“I think the Calne RNA has put a lot into Calne over the years one way or another and we’ve now said our last farewells.”

The Calne RNA was formed in 1999 and, at its peak, had 64 members. A Lottery Grant enabled the branch to buy their standard which was dedicated in St Mary’s Church in front of a packed church of RNA members.

The salute at the march which followed was taken by then Calne town mayor, Debbie Smith, the area president, Admiral Sir Derek Reffell and branch president Admiral Brian Goodson.

In 2005, on the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, the branch held a banquet in the town hall for guests including the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, town mayor and local school children who had taken part in an art competition organised by the branch.

On completion of the Service the eight surviving members gathered for a Farewell Lunch in the Lysley Arms.