MEMBERS of the Tamar branch of the European Movement held their summer party in Sydenham Damerel on Saturday.

They enjoyed an al fresco dinner, music and good company on a sunny evening.

Guest of honour was Graham Watson, Member of the European Parliament for the South West of England.

Mr Watson told members the European Union was more important than ever for Britain. Co-ordinated action by European countries inside and outside the eurozone was the only way out of the debt crisis, and the only way to economic recovery, he said.

He described what he saw as the advantages for citizens of all European countries of co-operation in the areas of social affairs and justice, and the strength EU membership gives to individual members as they confront world problems.

He praised the work of the European Movement in taking these messages to the wider public and described Tamar branch members as the 'shock troops' of the European ideal in the South West of England.

Members welcomed Sir Cyril Townsend, who lives in Chillaton, as their new honorary president. Sir Cyril succeeds Paul Tyler, who after many years in the Commons and now in the House of Lords, has moved away from the area.

Branch chairman Christopher Denne thanked Sir Cyril for taking over, and paid tribute to Lord Tyler for the support he had given the branch during the five years of his presidency.