Branch Circular #618 (May 2012)

National Standard Bearers Competition HMS Temeraire

Branch Circular No 618

May 2012

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Dear Shipmate Branch Secretary, Welcome to the May Circular, I hope you are drying out from the April rains and planning all those great runs ashore in Newcastle at the Conference. With this edition of the Circ you will have a copy of the review of the Memorandum that the RNA signed with the RN in 2008 and how both sides think it is going on; as well as the new Partnering Arrangement that has developed out of the Review. You will see that it is much more comprehensive than the 2008 MoU and that the RNA has a new role in being source of advice to the Navy Board on veteran issues.

I hope that you are getting your bids into Andy and Nigel for our wonderful RNA gizzit (the RNA hat) in time for Armed Forces Day and the rest of the Summer’s events. They will be available for pick up at the Conference. We have now taken delivery of a high quality, robust gazebo courtesy of Pusser’s Rum our main sponsor (it has the RNA, RNRMC and Pussers logos on it. If you would like this for an event please book it up through Nigel or Andy.

Naturally it is already taken by Plymouth Branch for this year’s Armed Forces Day. I am also able to help with advertising costs if you wish to run an advert in your local paper to draw attention to your Branch – using the new RNA look – of course. Please give me a ring. We have stopped advertising except in this way, since it is a more effective way of gaining new members than adverts in national magazines (Navy News excepted).

You have heard of the Shipmates Campaign over the course of the last few months, you might be interested to hear that we have signed up over 600 RN regulars to the RNA under this scheme. Where we have feedback the RN personnel find the Branch meetings fun and useful – please do pursue the contacts we send – so far to over 130 Branch Secretaries. This is a major initiative and deserves your full and enthusiastic support.

Big congratulations to Shipmate Steve Susans our new National Standard Bearer. In a closely fought competition he came out on top, and will take the Standard from Bob Coburn at the Conference in June – more details in Mick Kieran’s report.

It is also at this time of year that we should start to plan for the Autumn season of Remembrance parades etc. Please start the process in the Branch of advertising the main events and bidding for tickets – all welcome Life, Full and Associate: • • •

St Paul’s Service Wed 10 Oct 12 Field of Remembrance 8 November 12 Cenotaph Parade Sun 11 Nov 12

I know that the ‘Campaign against tiny membership stickers’ have taken a keen interest in my on-going punishment – they will be pleased to hear that I have moved from my caravan prison to a foam slab on a bare floor in our unfinished bedroom, which is, surprisingly, worse!!! They need not worry that it will be over soon, the windy hammers start on Monday!!

I look forward to meeting lots of you in Newcastle – please introduce yourself – and forgive me if I don’t remember your name – there are, after all, 380 Branch Secretaries!!

Kindest Regards Paul Quinn General Secretary 2

Contents Daily Orders 1. Conference 2012 – Programme of Events 2. Burgess Hill – Town Fete 3. Dorchester RNA – Armed Forces Day 4. Edinburgh Armed forces Day 5. National Standard Bearers Competition 6. Hero – Gets a helping hand 7. Standard bearer- Wanted - South Gloucestershire 8. Free Meals – Crown Carveries 9. RNA Dagenham – Diamond Jubilee Lapel Pins 10. Armed Forces Day - Plymouth 11. Donations Received 12. Falmouth Sea Sunday 13. St Helens RNA 14. The Glassblowing House- Barbican 15. Finance corner from Michelle 16. RNA Maidstone 17. This will make you Smile!

18. Guess Where?

19. Woking Branch – St Georges Day Parade 20. Londonderry Branch –Thank you 21. Diamond Jubilee 22. RNA Wansbeck – Trafalgar Dinner 23. RM Massed Band Events – Beating Retreat 24. Free for Veterans Day - Peterborough 25. RNA Cruise Lectures 26. Pembroke House – Care & Nursing Home 27. Falmouth – 30 Anniversary 28. Littlehampton Sea Sunday 29. Veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic 30. No 1 Area – Trafalgar Day Service 31. RNA Sutherland Branch – Dedication of Standard 32. Battle of Britain 33. HMS Victory – Cannon Presentation 34. Bodmin Armed Forces Day 35. Falklands Remembrance Service – Edinburgh Castle 36. Rum Tub – Last Chance 37. RAF Band Concert - Lincoln

Shortcast Longcast Ship’s Office 1. Branch membership renewal forms 2. Area and Branch updates Swinging the Lamp For the Branch Secretary and notice-board (included loose-leaf): 1. Bankers Order for 2. Clubs Seminar application form Glossary of terms

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NCM NC AMC FAC NCh NVCh NP DNP GS AGS Asap

National Council Member National Council Association Management Committee Finance Administration Committee National Chairman National Vice Chairman National President Deputy National President General Secretary Assistant General Secretary As soon as possible

Throughout ď ? indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts:

Financial Controller

023 9272 3823

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

FAX

023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops)

023 9272 3747

nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

AGS (Events/Marketing/Shipmates)

023 9272 0782

andy@royalnavalassoc.com

General Secretary

023 9272 2983

paul@royalnavalassoc.com

Admin

023 92 72 3747

admin@royalnavalassoc.com

RNA HQ Staff continue to attempt to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if those Branch Secretaries able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e-message to HQ to nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

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Daily Orders 1.  Conference 2012 – Updated Programme of Events Friday 8th June 2012 0730

HQ Daily Briefing

0900-1200 0900-1200 1200-1300 1300-1700 1400 1800

FAC Meeting- Thistle Hotel AMC Meeting Thistle Hotel NC Lunch NC Meeting- Thistle Hotel SOC meets at Assembly Rooms (AR) Set up Assembly Rooms to the best extent possible for Conference –sound, screens, and projectors.

Welcome buffet and entertainment in the Assembly Rooms Buffet served Reception ends

1900 2000 2300

Saturday 9th June 2012 0700-0830 0700 0700 0800 0800 0830 0845 0925 0930 0935 0945 0950 0955 1000 1001 1010

Set up Conference Room - SOC - HQ Staff & 12 x Tyne RNA stewards HQ + SOC Daily Briefing- Assembly Rooms Prepare front desks for delegates and observers.

Other charities set up stalls Michelle set up slops stall Sound and IT check - Room to be ready for Conference Assembly Rooms open to delegates and observers, coffee served on entrance Captain Dainton arrives (met by GS) FOSNNI arrives at the Assembly Rooms and are met by the National President and General Secretary FOSNNI introduced to RNA National Council, Chair 11 Area, Chairman of Tyne branch in the Upper bar (far end).

Delegates and Observers to be seated in the Conference Room.

National Council move to Assembly Rooms VIPs and National President move to main hall.

Bugler (Tyne SCC), Sound the Alert, March on RNA Standard (RNA National Standard Bearer) (Heart of Oak) Change of National Standard Bearer in front of dias.

Prayers by The Reverend Scott J Brown QHC (Chaplain of the Fleet and Hon Chaplain to the RNA) Silent tribute in memory of Shipmates who have Crossed the Bar. Last Post and Call the Hands (Bugler)

O/C O/C 1045 1300 1400 1630

The National President publicly welcomes FOSSNI, he opens the Conference.

The General Secretary reads the message from Her Majesty The Queen and other Associations.

Award of Trophies and awards by the National President Conference proceeds in accordance with the Agenda.

Conference breaks for lunch Resume Conference Conference ends, march off the National

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1900 - 2300 Conference Gala Buffet. Dance in Chandelier Room Assembly Rooms Lounge Suit, RNA Rig, nice dress or similar (Royal Marines suspenders and stockings) (Open 1900, Buffet 2000, Raffle 2100, Dancing 2110, Finishes 2300) SUNDAY 10th June 2012 0800 0900 1030 1145 O/C

HQ Daily Briefing SOC- Post conference wash-up meeting Standard Bearers muster at the Cathedral for a Rehearsal. (NCA, S/M Marie Taylor 11 Area Standard Bearer, S/M Chris Rankin. S/M John Duke)) Church Service, at St Nicholas Church. National President lays a wreath at the COLLINGWOOD memorial RNA Muster outside of St Nicholas – (Uniform and/or RNA Rig ) The SCC Combined Band, RNA Standards – March to Grey memorial and conduct an “Eyes Right” at the Dias (National President and Chaplain, Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor ) then continue the march to the Eldon Square, halt.

(About 700 m) Act of Remembrance and the Blessing by the Chaplain of the Fleet.

Vice Admiral J H S McAnally CB LVO will lay a wreath at the War memorial on behalf of the Royal Naval Association.

Address by the National President of the RNA from the memorial steps.

1600

Dismiss (note: no arranged lunch or event). Shopping!!

Hot Wash Up

2. Burgess Hill Branch - Town Fete Day Sat 9 June Burgess Hill Branch of the Royal Naval Association are having a stall at the “Town Day fete” at St John’s Park in Burgess Hill on Saturday 9 June. The purpose of the stall is to publicise our local Branch, to try and encourage new members to join us and will feature tombola with all the proceeds from the Tombola going as usual to naval charities and those supporting naval forces. If you require further information please contact; Sarah Voce Tel, 01444-246 655 or email, sarah.voce@homecall.co.uk

3. Dorchester Royal Naval Association - Armed Forces Day – 7 July Dorchester Royal Naval Association and Dorchester Town Council are organising an Armed Forces Day on Saturday 7 July 2012 The outline programme for the day is: 1200 - 1300 1315 1320 1400 1430 1445 - 1630

Lunch in the Corn Exchange Parade marches off from North Square Mayor will take the salute outside Barclays Bank in South St. Armed Forces Day Civic Service in the Borough gardens.

Presentation of Veterans Badges Music in the Borough Gardens.

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Lunch will be provided free of charge but there will be a bucket for donations to defray expenses.

There will be a Veterans Badge presentation by the Mayor after the Civic Service. Any Veterans attending who wish to apply for a badge can obtain an application from S/M Roy Dean or from the Veterans Agency direct. Any veteran who has a Veterans Badge but has not had it formally presented to them may attend the Veterans Badge Presentation.

Veterans wishing to take part should contact S/M Roy Dean, 01305 853442; Mob 07788 892908; email roydeanxways@hotmail.com 4.  Edinburgh Armed Forces Day - 2011 – Standard Bearer Bars Edinburgh - AFD 2011. The Scottish area is producing standard bearer bars for this event.

Unfortunately we do not have a comprehensive list of all the standards that attended this event. I would be grateful if all branches and areas that attended this event would contact me so that we can ensure we can get the standard bearer bars out to the appropriate people.

Contact details are as follows: Brian Mackenzie, Chairman Scottish Area RNA. Tel No - 01360 – 622767 email - brianm669@aol.com

5  National Standard Bearers Competition - 12 May 2012 – HMS Temeraire I have to report on a successful but quiet National Standard Bearers competition held in the gym of HMS Temeraire on Saturday 12 May. The draw for a running order took place at 1010, with seven contestants registering. This was followed at 1100 by the formal competition. The primary results of the competition are as follows.

1st Steve Susans Bromley Branch,Number 2 Area 2nd Bob Coburn, Inverness Branch, Scottish Area 3rd Dave Corrigan , Bletchley, Number 6 Area “Inspection Time” The Trophy presentations took place in the library of the Maritime Club with the National Chairman Chris Dovey presiding, and then thanked all who had taken part in the competition and all those who had supported this event for all their hard work and dedication. Again thanks to all was given by the President of the RNA who especially commended all the Standard Bearers for their standards, bearing and immaculate turn out.

I think all will agree it was a fantastic day, and I can report that Steve was still floating six feet of the ground when I left him on Sunday morning.

The new National Standard Bearer Steve Susans can be contacted via email on stevesusans56@googlemail.com or tel; 07827 858229 For information - New Bars are in the process of being specially made and will be available soon, from HQ. Mick Kieran – National Ceremonial Officer.

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6  Hero gets a Helping Hand.

Local man John Banister was a Leading Stoker Mechanic in the Royal Navy during the Korean War in 1950 when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his actions when his ship, HMS Comus, was bombed by two enemy aircraft. He was working in the Boiler Room when the bomb exploded, killing one his colleagues, and John took charge of taking the necessary action to make the ship safe after the attack.

John was presented with his medal by Her Majesty the Queen during one of the first investitures she presided over following her accession to the Throne in 1952.

John went on to complete a full 22 years Service with the Royal Navy serving all over the World. After his naval career John went on to become a Security Officer and worked for the Evening Post for a number of years. He is a long serving and active member of both the Royal Naval Association and the Farnsfield Branch of the Royal British Legion and lives in Rainworth with his wife Moreen.

John on his new Scooter!

Recently John, who is now 83 years old, lost quite a lot of his mobility due to a long term medical condition and this has been having detrimental effects on his quality of life. His case was taken up by Legion Caseworkers and he has now taken delivery of an electrically powered scooter which has given him the ability to get about much more easily. Unfortunately with the passage of the years John had also mislaid the Citation for the Distinguished Service Medal. Research was carried out by members of his Legion branch which lead to contact being made with Mark Spencer, the local MP and fellow Legion member, who was able to assist John in getting copies of the original paperwork, including the Citation from the National Archives.

Speaking after a test drive on his new scooter John said ‘I am so very grateful to all those who have done so much to help me sort out these things. I was becoming very dependent on Moreen to get about and I missed walking the dogs or going to the Library. Now I can get around the village and do the things that I need to do which is great. To have a copy of the Citation is very important too not just for me but for my family’.

John and Moreen will be lending a hand at the forthcoming Farnsfield Diamond Jubilee Celebration Day on Saturday 19th May and at the popular annual Farnsfield Legion Barbeque which will taking place on Saturday 7th July at Old Manor Farm.

7  Wanted – Standard Bearer for South Gloucestershire Branch Due to ill health our shipmate has had to relinquish his duties as our Standard Bearer and we do not have a member who is able to carry on. We are therefore looking for a shipmate who would be interested in carrying our Standard at various functions throughout the year. If you think you can help us please ring our Chairman, Bob Walker on 0117 956 7617.

We are desperate!! Thank you and we look forward to hearing from one of you!

Margaret Singleton, Honorary Secretary, South Gloucestershire branch of RNA

8  Free Meal for Forces and Veterans – 25 - 30 June 2012 8

National restaurant group, Crown Carveries is supporting 2012’s Armed Forces Day by offering a free breakfast or carvery to all army, navy and air force men and women, past and present, between Monday 25th and Saturday 30th June.

Enjoying the free meal couldn’t be easier. All existing, and veteran, service people simply need to visit www.crowncarveries.co.uk or www.facebook.com/crowncarveries to download the ‘free Forces meal’ voucher and present this along with their current ID card (or Veteran lapel badge) to staff at their local Crown Carvery restaurant.

Heather Colebrook, Marketing Manager for Crown Carveries, said: “Crown Carveries is the only national restaurant group to have supported Armed Forces Day since it launched. We pride ourselves in being the UK’s most regal carvery brand, our name says it all, and as a result we feel best placed to support our serving and past troops on their commemorative day.

“We hope a full English breakfast or a royally good roast dinner will provide a hearty morale boost for all our proud veterans and hardworking military personnel in the week leading up to and on Armed Forces Day itself, Saturday 30th June.”

To find your local Crown Carvery or for more information visit www.crowncarveries.co.uk Enquiries to: Nicky Weston / Sarah Meads Willoughby Public Relations 43 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1TS Tel: 0121 456 3004 Fax: 0121 456 9300

9.  RNA Dagenham - Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Lapel Pin As the decision was made by Government that nobody outside of serving personnel would receive the Diamond Jubilee Medal, RNA-Dagenham thought it would be a nice keepsake for their members to commission a commemorative lapel pin. This was welcomed by HQ who ensured that the commission met with the “Brand Guidelines” and asked if the branch would be prepared to extend the offer to other branches. This they have done and it has been taken up by Chesham and Amersham, Spennymoor and Ferryhill and Orkney so far with five other branches showing an interest.

1. The minimum order, it is one pin.

2. This is officially sanctioned by the NC and HQ, and is the official Diamond Jubilee pin of the RNA. 3. This may be worn during the Diamond Jubilee year.

There is no restriction on its wear by any member of the RNA, Life, Full or Associate. It may be given and worn by friends, neighbours and family.

4. Please help sell the pins, all profit to charity and Dagenham will give enough discount to benefit your own branch funds.

If you would like further details or to order, please contact Mark Smith on either 07866 523975 or pro@rna-dagenham.org.uk The pins are priced at £2.00 to branches or £2.50 to individuals plus P&P. Please note; there has been a delay in the delivery of the pins from the supplier, please be patient!!

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Note from Gen Sec: We will also have the pins available at HQ and Conference. (Also a huge BZ to Dagenham Branch for organising the pin).

10. Armed Forces Day – Plymouth - 30 June 2012 RNA Standards We have received a request from the organisers of Armed Forces Day on 30 June 2012 that they like as many RNA Standards as possible to be paraded at this event.

Branches who would like to Parade their Standard are to contact, Arthur Gutteridge (Plymouth Branch Secretary) by Email artsue@chendera.fsnet.co.uk or telephone 01752 849176 11.  Donations received for the Central Charities Fund RNA – Spennymoor – In memory of Keith Burns RNA – Dereham RNA – Area 3

£30.00 £100.00 £500.00

In memory of David Whitbread

£25.00

Thank you for the donations received this month to the Central Charities Fund.

12.  Falmouth Sea Sunday - 15 July 2012 Falmouth RNA will again be coordinating the Sea Sunday Parade and Church Service, on behalf of Falmouth Town Council and the Church of King Charles the Martyr.

The Parade will form up on the Moor at 3.20 pm (note the change of time this year) and will march to the Church for the Service at 4.00 pm. Parade will be led by the Volunteer Band, HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose). Following the Church Service, Parade will re-form, and march to the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall, in Events Square, where a reception will be held for participants and invited guests. Prior to the reception the Band will give a display in Events Square. I should be pleased if you would indicate your attendance to me as early as possible.

Should you have any questions, or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Ron. Royal Naval Association FALMOUTH BRANCH Hon. Secretary: Ron Burdekin 23, Glebe Close, Mawgan, HELSTON, Cornwall, TR12 6AA e-mail: falmouth.royalnavalassoc@yahoo.com Tel: 01326 221851(H) 07810 404418 (M)

13  St Helens RNA Branch made Honorary Freeman 10

It is with great pleasure that I inform you that on the 18th April 2012, the St Helens Branch were made Honorary Freeman of the Borough of St Helens. The Service took place at St Helens Parish Church when Freedom Scrolls were presented. A number of other Ex Service Associations were also honoured at the same time.

The photo shows the Scroll being presented to the Branch by the Lord Mayor Councillor Tom Hargreaves.

The Branch feel deeply honoured to have been recognised in this way and I feel that we have accepted it on behalf of the Association and the RN that the Council not just the St Helens Branch. The Local Council are very pro military and take every opportunity to be involved in any Military event that takes place within the Borough and are not hesitant in assisting with any costing as long as it is for the benefit of all.

S/M Trevor Howard Hon Sec St Helens Branch Area 10.

14. The Glassblowing House – The Barbican Plymouth –Complimentary Wine Special Offers for Armed Forces Week!

Being in the shadow of the Royal Citadel and very much at the heart of Plymouth, a town full of proud military history we’d like to show our support and thanks for all military personnel, both past and present.

As a part of The National Armed Forces Week we would like offer, current and retired, military personnel, their families and friends a complimentary bottle of our delicious Humbolt Coast wine when dining with us during Armed Forces Week.

Please find the voucher attached, or this voucher will be available on our website www.glassblowinghouse.co.uk where they can download the voucher.

Thank you for all your help, and please feel free to contact me for any further information or if you have any queries please contact, Caileigh Wiese, Marketing Assistant, The Glassblowing House 01752830286 15.  Finance Corner – From Michelle I would like to say THANK YOU to the Treasurers / Secretaries that have sent to HQ your Annual Year End Returns.

We have notice some of you still haven’t returned any paperwork, would you please forward to HQ ASAP in order for us to carry out the necessary work on your Year End Returns.

Please note – if a branch member is paying by Direct Debit, they need to pay their subscriptions to their relevant Branch Bank Account and NOT HQ Bank Account unless you are a HQ member.

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I am looking forward to seeing you all at Conference.

16  RNA Maidstone - Annual Sea Service - 22 July 2012 The above service will take place at Aylesford on Sunday 22nd July 2012 mustering from 1400hrs for a 1445 start at Aylesford Community Centre Forstal Road or ME20 7AU. Standards will be paraded through Aylesford to the Church for the rededication service and return March Past our principle guest Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO will take the salute also in attendance will be the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge and Malling and the Mayor and Mayoress of Maidstone, on return to the Community Centre where there will be a Buffet followed by a display by the Sea Cadet Band after which Sunset ceremony will be performed, remainder of the evening spent with entertainment and a bit of lamp swinging and raffle until 2045hrs.

The cost will be £5.00 per ticket children under 12yrs £2.50 for buffet and entertainment Standard Bearers will be free, if branches would confirm numbers wishing to attend and ticket requirements, tickets will be sent on receipt of payment or can be booked and paid for on the day. Regulars please take note of time changes for this year and we are back with our original caterers so come along and enjoy yourselves.

All applications for tickets should be sent to the Secretary:-S/M John Cooper 10 Froyle Close Maidstone Kent ME16 0RQ. 01622 675895 or email, john.cooper.773@btinternet.com

17  This will make you Smile!

A tourist walked into a Portsmouth pet store looking at the animals on display.

While he was there, an officer from the local Naval Base walked in and said to the shopkeeper "I'll take one of those monkeys, please."

The shopkeeper nodded, went to a cage at the side of the store and took out a monkey. He put a collar and leash on the animal and handed it the officer, saying, "That'll be $1,000, please." The officer paid and left with the monkey.

The surprised tourist went to the shopkeeper and said, "That was a very expensive monkey.

Most of them are only a few hundred dollars. Why did that one cost so much?"

The shopkeeper answered, "Ah, that's a special technician monkey, he can rig a frigate, pass the Navy's Fitness Test, set up a port defence and perform the duties of any warrant officer with no back talk or complaints. It's well worth the money".

The tourist spotted a monkey in another cage. "That one's even more expensive! $5,000! What does it do?" he asked.

"Oh, that one" replied the shopkeeper. "That's an "Engineer Officer" monkey. It can instruct at all levels of maintenance, supervise maintenance of the ship, intermediate, and fleet level, and even do all of the paperwork.

A very useful monkey indeed".

The tourist looked around a little longer and found a third monkey in a cage.

The price tag was $10,000. The shocked tourist exclaimed, "This one costs more than all the others put together! What in the world can it do?"

"To be quite honest" said the shopkeeper "I've never actually seen him do anything but drink beer, play with his dick and wind-up the other monkeys, but his papers say he's a Royal Marine Sniper."

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18  Guess Where? Somewhere in an Establishment!

Can you name the establishment and where it is?

Please forward any other pictures to the HQ that you may have for ‘Guess Where’ so that we publish them in forthcoming Circulars. Answer again in next month edition.

Last Month’s answer!

Chatham Dockyard

19  Woking Branch – St George's Day Parade - Report The Woking Branch of the Royal Naval Association held their annual St George's Day parade in Old Woking a few weeks ago. The Parade marched through Church Street in Old Woking led by the Standards of the various local Veterans Associations and their Comrades to St Peters Church. It was very pleasing to have in the parade representatives of the Navy and Army cadets. In all there were 15 standards and we were honoured by 3 national standards from The Fleet Air Arm, Korean Veterans and the Merchant Navy.

The Norman Church made a wonderful background and a fitting tribute to the ceremony of St. George on a very bright and sunny morning. The Standards lined up to form a guard of honour outside the church to welcome the Mayor of Woking Cllr Ken Howard together with the Woking M.P. The Rt Hon Johnathan Lord.

The service was led by the Woking R.N.A Honourary Chaplain the Rev. Barry Grimster and the Ladies Bisley Choir ably led the singing of a large congregation. The Mayor recited the poem by Robert Browning "Oh to be in England now April is here". The Rt Hon J. Lord and Shipmate Ian Fraser read the lessons. The theme of the service was the life of St George and why we should be proud of our Patron Saint and endeavour to follow his example. After the service the Standards were inspected by the Mayor and Jonathan Lord who congratulated them on a fine turnout.

20  Londonderry Branch – Thank you The Shipmates of the Londonderry Branch would like to thank the S/Mates of all those Branches and individuals who have made Donations to the Battle of The Atlantic Sailor Statue fund and to that those who have not done so, there is still time to make a donation."

For more information contact; Frank Brown, Hon. Sec. Londonderry. frankj-brown@ntlworld.com 21  Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Event Information Update Event Information Please be aware that the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant will involve extensive road and bridge closures, as well as wider congestion throughout the capital. We are currently working with the relevant authorities to make your day as enjoyable as possible and a full inventory of 13

our operational plans will be published on 17th May via our website. This will include an interactive map detailing the locations of toilets, disabled access areas, the large viewing screens, and road and bridge closures. In the meantime, please read below for logistical information about the Pageant.

Pageant route and timings On Sunday, 3rd June 2012, over 1,000 boats will muster on the Thames to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee. The formal river procession will be between 2pm and 6pm, starting upriver of Battersea Bridge and finishing downriver of Tower Bridge. The boats will muster between Hammersmith and Battersea and disperse from Tower Bridge to West India Docks.

The Pageant route is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometres) long. The full route, including the mustering and dispersal areas, is approximately 13.9 miles (22.4 kilometres). It will take the flotilla approximately 75 minutes to pass any static point along the route.

Viewing areas and large viewing screens If you will be watching the Pageant from the riverfront, there will be wonderful opportunities to view the procession from prime positions along the route, supplemented by large outdoor screens showing live coverage of the Pageant. On Wednesday, 17 th May we will publish an interactive map detailing the locations of these screens.

In order to avoid overcrowding, and for public safety, viewing areas around the large screens will be regulated by a team of event stewards and closed once they reach capacity. These regulated viewing areas will open from 8am onwards.

Road and bridge closures Road closures will commence from 7am, with some bridges between Battersea Bridge and Tower Bridge being closed to road traffic from that time until early evening. There will be severe restrictions to road access in central London throughout the Pageant and we strongly advise spectators to use public transport.

Details of the precise locations and timings of traffic disruptions, as well as all other important information will be available from 17th May and communicated via our website.

Disabled access There will be a number of designated viewing areas for spectators who require disabled access. Please note that these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Spectators who require disabled access will be allowed one companion per person. A map detailing the precise locations of these access areas will be published on 17th May. For more information, please contact: viewingareas@tdjp.co.uk Parking Resident permit holders carrying a utility bill or similar document will be granted access through closed barrier points if it is safe to do so. However, all roads that join the river will be closed for the duration of the day. We therefore encourage the public to travel by public transport.

The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant is not organising designated parking for coaches or for other methods of private transport.

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Vehicles seeking drop-off points beside the river will not be allowed through closed barrier points and are advised to locate alternative drop-off points once road closures have been published via our website on 17th May. Public Transport Owing to extensive road and bridge closures, we encourage you to use public transport wherever possible. In order to plan your journey, we recommend that you consult Transport for London, Network Rail or your local service operator, to see what services are available on the day of the Pageant. Buses that are scheduled to cross bridges between Battersea Bridge and Tower Bridge could be diverted. For more information, please visit: www.tfl.gov.uk/ Toilets A significant number of portable toilets will be provided along the Pageant route, which will supplement other publicly accessible conveniences. A map detailing the locations of these facilities will be published on our website on 17th May. Battersea Park (Diamond Jubilee Festival) Tickets are now available for The Diamond Jubilee Festival, Battersea Park. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/35004891F49696B3# with a charge of £5 per person to cover administration costs. Tickets for children aged 12 and under, who will need to be accompanied by an adult, are free.

Nearest Stations: Clapham Junction, Fulham Broadway and Victoria For more information about Battersea Park, please visit the Festival’s Ticket & Info page.

For the latest updates, please follow us: www.twitter.com/riverpageant 22  RNA - Wansbeck & District Branch 30 Anniversary & Trafalgar Dinner & Dance Sat 20 October 2012 Music for dancing by Richard & a light entertainment spot 6.30pm For 7.00pm Till 11.00pm Blazers; Lounge Suit; Dinner Suit; Uniform - All with Tie or Bow Tie For all those interested, Tickets are £18 From George Kirsopp, Tel; 01670 816562 or Ken Walton - 01670 522526 e-mail kenrna@live.com The Venue is; Stakeford & Bomarsund Sports & Social Welfare Centre Stakeford, Chopington, NE63 5UB

23  RM Massed Bands – Beating Retreat – 6&7 June 2012 There are quite a few events that the Royal Marines Bands are performing, including the Beating Retreat, please follow the link for more information on Beating Retreat 6/7 June 2012.

Horse Guards parade - London 6&7 June 2012 at 6.00PM Tickets from £15 (Children under 16 £10)* Box Office: 02392 312 006 www.royalmarinesmusicalspectacular.co.uk For more RM Band events around the Country please follow the link below. http://www.royalmarinesevents.co.uk/ If you require more detailed information then please contact, 15

RM Corps Secrétariat T: 023 9254 7206 or 023-9254-7214 24  Free for Veterans Day – Sunday 15 July 2012 Entry Free For All veterans at Thorpe Hall Peterborough, Cambs, PE3 6LW and the festival will close with a battle re-enactment.( Not to be Missed) a Flypasts on Saturday we have a Dakota! And on Sunday there will be 2 Spitfires !

All veterans need to do is contact us on this email address. We will send them a form to register and a wristband will be issued. moremuzicevents@gmail.com or call 01733 204353 Thank you for your support.

25.  Presentations on British and American Cruise Ships – by Shipmates Our association is seeking former members of the Royal Navy to present 4 or 5, forty five minute power point presentations on topics relating to the sea and other subjects whilst cruising on the worlds cruise ships The founder of the association, Gordon B. Parr former Regular Army, Police business and resident of Southport for over 40 years, has since retiring ten years ago cruised worldwide lecturing with the leading British and American cruise companies. On a full or part time basis. Our present associates lecture on a wide range of topics from Astrology to Royalty and have a full season ahead. There is an associate’s three year fee of £125. Should a cruise not be offered within 12 months a full refund will be given.

There is a daily charge of £15 per person for the duration of the cruise. The Lecturer may be accompanied by a guest and both will enjoy full passenger status, the best available accommodation and dependent on the Cruise Line, on board and excursion discounts.

Prospective lecturers may have already lectured at sea and are most welcome. However, for those new to cruise ship lecturing, guidance, support and advice will be given freely at all times so meetings are being arranged in Southport, Birmingham, London and Southampton Log onto You Tube and enter Cruise Lecturers Association and view four associates’ presentations. A Sky Interview may be viewed by logging on to You Tube and entering Gordon B. Parr KLJ. For more information please contact Gordon Southport 01704 560 600 parrgor@aol.co.uk (Web site under construction)

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26 Pembroke House - Care & Nursing Home Pembroke House is the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust’s care and nursing home in Gillingham, Kent. While the Home caters specifically for those who have served as ratings in the Royal Navy or as other ranks in the Royal Marines and their spouses, applicants from the Women’s Royal Naval Service, RN and RM Officers and other Services will also be considered if space allows. In addition to full time residency, the Home also provides high quality respite breaks of varying duration. The Home has consistently achieved the Care Quality Commission’s top award for setting and maintaining the highest care standards.

Recently extended and improved, the Home now offers up to 56 en-suite rooms with approximately half allocated for nursing care. The Home is situated in fine landscaped grounds with panoramic views of the River Medway and beyond and is tastefully decorated on a nautical theme. Supported by a vibrant volunteer body (the Friends of Pembroke House), the Home has an excellent relationship with the local community and enjoys regular access to the local attractions including Chatham Historic Dockyard. There are strong ties with the Royal Naval and Royal Marine Associations several branches of which regularly visit the Home and in turn invite the residents to their meetings and social events.

Pembroke House operates on a ‘not for profit’ basis so fees are very competitive and below the market average for a Home of its quality. Care packages are tailored to each individual and are subject to regular review as needs change; Pembroke House is not a ‘one size fits all’ care and nursing home. Local Authority funded residents are most welcome providing the fees are topped up where there is a shortfall in Local Authority funding. The Trust’s policy is not to assist with funding shortfalls on the basis that its charitable funds are utilised to provide the highest standards of care and facility within the Home for all residents to enjoy at reasonable rates.

The Trust only employ staff with the right combination of skills and personality to work in the Home that is equipped to the highest standards; our aim is to provide assisted living at the right level that allows residents to enjoy a full and as far as possible independent and active life in warm, friendly and comfortable surroundings.

For more details contact the Home Manager on 01634 852431 or e-mail enquiry@pembrokehouse-rnbt.org.uk ; further details may also be found on the RNBT’s web site www.rnbt.org.uk

27  Falmouth - 30 Anniversary – 23 September 2012 The Branch will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its re-commissioning on Sunday, 23rd September 2012. It had been hoped to mark the occasion with a lunch. Our 'preferred venue' would have been the Falmouth Beach Hotel, however we shall now have to have a re-think, and select an alternative venue. For more information please contact; Hon. Secretary: Ron Burdekin 23, Glebe Close, Mawgan, HELSTON, Cornwall, TR12 6AA 17

e-mail: falmouth.royalnavalassoc@yahoo.com Tel: 01326 221851(H) 07810 404418 (M)

28  Littlehampton Sea Sunday 22nd July Littlrhampton Sea Sunday is on the 22nd July, muster on the Prom by Banjo Rd, there will be a short March to Pier Head for a short Service and a casting of wreaths into the river. After the ceremony there will be refreshments at the Maltravers Social Club. All Standard Bearers are welcome and will be rewarded with Golden Nectar.

Numbers please to Hon Sec Harry Fox address in Year Book or email harry.fox@btinternet.com Tel; 01903-739 361

29  Calling all Veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic The Film Company 360 Productions is in the process of making a programme about The Battle of The Atlantic and the part that Londondery/Derry played during the length of the longest campaign of the Second World War. They would like to talk to as many Veterans as possible about their experiences during their time in the port of Londonderry, at sea on escort duty, life on board or any other aspect of their time in Londonderry.

Photographs (or copies of) would be most appreciated. The researcher, Ms Deidre Donnelly can be contacted by Email at:- deidre.donnelly@360productions.com or by Mobile:-077161118956.

30  No. 1 Area Annual Trafalgar Day Service – Sunday - October 21, 2012 A warm welcome is extended to all Shipmates and Standard Bearers to attend this annual service, held in Wren's St. Brides Church, Fleet Street, London, EC4. Providing an excellent service (1100hrs), with the opportunity to renew old and new acquaintances combined with the customary Pusser’s Tot, light refreshments and a visit to a local hostelry afterwards if required.

For further details please contact Maurice Foley (Area Secretary) on 0208 8422 5544.

31  RNA Sutherland Branch – Dedication of Standard – 16 Sep 2012 Sutherland Branch will be Dedicating their Standard in Golspie Sutherland on Sunday 16th September in Fountain Road Hall at 1400hrs. Muster in Fountain Road Bus Park at 1330 ready to move off at 1345. Following the service the parade will march to the memorial gardens where a wreath will be laid. Then on to the rear of the Lodge of St Andrews where the parade will disperses.

On Saturday 15th September the branch will host a Buffet Dance at the Stags Head Hotel Golspie .It would be appreciated if Branches to could advise us numbers attending the Buffet Dance ASAP to arrange for catering.

Accommodation in the Golspie Area is available on the Golspie Web Site. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me at the following e-mail address lemkes@btinternet.com or call 01408 633 532 Carl Lemkes (Hon Sec), Sutherland RNA

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32  Battle of Britain 72nd Anniversary – Capel-le-Ferne – 15 July 2012 To commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a Service and Parade will be held at the National Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent, on Sunday 15 July 2012, at 13.30. Standard Bearers of the Royal Naval Association are invited to attend and take part. A rehearsal for all those taking part will be held at 10.30, with the March-on at 13.15. The parade will be followed by a “Sunset Ceremony”.

Light refreshments will be provided for Standard Bearers and their Guest after the rehearsal in a designated marquee. If you are able to attend, it would be appreciated if you could contact me on the following telephone number 01622 681665 preferably by 10 June 2012, in order that arrangements may be made. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Robin Green, Chairman Maidstone RAF Association.

33 HMS Victory - Cannon Presentation to the RNA HQ S/M Thomas Naish who is a Life President of the Bridgend Branch and has been a life time supporter of the RNA kindly presented to the Headquarters a HMS Victory (to scale Cannon) that he diligently made in his garage. The Cannon is made from Welsh Oak and is very impressive and has been given pride of place in the General Secretaries office for all to see when they visit. He also came bearing more gifts for the GS in the form of a very nice clock with accompanying pen on a stand again in Welsh Oak and a Port and Starboard pen for general use.

Thomas presents the Cannon to Philip at our HQ in Portsmouth

34  Bodmin Armed Forces Day - Saturday 23 June 2012 Dear Shipmate’s, Please let it be known to your members that Armed Forces day for Cornwall this year will be held in Bodmin on Saturday 23rd June . Your members and their families are invited to come and enjoy what we hope will be a fun day, there will be displays by organisations including members of the Armed Services, there will be bands choirs food and drink, there will be no parade. The last event of the day will be the ceremony of the signing of the Covenant and sunset, it is requested standard bearers will be in attendance. I will send you a programme of events when they are printed to any participants, for more information please contact; mickhamilton@rocketmail.com www.bodminarmedforcesday.com 35  Falklands Conflict Remembrance Service – Edinburgh Castle - 14 June 2012 In this the 3oth Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, I write to bring to your attention details of the forthcoming Remembrance Service for our Fallen Comrades whose lives were lost in the recovery of the Falkland Islands from Argentine occupation in 1982. The Remembrance Service is scheduled for 1100hrs on Thursday 14th June 2012, in the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle.

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This event, though organised by the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA82), is for the ‘next of kin’ and families of all whose names are inscribed on the Roll of Honour in the Scottish National War Memorial as casualties of Op Corporate, as well as all Veterans of that conflict.

Enclosed is a list of those names for your attention and I would be obliged if news of this Remembrance Service can be communicated to the families related to those Fallen Comrades from the Royal Navy and to Veterans.

Tickets for free access to Edinburgh Castle for the Remembrance Service only and issued to named individuals will be available from myself at the following address: Mr. I. Kaye, 59 Lee Crescent North, Bridge of Don, ABERDEEN, AB22 8FN Tel: 01224 825203 All applications for tickets should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope for accurate return of tickets.

It is intended that this Service provides a meaningful Act of Remembrance to respect the memory of our Friends who did not come home and to provide comfort to their families that they are never forgotten. To that end, any input or assistance that you would like to provide would be appreciated. There will be the opportunity for a wreath from each Service unit concerned to be laid during the Service.

36  Rum Tub – Last Chance Last chance to buy tickets for the hand-made rum tub will be at Conference.

Great chance to own this wonderful and useful adornment to any branch.

37  RAF Band Diamond Jubilee Concert - 19 June - Lincoln Drill Hall In celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee, on Tuesday 19 June the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment will be performing their first ever concert in the Lincoln Drill Hall. Under their Director of Music, Flight Lieutenant Matthew Little, the band will perform a variety of music from film, stage and television to also celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the 50th Anniversary of James Bond. Also performing with the band for this special ‘Diamonds are Forever’ concert will be West End sensation and star of TV and stage productions, guest vocalist Shona Lindsay.

On behalf of the Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust, and its President Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon, concert organiser Malcolm Goodman says “having previously served with the Royal Air Force Music Services for many years at RAF Cranwell, I felt a public concert for our local 20

Lincolnshire based audience at the Drill Hall was now long overdue. Consequently, in this jubilee year, I am pleased to be organising a new series of annual fundraising concerts to enable our local community to experience the famous pageantry and musical splendour of our Royal Air Force musicians based at Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

With all RAF musicians having a very busy year of events including State occasions and Olympic appearances, these concerts will offer a rare opportunity to enjoy a live performance in their home county. The second concert will feature the Band of the Royal Air Force College on Friday 12 October”. Tickets for the 19 June and 12 October concerts are available at a special introductory price of £12 (£10 concessions) from the Lincoln Drill Hall Box Office on 01522 873894 (www.lincolndrillhall.com). The RAF Music Charitable Trust can be contacted through their website at www.rafmusic.org.uk (Ed. Hope they can play a trombone while marching sideways!!)

1SL Keynote Speech at the Navy is the Nation Conference, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Wed 18 Apr 12

We all conceptualise the relationship between navy and nation differently. And thank goodness! For some it might be in a Turner painting, and for others it is in W S Gilbert’s lyrics, or even the Sea Shanties that we sing gustily at mess dinners. And for others still, it’s in the indie rock band ‘British Sea Power, though I had no idea they existed until my staff did some research – as it’s not a track on my ipod! In this job especially, I’m continually reminded – reminded but never complacent – of just how fiercely proud the British public is of its Royal Navy.

Even if people don’t always know why there is a relationship between the navy and the nation, they instinctively feel that the existence of a relationship is right. You only have to google ‘Ark Royal’ and the 3¼ million results tell you something. As do the 4.7 million hits of HMS OCEAN’s Mariah Carey rendition last Christmas – I’m not sure if they were truly interested in the RN or not! But most of us here would I think agree that, in the United Kingdom, the relationship between navy and nation is one that endures.

Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope GCB OBE ADC

Alfred the Great, the Charter establishing the Cinque Ports, Henry VIII, and the words of Charles II incorporated in the Articles of War, printed in the conference pamphlet, “It is upon the Navy under the good Providence of God that the safety, honour, and welfare of this realm do chiefly depend”. All those consistently recognise that the UK is a fundamentally maritime nation. And in today’s era of Smart Power, the unique characteristics of maritime power – to not only win wars but also to prevent them – are increasingly recognised across Government.

And then there’s Jack, Jill and Royal. Last year 90% of those joining the Service did so, amongst other reasons, in order – and I quote – ‘to serve their Nation’. In return, their Nation is expressing its gratitude in a number of ways and must do so. Indeed, Parliament will host a home-coming parade next week for those Servicemen and women who contributed to the liberation of Libya last year. An expression of gratitude, for this operation as well as that in Afghanistan, that is repeated around the country with local home-coming parades and freedom of the city marches. And then there’s the signing of the Armed Forces Community Covenant

by Councils, at all levels, including Portsmouth City Council last month. A Covenant which 21

has, of course, frankly always existed. Just as the relationship between navy and nation has always existed.

So ladies and gentlemen, perhaps the real issue – especially in the context of this Conference – has more to do with the visibility of that relationship. The concern, for example, that we must avoid being regarded as a ‘sea-blind nation’ is entirely valid. For there has scarcely been a moment in our nation’s maritime history, when those working on and living from the sea have constituted so small a proportion of our population.

But we must be careful in our response, for there are some who would argue – perhaps a little unfairly – that we are a ‘nation-blind Navy’. We like to think that the Navy is a reflection of the society it seeks to defend. In terms of values – the rule of law, democracy, free speech, tolerance and human rights – that might be true. But in terms of whether today’s Royal Navy is representative of society, there is – despite considerable efforts and determination – still some way for us to go. Whilst around 9% of the UK’s population come from ethnic minorities, only 2% of Naval Service recruits are from such a background. And last year only 6% of our recruits were women. So if the Navy is to truly engage with the very society whose honour and values it seeks to uphold, the Navy (as well as the Nation) needs to maintain its focus on such issues. I can assure you it will.

I digress slightly. Ladies and gentlemen, I really have two points for you this morning. When all said and done, the navy and nation are inextricably linked. Just as trains are to timetables and Wimbledon is to weather, so the nation and navy have long been forged together because this island nation has always depended on maritime power to underwrite its security and, importantly, its prosperity. We live by and from the sea, and we connect by and with the sea.

As much as our prosperity is enabled by its existence, so our defence and security is ensured by its deterrence.

On that basis, I want to explore for a moment “Why this relationship between the Navy and the nation matters?” In my view, as the nation’s maritime advisor for security and defence, there are two main reasons – one from a national perspective, the other from a naval perspective.

Let me take the national perspective first. Why does the relationship between navy and nation matter, to the nation? For some, this is purely because a warship is a piece of floating British sovereignty exercising its rights worldwide.

But I believe it also has something to do with the fact that the Royal Navy is part of the face of the nation – an expression of our maritime nation’s character. Its outward-looking view of the world, its global ambition, and its confidence are, in many ways, defined by the British maritime power invested in the Royal Navy’s capabilities – its platforms and of course its people.

Indeed, as the Secretary of State has recently said, and I quote, “…our national ambition is matched by our maritime ambition, to ensure that Britain remains strong and secure”.

So, it could be said that the size and capability of the Navy is a barometer of national ambition.

And as one of the most powerful navies in the world – still – that certainly makes for a ‘set fair’ barometric pressure reading. A reading that will at least be maintained with the delivery of the Future Navy Vision – the size and shape of the Navy’s capabilities out to 2025 and beyond. In which the Royal Navy will remain an operationally versatile Navy, able to project maritime power and promote the nation’s interests worldwide. Interests in terms of prosperity and security. But our values too – in terms of justice and freedom.

That means, for example, preserving freedom to conduct legitimate activities on the high seas, in international straits and through territorial waters. Ensuring they do not become vectors for insecurity. It means also being able to offer the Government of the day, choice in how and where it wishes to engage in international crises and disorder. It is the enduring relevance of the output of the Royal Navy – day on day, year on year – to the prosperity of this nation 22

through the protection of trade, and continued engagement with the international community to help preserve global stability, that underpins the Navy’s connection with the nation.

So, in my view, the relationship between navy and nation matters because the Navy’s capacity to deliver maritime power is an expression of the nation’s global interest and its ambition. But what about the naval perspective? Why does the relationship between navy and nation matter, to the Navy? It matters because our national identity and values are, I believe, the motivation for the Royal Navy’s identity and its values. In essence, our ethos. An ethos consisting of leadership, professionalism, courage, determination, loyalty, teamwork – and even humour!

An ethos which is arguably more relevant today than it ever was. For the complex and rapidly changing battle-space of modern warfare and crisis engagement bombards sailors and marines with a wealth of information, often placing demands upon our people to make important decisions immediately, and indeed, much lower down the rank structure and command chain.

It’s what we are trained for, but these days, the pace of business does not always allow time to consult the library of rules and regulations – and we are past masters at producing lots of those! Instead, the intrinsically human endeavour of crises and warfare means our people need to rely upon their moral instinct. An instinct shaped by that relationship between our national identity and our Service ethos.

It is about ensuring that when the sailor boards the pirate ship, when the marine walks the streets of Helmand, or ultimately (should deterrent fail) the CO of the ‘on watch’ Trident Submarine receive ‘the signal’, they respond with a moral confidence sustained by that relationship with the nation. That relationship gives us a clue as to why we fight and how we fight.

In the dynamic and uncertain world in which we live, cutting-edge technologies on highly capable platforms play a vital role. But so, of course, do our people. That is why the relationship between navy and nation matters because it helps fuel that all important ethos.

An ethos that helps ‘pre-load’ our loyal Service men and women with that instinctive moral response. To my mind, that is why this conference is so important. And that is also why the work undertaken here by the National Museum and many other organisations is not only about guarding our legacy. It is also about guiding our morality.

So, as I draw to a close, I firmly believe that because our nation is a maritime nation, the relationship between nation and navy will endure. Actually, I would go even further than that.

The Nation makes the Navy possible, and the Navy makes the Nation probable. The two are very, very, closely connected. I mentioned earlier that the real issue has much to do with visibility of this relationship. In my view, the challenge is for both nation and navy to continue to see that relationship and embrace it. I am confident both are up to the challenge.

And that matters, because our courageous sailors and marines, and the officers who lead them, need the assurance of our ‘nation / navy relationship’ so that they can best respond in the complex, dynamic and nuanced nature of modern crisis and warfare.

Here, in Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, with HMS VICTORY casting upon us its iconic shadow, I borrow the words from Her Majesty The Queen when she addressed Parliament only last month. “We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.” Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident – and you should be too – that our Royal Navy will continue to play a major part in our ongoing national story.

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Shortcast HMS Berwick Reunion - 1/06/2012 Seeking Any personnel who served in HMS Berwick during the years 1974/75 whilst Commander P Hames RN was the Commanding Officer and who would be interested in a Ship's Company reunion should initially contact Tony Izzard email; sueizzard@hotmail.co.uk HMS Glamorgan Falklands Association - 9/06/2012 Hold their 30th anniversary reunion at Royal Maritime Club, Queens Street, Portsmouth on June 9 2012. Further details and booking forms are available from ;Alan Bradley al.bradley@ntlworld.com or visit the website.

Second HMS Manchester Association - 9/06/2012 The 2nd HMS Manchester Reunion will be held in the WO SR & SNCOs Mess, HMS Nelson from June 9 to 10. For further details visit the website or contact Steve Swaine stevie27@hotmail.com or Ian Tidbury Glorious, Ardent & Acasta Association (Glarac) - 10/06/2012 To commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the sinking of these ships and the loss of 1531 men, a Memorial Service is to be held at St Nicholas Church, HMS Drake, Devonport, Plymouth on June 10. For more details contact Vince Marcroft clarionst@yahoo.co.uk HMS Hermione Association - 14/06/2012 HMS Hermione Association will hold it's annual reunion over the weekend 14th-17th June to coincide with the 70th commemoration of the loss of the wartime Hermione. It will be held at the Colwyn Hotel, South promenade, Blackpool. Any one wishing to join us will be made most welcome that also includes families of those lost onboard.

For more details contact the secretary Steve Brotherton.

stevebrotherton@yahoo.co.uk

Falklands Veterans - 14/06/2012 A get together for Falklands veterans is planned for Plymouth on June 14. Many ships and men from the West Country sailed south to expel the invaders from the Falkland Islands. The ships of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Navy also played an important part in this Task Force and we are attempting to contact as many of the former crew members as possible living in the area. For more information contact Mark Richardson manfy78@hotmail.co.uk Gib '78 - Reunion 16/06/2012 Gib '78 reunion will take place on Saturday 16th June 2012 at the Ambassador Hotel Llandudno. A reunion for all branch's RN/Wrens who were based in Gibraltar between the dates Jan 1977-Dec 1979. Details from Jeff(Taff)Thomas 07837 386244 thomas_thomas1@sky.com or download a booking form for accommodation etc www.gibraltarcomcen.com

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Dorset Branch Submariners Association - 17/06/2012 HMS/M Sidon Memorial Service at 1100 on the 17th June 2012 at Portland Naval Cemetery, on the cliffs overlooking the harbour. If you have any questions related to the above, please contact: George Nowack Esq, Hon Secretary, Dorset Branch, and Submariners Association HMS Kemerton 50th Anniversary - 22/06/2012 The 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the 1962/63 commission will be held at Kemerton Village, Gloucestershire from June 22 to 24. Contact Colin Brett at pancho.brett@talktalk.net HMS Ganges (RNTE Shotley) - 22/06/2012 To all ex HMS Ganges personnel, a reunion is to be held at Pakefield, Lowestoft (formerly Pontins) from June 22 to 25. Options other than the full three nights are available for booking.

Open to all Ex Ganges and all are welcome to possibly the last opportunity to visit the old place and museum before the developers start on it. Details and bookings from Robbie Robson at robbie.fna@virgin.net Armed forces Day Event – Edinburgh - 30/06/2012 The Armed Forces Day event in Edinburgh this year will be held in West Princes Street Gardens and will take place on Saturday 30 June. The event will be on a much smaller scale than last year’s National event in Edinburgh but no less important for the Armed Forces, Veterans and members of the public who come along to show their support.

Amongst many other activities during the afternoon there will be the opportunity for organisations to promote their own charities and Organisations. It should be stressed at this stage that organisations will be solely responsible for all their own administration needs for the event. The event organisers will allocate space only. Any Organisation that would like to take part is requested to inform me of their intentions by Monday 4 June 12 More details will follow once I have confirmation of participation from Veterans, Associations and Organisations, however if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch.

I look forward to seeing you all on the day.

Kevin Gray MM | Legion Affairs Officer | Royal British Legion Scotland | New Haig House | Logie Green Road | Edinburgh | EH7 4HR DD 0131 550 1563 | Mob 07801 998477 | Dorchester Royal Naval Association - Armed Forces Day - 7/7/2012 Dorchester Royal Naval Association and Dorchester Town Council are organising an Armed Forces Day on Saturday 7 July 2012.

Veterans wishing to take part should contact S/M Roy Dean, 01305 853442; Mob 07788 892908; email roydeanxways@hotmail.com Royal Marines Signals and Telecommunications Bi-annual Reunion 2012 - 14/07/2012 Royal Marines Signals and Telecommunications Bi-annual Reunion 2012: The Sigs and Tels specialisations will be holding its reunion at the SNCO’s Mess, CTCRM on July 14. This is open to ALL Ranks of both specialisations. If you were/are a serving member and would like to attend or would like further information, please contact CIS Trg Coy Clerk (Miss Sheila Wells) or Signals Specialisation Advisor (WO1 Lee Carr RM) ctcrm-ldgr-sig-wo1@mod.uk Falmouth Sea Service – 15/07/2012 25

Falmouth RNA will again be coordinating the Sea Sunday Parade and Church Service, on behalf of Falmouth Town Council and the Church of King Charles the Martyr.

The Parade will form up on the Moor at 3.20 pm (note the change of time this year) and will march to the Church for the Service at 4.00 pm. Further details will be circulated shortly, meanwhile enquiries may be directed to me at the address below.

Hon. Secretary: Ron Burdekin 23, Glebe Close, Mawgan, HELSTON, Cornwall, TR12 6AA e-mail: falmouth.royalnavalassoc@yahoo.com Tel: 01326 221851(H) 07810 404418 (M) Littlehampton Sea Sunday 22nd July Littlrhampton Sea Sunday is on the 22nd July, muster on the Prom by Banjo Rd, there will be a short March to Pier Head for a short Service and a casting of wreaths into the river. After the ceremony there will be refreshments at the Maltravers Social Club. All Standard Bearers are welcome and will be rewarded with Golden Nectar.

Numbers please to Hon Sec Harry Fox address in Year Book or email harry.fox@btinternet.com Tel; 01903-739 361 HMS Unicorn Association - 27/08/2012 Our 26th Reunion and AGM is in Lichfield from August 27 to 31. Further details from Patricia Brenchley pbrenchley@hotmail.co.uk HMS Fisgard, 823 Entry - 1/09/2012 30th Anniversary Reunion. Former apprentices of HMS Fisgard’s 823 entry will be holding a reunion in Plymouth on Saturday 1st September 2012. All members of 821, 822, 823 and 831 entries, and former staff from 1982/83 are invited to apply for tickets. Price £20. For further details visit the website or email Grant Nicholson inbox@fisgard823.org.uk HMS Indomitable Association - 7/09/2012 HMS Indomitable Association: Reunion and AGM will be held at the Stretton Hotel, Blackpool from September 7 to 10. See website for details.

HMS Diana Association - 8/09/2012 We are returning to the Midlands area for the second reunion of 2012. The reunion/AGM will be held from September 8 to 9 at The Coventry Hill Hotel, Rye Hill, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9PH. The reunion also includes a coach trip to The Leicester Senior Service Club on the Saturday afternoon. Anyone who has not got a hotel booking form please contact the Secretary. johnjackie.fisher1@virginmedia.com Please don’t leave it to late and be disappointed.

HMS Comus Association - 14/09/2012 Reunion from September 14 to 16, at the Maritime Club on Friday, Saturday at HMS Nelson, Victory Club from 1900 to 2330 and on Sunday after breakfast, Church Service and fond farewells for another year. Contact Bryan Cox bryanvcox@hotmail.com

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HMS Eagle, Last Commission 1969-72 - 14/09/2012 ‘Friends of HMS Eagle’, are holding a 40th Anniversary ‘Nautical Experience’ Week-end Reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, with views overlooking the Solent, from September 14 to 16. After the very successful last 5 Reunions around the country – All ‘Eaglets’ plus wives/partners & guests are very welcome to celebrate 40 years since ‘Eagle’ decommissioned in Portsmouth in 1972. There will be a ‘Meet & Greet’ on the Friday evening in the ‘Intrepid Suite’. On Saturday there are various Tours from the Hotel, including visits to the HMS Victory, HMS Warrior’ Action Stations’ etc, followed in the evening by a very Nautical Dinner, Dance and entertainment in the ‘Ark Royal Suite’, with local Sea-Cadet Unit involvement including, ‘Colours’, ‘Ceremonial’ Sunset’ & ‘Up Spirits’. (All commissions 195272 very welcome). Hotel Accommodation at Very Good Rates. For details contact main organisers Danny du Feu (Ex-L/Sea(Boats) or Events Sec Bill Melvin bill.melvin@virgin.net (Ex-LPTI) email.

RNA Sutherland Branch – Dedication of Standard – 16 Sep 2012 Sutherland Branch will be Dedicating their Standard in Golspie Sutherland on Sunday 16th September in Fountain Road Hall at 1400hrs. Muster in Fountain Road Bus Park at 1330 ready to move off at 1345. Following the service the parade will march to the memorial gardens where a wreath will be laid. Then on to the rear of the Lodge of St Andrews where the parade will disperses. On Saturday 15th September the branch will host a Buffet Dance at the Stags Head Hotel Golspie .It would be appreciated if Branches to could advise us numbers attending the Buffet Dance ASAP to arrange for catering.

Accommodation in the Golspie Area is available on the Golspie Web Site. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me at the following e-mail address lemkes@btinternet.com or call 01408 633 532 Carl Lemkes (Hon Sec), Sutherland RNA Algerine Association - 17/09/2012 The reunion will take place from September 17 to 24 at the Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island. En-suite accommodation and facilities for the disabled. The cost is £216 per person, half board with entertainment each evening, please see website for details.

Castle Class Corvette/Frigate Association - 21/09/2012 The Annual Reunion will take place between September 21 to 24 at Tillington Hall, Stafford.

On the Saturday we will be dedicating, at the National Memoria Arboretum, our new memorial to all the Castle Class Corvettes/Frigates of the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Norwegian Navy 1943-1961 and to those ships converted to Rescue & Ocean Weather Ships.

To join the Association and/or obtain further details please contact the Secretary; Mike Biffen. wrekin160830@blueyonder.co.uk Royal Navy Boom Defence Ratings - 21/09/2012 The next 'Boomers Convention' will be held in Scarborough from September 21 to 23. For details contact Alfie Mumberson or Lance Hollingsworth Lthpsh@aol.com HMS Invincible – Communications Association (Falklands 82) 21/09/2012 It being the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands the Communications Association which meets every year would like to invite any crew members or air crew who served on board HMS Invincible during the Falklands to a reunion. Annual Reunion is to be held in Barrow-in-Furness from September 21 to 23. For details contact Tim Jenkins g0nz0bign0se@aol.com or see the website

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14th Carrier Air Group Reunion Association - 22/09/2012 The 18th reunion for anyone who served with 804 and 812 NAS, 1946-52, HM Ships Ocean, Glory and Theseus, or at any other time, will be held on September 22 at the RNA Club, Royal Leamington Spa. Wives, partners and family members welcome. Further details from Ken Lambert Lambert5nr@btinternet.com Falmouth - 30 Anniversary – 23 September 2012 The Branch will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its re-commissioning on Sunday, 23rd September 2012. It had been hoped to mark the occasion with a lunch. Our 'preferred venue' would have been the Falmouth Beach Hotel, however we shall now have to have a re-think, and select an alternative venue. For more information please contact; Hon. Secretary: Ron Burdekin 23, Glebe Close, Mawgan, HELSTON, Cornwall, TR12 6AA e-mail: falmouth.royalnavalassoc@yahoo.com Tel: 01326 221851(H) 07810 404418 (M) Lascaris (Malta) Association - 24/09/2012 Reunion at the George Hotel, Norwich, Norfolk from September 24 to 28. Contact Jim Goode for more details. EXENTSYS@aol.com HMS Ganges - 28/09/2012 HMS Ganges, 38 Recruitment, 1972. Frobisher 17 Mess, Boy-entry Junior Seamen 2nd Class, later Comms ratings. Instructor was CY Geoff Hone. A 40-years reunion is planned for the September 28 to 30, 2012, at the Union Jack Club, Waterloo. Please contact Jenks at mark.jenkinson@europe.ups.com for further details and registration HMS Brazen Association – 28/09/2012 The 2nd Annual Reunion will take place at The Britannia Hotel, Coventry, CV1 5RP from 28 30 September 2012.

For details of membership and the reunion, please contact the Secretary - Gus Honeywood (info@hms.brazen.association@gmail.com) or visit http://hms-brazen.org.uk HMS/m Repulse Reunion Association - 28/09/2012 HMS/m Repulse Reunion Association: Are holding their next reunion from September 28 to 30 at The Apollo Hotel, Birmingham. For more information contact Frank Scutt frank. scutt@live.co.uk or see the website A Night at “A Night at the SODS Opera” 29/09/2012 Coming, to the Kings Theatre Southsea on Sunday 29th July 2012. “A Naval Review” Last Year It Was “A Right Rum Do” This time it will be “A Night At The SODS Opera” Wanted from the local area, acts and volunteer crew to assist. email.guy4god.wilson@hotmail.com HMS Ajax and River Plate Veterans Association - 3/10/2012 Open to all who served in the Cruiser 1935/48 or Frigate 1963/84 or are relatives of those who did so, or indeed of those who served on any of the previous Ajax. The 47th annual reunion takes place at the King Charles Hotel, Gillingham from October 3 to 4. A reunion dinner will be held on the Wednesday evening and a memorial service, followed by the AGM, on the 28

Thursday morning. The Association is always looking to increase its membership, particularly Frigate crew. For details of the reunion and membership, please contact the Membership Secretary, Judi Collis. malcolmcollis@googlemail.com Full details of the reunion, membership and much more can be found on the Association’s new website.

HMS Tartar Association - 5/10/2012 Annual Reunion at, The Copthorne Hotel, Plymouth from October 5 to 6. For further details please contact Linda. linpowe@btinternet.com HMS St Vincent Association – 5/10/2012 Annual Reunion will be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from October 5 to 8. Gala Dinner on 6th. Please contact IoW Tours on 01983 405116 by 31 August for booking form and details or visit hmsstvincentassoc.org; Enquiries to, Phil Allen MBE, Public Relations Officer, HMS St Vincent Association, 23 Cambridge Road, Lee-on-the-Solent, PO13 9DH 02392 556810 or email; rojales_hills@yahoo.co.uk HMS Eskimo, 1966/68 Commission: - 5/10/2012 The 12th Annual Reunion will be held at The Shanklin Hotel, Isle of Wight from October 5 to 8.

It's great to meet up again with the Ships Company and their wives/partners and guests, who attend each year. To date, we have contact details of 126 Ships Company. There are many more out there that are not on our database and would like to meet again. Many have crossed over the Bar these past few years, and our numbers sadly are going down. If you are one of our Ships Company who have never been to our reunions, or maybe been once or twice, please come along, it will be great to see you again. We are a great bunch and have a wonderful time, plenty of old sea stories to chew over along with a few tots of Pussers. The ladies are delightful and great fun. Look forward to seeing you there. Contact Allan (Taff) Martin clearwaterbrook4@aol.com HMS Victorious Association - 5/10/2012 Reunion will be held at the Britannia Hotel, Coventry from October 5 to 8. For more information contact Stan Mclellan stanley675@btinternet.com Type 21 Association - 5/10/2012 The next reunion will take place in The Royal British Legion, Crownhill, Devonport from October 5 to 7. The weekend is open to anyone who served on a 21 at anytime in their illustrious careers. Contact Steve Parker mrsdparker@hotmail.co.uk or see the website.

HMS Arethusa Association - 5/10/2012 The 24th annual reunion from October 5 to 8 at the Three Queens Hotel, Burton upon Trent.

All welcome. Contact Tom Sawyer, Honorary Secretary rolandsawyer@sky.com Bay Class Frigates Association - 12/10/2012 Reunion at the Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough from October 12 to 14, 2012. All ex-Bay Class welcome. Contact Doug Turk for details. doug.turk@ntlworld.com No. 1 Area Annual Trafalgar Day Service – Sunday - October 21, 2012 A warm welcome is extended to all Shipmates and Standard Bearers to attend this annual service, held in Wren's St. Brides Church, Fleet Street, London, EC4. Providing an excellent 29

service (1100hrs), with the opportunity to renew old and new acquaintances combined with the customary Pusser’s Tot, light refreshments and a visit to a local hostelry afterwards if required.

For further details please contact Maurice Foley (Area Secretary) on 0208 8422 5544.

HMS Llandaff (F61) 12th Reunion - 12/10/12 HMS Llandaff (F61) 12Th Reunion is to be held at the Afton Hotel Eastbourne 12th Oct - 15Th Oct 2012 a Full entertainment Programme has been planned which includes a Shep Woolley night on the 12th , Gala Dinner with a live band on the 13th and a visit to the home of RNA Eastbourne on the 14th the (RNOCC) for a dinner time session .

All ex Plumduffs are welcome . For booking form or more information please contact Slinger Wood 07961124459 or by e mail Kevin.wood@blueyonder.co.uk HMS Lowestoft Association - 26/10/2012 Reunion will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Gilingham, Kent from October 26 to 28. All who served in HMS Lowestoft during her 25 years in service (1961-1986) are welcome to attend. For further details please contact Richie Farman richiefarman@googlemail.com or the website HMS Albion - 196264 Commission - 3/11/2012 The next reunion takes place on November 3 at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, Portsmouth. It will be 50 years to the day that Albion sailed for the Far East. Seeking shipmates from that commission, Ken Richardson, David Burton and Tony Hingston.

Communications Technician/Radio operator (Special)) Reunion - 17/11/2012 Eddie Clamp’s final, final Communications Technician/Radio operator (Special)) reunion in Selsey takes place at the Selsey Golf Club on 17th November 2012, commencing at 1830 hrs.

All those interested in attending please contact Eddie Clamp on 01243 605832 or email edward.clamp@btinternet.com. Partners and wives welcome. Rig – smart, relaxed.

More details at either: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Squirrelshack/ or http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/142012109170944/

2013 128 Mechanics Qualifying Course - HMS Sultan- Jan 1972 to Dec 1973.

A reunion of this course is held biennially at a venue yet be decided. Any members of the above course who have not yet attended this event are most welcome; it would be good to see a few new faces from the past. If you are interested then please contact; Peter Shoesmith, Tel; 01305 826747 or email; petershoesmith318@gmail.com or Dave Batchelor on 02392 716472 email; batchdj@ntlworld.com

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RNA Longcast 2-5 June 8 June 8 June 8-10 June 2012 10 June 13 June 14 June 25 – 30 June 25-30 June 30 June 30 June 1 July 2 July 6 July 9 - 27 July 9 – 19 July 15 July 16 – 22 July 19 July 22 July 2 Aug 2 Aug 3 Aug 6 -13 Aug 6-19 Aug 18 Aug 25 Aug 29 Aug 7 – 8 Sept 7 – 24 Sep 19 Sept 23 Sept 29 Sep – 5 Oct 5 Oct 10 Oct 20 Oct 30 Oct 8 Nov 11 Nov 13 Nov 17 Nov 24 Nov 24 Nov 8 Dec 21 Dec – 2 Jan 2013 24-27 May

Diamond Jubilee - Weekend AMC and FAC - 0900 - 1200 National Council - 1300-1630 National Conference - Newcastle on Tyne SOC Conference - Wash Up Mine Warfare Class 11/02 visits HQ Lee on the Solent Branch Commissions Seafarers Awareness Week Andy on Leave Armed forces Day Event – Edinburgh Armed Forces Day - Plymouth Pershore 10th anniversary celebrations Mid Year budget review HQ Open Day – Fully Booked Nigel on leave IMF Sailing Camp –Bruges - Naval Base - Kruis Falmouth Sea Service GS on Leave RNRMC AGM (GS) RNA Maidstone Annual Sea Service Mid Year budget review Rules Review Meeting (HQ) AMC Meeting (HQ) Nigel on Leave GS leave Falklands Air Day - Southsea FAC Meeting Diver class 11/03 visits HQ National Council (Includes one day on Rule Review) Andy on Leave IMC Executive council Falmouth Branch – 30 Anniversary GS on Leave HQ Open Day - Fully Booked St Pauls Seafarers Service (GS) National Standard Dorchester Branch Trafalgar Dinner (GS) RN CEO meeting GS Field of Remembrance - London Remembrance Sunday NCh and GS at Cenotaph Budget Meeting GS, Hon Tres, Accountant AMC meeting FAC Meeting Dagenham Branch annual Dinner GS National Council Meeting HQ closed Visiting Ships - Civic Dinner – VVIP Reception - Liverpool GS

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Ship’s Office

New Slops Items As requested by many shipmates we now have available to order;

Blue jumper £25

Sleeveless jumper £23

Polo Shirt £20

These prices include postage and packing. Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL These are encouraged for wear for branch meetings, outings etc, leaving the Blazer for more formal occasions.

Area and Branch Updates Area 11

Branch Hull Branch

Change Owing to the untimely closure of our meeting place (The Goodwin Club), we have been forced at immediate notice to find new premises, therefore please be advised that the Hull Branch will now meet at 1300, every 3rd Tuesday of the month unless otherwise informed, at The Beverley Road Social Club, 37 - 39 Beverley Road, Hull, HU3 1XH, Tel no, 01482 225483.

All other details remain the same, including the welfare officer’s fears that she might be overheard!!!

(Bob) Robert T Reeves Honorary Secretary Royal Naval Association Hull Branch 130 Caledon Close, Hull, HU9 4EQ Tel 01482 703389 or 07944 000431 www.spanglefish.com/royalnavalassociationhullbranch

9

Spalding

The new branch secretary is; Terry Day Abbey Weald Priory Road Spalding PE11 2XA 32

6

Letchworth & Hitchin

Scottish

Rosyth & West Fife Branch

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Llanelli Branch

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Haven Branch

8

Redditch Branch

3

Camberley

Tel; 01775 723163 Mob;07729 707129 Email; tvday@o2.co.uk New meeting Place with immediate effect; The Irish Club Works Road Letchworth Herefordshire SG6 1AZ. Meet on the second Monday at 1930hrs.

Chaiman, Gus Gudgeon, Tel; 01438 314297 As of the 1 June 2012 the branch will now meet at 2015 Derek Scarlett, Hon Secretary.

DERAEK@aol.com - 01259-730 487 Please note the Llanelli Branch will now meet on the First Wednesday of the Month at 19:00 Any questions please contact, Gary Edwards Llanelli Branch Secretary dgaryedwards@talktalk.net Tel; 01554 777113 The Haven Branch now meets on the third Friday of the month, not Mondays as previous.

Mike Starkey - 01348 875616 The Redditch branch now meets on fourth Tuesday of the month (except December) Hon Sec, PD Endall – 01527 523415 In the RNA yearbook, the address and meeting place for Camberley branch RNA is not correct. TS Diadem has moved to:2A Gilbert Road, Camberley, Surrey. GU16 7RF. Our meeting day and time has changed to 2nd Thursday lunchtime (12.00).

Roy Roberts - Branch Delegate

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Swinging the Lamp - June 1.

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1666 The first day of the ‘Four Days’ Battle’, perhaps the longest and most intensive sea fight in the age of sail. The Duke of Albemarle (Royal Charles) fought the Dutch fleet of eighty-five sail under Admiral de Ruyter about 30 miles E.N.E. of the North Foreland.

Having divided his fleet, Monck was badly outnumbered and severely handled.

1854 Parliament passed an Act ‘to empower the Commissioners of the Admiralty to construct a tunnel between H.M. Dockyard at Devonport and H.M. Steam Yard at Keyham’.

1980 RN’s first hydrofoil accepted. Commissioned 14 June as Speedy – a similar name to that of the Minister of State for the Navy. Sales list 12 February 1982.

1802 New uniform for newly established Royal Marines first worn on King’s Birthday Parade.

1914 Admiral Sir Percy Scott, prophet of naval gunnery, caused uproar with a famous letter to The Times in which he declared the battleship redundant: ‘Submarines and aeroplanes have entirely revolutionized naval warfare; no fleet can hide itself from the aeroplane eye, and the submarine can deliver a deadly attack even in broad daylight . As the motor-vehicle had driven the horse from the road, so has the submarine driven the battleship from the sea.’

1964 The first full production S2 (Spey-engined) Buccaneer aircraft (XN 974) made its maiden flight; eighty-four built for the Royal Navy.

1999 Surg Capt Rick Jolly, OBE, RN, Senior Medical Officer of 3 Cdo Bde in Operation Corporate, was given by HM The Queen ‘unrestricted permission’ to wear the insignia of the Orden de Mayo (Oficial) which he had conferred on him by the President of the Argentine Republic in Buenos Aires in March 1999. He was thus decorated by both sides for his services in the Falklands War of 1982.

2000 Kent, Type 23 frigate, commissioned at Portsmouth. First RN ship commissioned in the popularly accepted, if strictly premature, twenty-first century.

2005 Battle Honour: Al Faw 2003, awarded to units involved in the major combat phase of Operation Telic in Iraq: Ark Royal, Bangor, Blyth, Brocklesby, Ocean, Ledbury, Roebuck, Sandown, 845 and 847 NAS. 1964 Prompted by Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten, the Royal Marines adopted the ‘Preobrajenky March’ as their regimental slow march in place of ‘The Globe and Laurel’, based on ‘Early one Morning’. The new march was the ceremonial slow march of the Preobrajenky Guards commanded by the Grand Duke Sergius of Russia, Mountbatten’s uncle and Prince Philip’s great-uncle. The first public performance was on Horse Guards Parade this day.

1968 HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother presented the battle ensign worn by the battleship Collingwood at Jutland to HMS Collingwood at Fareham. Her late husband, King George VI, served in the ship in the battle.

1982 42 and 45 Cdo’s RM and 3 Para took Mount Harriet, Two Sisters and Mount Longdon respectively in night attacks supported by NGS from Glamorgan, Avenger, Arrow and Yarmouth. Glamorgan damaged by shore-based Exocet after bombarding Port Stanley. Operation Corporate.

1954 Memorial plaque honouring the 6,200 RNVR personnel who died in the Second World War unveiled at the Naval Club, Mayfair, by Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope.

2007 Service of thanks giving, attended by HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prime Minister and Service chiefs, at the Falklands Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the surrender of Argentine forces in the Falkland Islands.

1885 Battleship Benbow, the first ship to carry Elswick’s 110-ton, 16.5-in BL gun, launched at Thames Ironworks. Her huge main armament gave Benbow high public status but the guns were unwieldy to operate and had a very short barrellife, and the weight caused the muzzles to droop.

1969 New ensign first worn by RFA vessels. The plain upright yellow anchor dates from 34

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the late seventeenth-century badge of the Commissioners of Transport, many of the functions of which devolved upon the Fuel, Movements and Transport Department of the RNSTS. DCI(RN) 684/69.

1855 Fourth bombardment of Sevastopol, Crimea. Naval Brigade and Royal Artillery. Sea bombardment by Princess Royal, Highflyer, Miranda, Sidon, Snake, Viper, launches of Royal Albert, and French steamers. Battle Honour: Crimea 1854–5.

1940 RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron) commissioned. ‘The new fighter training station … was nothing but three runways in an ocean of mud.’– Capt Eric Brown 1950 First deck landing by a turboprop-powered aircraft; Lt-Cdr G.R. Callingham in a Fairey Gannet prototype on board Illustrious.

1779 Horatio Nelson, having been promoted postcaptain into Hinchinbrook (28) on 11 June, was succeeded in command of the brig Badger by Cuthbert Collingwood.

1940 Cape Howe, a decoy ship operating as Prunella, sunk by U-28 in the W. Approaches (49.45N, 08.47W). Second World War equivalent of Q-ships of First World War. Eight were commissioned and referred to as ‘freighters’. None ever sighted a Uboat, and two were torpedoed and sunk in June 1940. Such security surrounded them that they were in great danger of being sunk by friendly fire, and the six survivors were withdrawn by the end of September.

2004 Capt Carolyn Stait promoted commodore, the first woman to hold this substantive rank in the RN. Appointed Naval Base Commander (Clyde) 23 June.

1883 Lt Henry Leeke RN, aged 27, of the composite screw gunboat Stork, drowned in the Mayumba River, E. Africa, after his boat was attacked and stove-in by a hippopotamus.

1916 Body of Cdr Loftus William Jones, killed in command of the destroyer Shark at Jutland, 31 May 1916, recovered off Swedish coast and buried in village churchyard, Fiskebakskil. Awarded posthumous VC 6 March 1917, when facts of action established.

Memorial in St Peter’s church, Petersfield.

1756 The Marine Society founded at the start of the Seven Years War by Jonas Hanway to encourage men and boys ‘of good character’ to join the Royal Navy. By the end of that war 5,451 men and 5,174 boys had been recruited. Britain’s oldest public maritime charity.

1857 Queen Victoria held the first VC investiture in Hyde Park, decorating sixty-two of the eighty-five men gazetted. Thirteen of the twenty-seven RN and RM recipients had been attached to Naval Brigades.

1812 Royal Marines of Leviathan, Imperieuse, Curacoa and Eclair captured two batteries at Alassio and Laigueglia, Italy. The ships destroyed a convoy of eighteen sail.

1977 Silver Jubilee Review of the Fleet at Spithead by HM The Queen, Lord High Admiral. Largest RN ship Ark Royal. Capt E.R. Anson RN, flag of Admiral Sir Henry Leach, CINCFLEET. First Spithead fleet review to include nuclear-powered vessels but the first without battleships present.

1940 Light cruiser Enterprise took bulk of bullion from Bank of England to Canada though the Captain did not qualify for Plate Money. Operation Fish. Enterprise was the fastest cruiser in service. First light cruiser to carry 6-in twin turret.

1696 Sir Christopher Wren and John Evelyn laid foundation stone of Greenwich Hospital precisely at 5 o’clock in the evening.

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NOMINATION FORM

BANKERS ORDER (Branch users)

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Please pay NOW the sum of £10 Ten Pounds and then £10 Ten Pounds annually on the first day of January until further notice starting 20....... the sum of

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36

RNA DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE LAPEL PIN

EiiR 2012

Celebrate the event and raise bran

ch

funds.

100 pins for £2.00 each. RRP £2.

50 each.

Contact - Mark Smith RNA Dagenham Email: pro@rna-dagenham.org.uk Tel: 07866 523975

Premier Care partners the RNA. Premier Care in Bathing and Stairlifts is a partner in your membership benefits programme.

Premier Care, a market leading company, offers a wide range of Walk-in baths, low level access showers and stairlift solutions to provide dignity, safety, comfort and independence in your own home.

20% discount offer As Royal Naval Assosiation members you, your friends and family too, can benefit from a full 20% discount on the cost of your fully fitted stairlift. In addition you will also be supporting the the RNA as we will receive a donation for every purchase and installation.

Premier Care supply and install a range of stairlifts designed to help people with mobility challenges to have more independence.

Premier specialise in curved stairlifts that can be installed in narrow and tight stairways where other manufacturers cannot fit.

The first step for any member interested is to call for a free survey on 0800 018 0353 and quote the RNA unique code PA009F. The important thing to remember is that you or someone you know can benefit from the offer and support the RNA at the same time.

Please visit www.premierbathrooms.co.uk for more information on the range of bathing solutions and www.stairliftsbypremier.co.uk for stairlifts.

Terms and conditions: • 20% off valid until 31st December 2012 • This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers • To qualify fully the Discount code: PA009F must be quoted from first contact (it cannot be applied later or “backdated”)

A MUSICAL SPECTACULAR

BY THE MASSED BANDS OF HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL MARINES

FEATURING BEATING RETREAT AND CEREMONIAL SUNSET

HORSE GUARDS PARADE LONDON 6&7 JUNE 2012 AT 6.00PM TICKETS FROM £15 (CHILDREN UNDER 16 £10)* BOX OFFICE: 02392 312 006 WWW.ROYALMARINESMUSICALSPECTACULAR.CO.UK *Plus P&P. Other concessions apply.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1117794) and in Scotland (no. SC041898). The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund is an incorporated registered charity (no. 1134205).

IN SUPPORT OF