THE Penlee lifeboat disaster of 1981 was recalled at a recent gathering of the South West Group of the National Service (RAF) Association. Guest speaker Mac McLaren, who had known many of the lost crew, gave a fascinating and moving account of the tragic event.

The meeting celebrated the group's seventh anniversary and new members are always welcomed. Those who served their national service days in the Royal Air Force can obtain details of membership from Derek Lord, the SW group organiser, telephone: 01626 890207.