The April meeting of the Taunton Unison Retirement Social Club was opened by the chairman Bob Smart who reported the recent death of Pam Small who had joined the club in 1983, had been very active in the club for many years and more recently an honorary member. The members observed a period of silence in her memory. On a happier note, Bob welcomed as new members Joan Taylor and Wynn Thornton. Bob then welcomed as speaker club member Desmond Rochford and his subject "Croatia 60 years on".

Mr Rochford has given talks before on his experiences in various countries and he again demonstrated his vast knowledge of the chosen subject. He had served in the Croatia area during the second world war, had been parachuted to the Island of Vis, spending some months there and also on other islands including Brac, Solta and Contchula. Desmond described his relationships with the partisans who were generally regarded as "trigger happy" and cruel people despite being on the side of the British in the fight against the Germans. He told many amusing stories about the partisans including how they would sing the Irish song "it's a long way to Tipperary" not understanding the words but believing it to be the National Anthem. While the talk was light-hearted, the horrors of war were apparent with the realisation of the futility of the loss of life involved. The talks was illustrated by slides taken on his recent visit to the area and these included pictures of Vis and Split and also various churches and chapels together with memorials to the partisans.

After a question and answer session, Dorothy Kirwan gave the usual vote of thanks commenting that it had been a most interesting and informative talk.

During the officers' reports, Aidre Puzey (membership secretary) reported that in the last few months the membership has increased from 78 to 90. Either two or four new members are expected next month and Bob Smart commented that if this continued the club would regain its previous record number of 100 members. Welfare officer Ann Gibbs welcomed the return of Olive Richter and reported that Bill Ryall had suffered severe injuries in a recent car accident and is in hospital but is now making good progress. Vivienne Russell (social secretary) mentioned that at the next meeting, Mr Tony Osmond would talk on the history of County Stores. In the absence of Brian Whiteside (coach organiser) Bob referred to the lunch to be held on 24 April at the Nags Head. He also reminded members that the first of the summer outings would be a welcome return to the Eden Project on 15 June and that there were still a few seats available on the coach. In the absence of Bill Ryall, George Campling and Jo Smart organized the customary raffle.