BOLTON'S John 'Jan' Thomas was all at sea when he had to find a cake big enough to commemorate The Royal Naval Association's re-launch of his area magazine. However, it did not take too long for the retired navy man from Atherton to steer himself in the right direction to provide the perfect mouthwatering monument . . . measuring 36 x 36 inches! The edible edifice, decorated with a Royal Naval Association's HMS Vanguard plaque, was created by the catering team on board HMS Drake at Devonport.

Jan is responsible for bringing out the Royal Naval Association No10 Area magazine, Vanguard, and after temporarily folding, the publication has been re-launched for Spring 1998.

Jan explained: "I bring out the magazine which is intended to provide interest for our members to keep them in the Association and to encourage the recruitment of other Naval personnel.

"The magazine is sent to various ships and establishments, including a recent Trident Submarine of the same name, to illustrate our activities and to make sure they know about us.

"The Vanguard was the largest battleship built by the Royal Navy, and we are the largest Royal Naval Association in the country so it seemed fitting to name our magazine after it.

"In addition, its motto was 'We Lead' - something we, as an Association, like to feel we do."

He added: "To celebrate the re-commissioning of Vanguard I thought we should have a cake. An ordinary one would have been inadequate for our Ex-matelots and Wrens, so I contacted Lt Nigel Walker, the Catering Officer at HMS Drake at Devonport to ask if the catering team would be prepared to make a large cake for the re-commissioning of our area's magazine.

"By coincidence, one of the men working on the cake in Devonport was Chief Petty Officer, Ian Hill, the son of a man who had worked at the Post Office in Bolton, where I had also worked. Ian was also a sea cadet, during the time I was Sea Cadet Officer at Bolton."

While more than 500 members arrived in Blackpool for the Spring Conference and Reunion, Jan drove to HMS Drake to collect the cake.

Jan said: "The cake had been made on a table top and in the best traditions of the Royal Navy, a good quantity of rum had been added to the ingredients." I presented a No 10 Area plaque to the Catering Officers and the cake was officially handed over to me. I had to build a special platform in the boot of my Volvo to accommodate the cake which was transferred from the Naval Gallery by the strongest chefs."

The following day, the fruits of Jan's labour were enjoyed at the Gala Dinner in Blackpool.

Anyone interested in further information about, or joining, the Royal Naval Association can contact Jan on 01942 876583.

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