Semaphore Circular #636 (February 2014)

The Semaphore Circular No 636

The Beating Heart of the RNA

February 2014

HMS Illustrious, above, returns home to Portsmouth to a spectacular welcome after providing assistance in the Philippines, which had been savaged by Typhoon Haiyan.

Find Semaphore Circular On-line ; http://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/members/downloads or... RNA Website – Members Area – Downloads – Circulars – Code (Shipmate)

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Dear Shipmates (Secretaries and our on-line readers) Welcome to the February edition of the circular, we hope you are surviving a soggy New Year, and that your Branch is gearing up for a great 2014. I would like to open by expressing my great pleasure and congratulations on the award of the OBE to our National Chair; Shipmate Chris Dovey and the MBE to our National Vice Chair Shipmate Keith Crawford. Both very well deserved awards for decades of dedication to our lovely Association.

As usual down to the important issues of the month: • The annual return should be well advanced and subs and cards sorted for 2014.

• This is the last gasp for Branch motions, due with me for 21 Feb 14.

• Please ensure that your branch Delegate for conference is nominated using the form in the Circ – this Conference her or she can be an Associate with 3 years in and in good standing.

• You should be booking up your HQ Open Day in 2014.

• If not coming to Conference I hope you are planning your trip for the dedication of the Naval Service Memorial on 15 June 14.

Some important updates: Many branches have been concerned about the various announcements regarding public liability insurance for events, and coverage for volunteers on branch events. There is an update in the Circ, but in summary: • • • • •

The RNA insurance never provided cover (a misunderstanding of the policy and not what you were told).

Generally, insurance cover should be provided by the event coordinator – some do – some don’t. And yes – I do know about the British Legion.

I have negotiated a policy that each branch can take out, at a very good rate indeed.

The new policy will be launched in March in time for the events season, a web-page for easy sign-up is in course of production.

Any questions give GS a call.

Last month your lovely Christmas present from me was the new version of the Charter and Rules as well as Conference Standing Orders; which will be considered by Conference 2014. Concerns should be expressed to GS, if you have them, so we can avoid conference amendments on grammar and spelling. Initial e-mails have been very supportive of a much clearer and less confusing presentation.

You will be thrilled to hear that the Gosling foundation has donated £50,000 to the Naval Service Memorial. Donations from Branches are coming in and I want to say a huge thank you for your generosity. All donors will be recorded on a website and accessible from a QR code on the memorial information board. An update is attached.

You will notice the calling notice for the annual IMC sailing camp. Do give this careful consideration for a child/grandchild. It will be rather different this year, since the camp will be in Varna on the Black Sea with the Bulgarian Naval Associations as our host. We don’t have cost information yet, and will let you know as soon as we can; cost of flights out are borne by parents.

I’d like to point out the article on Holidays UK. They are providing a really good service with great discounts and money back to the Association. This has come from our membership of the Conference of Naval Associations and will be followed by other good deals soon; particularly a 5% discount on Co-op funerals and pre-paid plans.

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Caption competition winner What is the National President saying to the Duke of Edinburgh?

"I used to have a hat like that, 'til some arse sat on it!"

Well done to Shipmate Gary Daisley from Rayleigh Branch who wins a bottle of Pusser’s Rum.

This time of year is great for planning the spring summer and autumn events, so don’t forget to bids for PR materials and gazebos to the National Events Coordinator Shipmate Steve Caulfield on his new e-mail address of rna1958@icloud.com Finally I am pleased to say that our Shipmates Administrator, Chrissie Hughes will be staying with us after all. As an ex-Master-at-Arms she will keep you all in good order!!

As ever, Paul General Secretary

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Chairman’s Chat – January 2014 The start of a New Year and one that I hope is going to be a special one for all our members, both personally and within the RNA. 2014 has already begun with great significance for me and my family, which I will return to later, but for all of us who hold the RNA dear to our hearts 2014 marks the 60th Anniversary of us being granted our first Royal Charter. I am very much looking forward to our marking this special event with the unveiling of our Naval Service Memorial (NSM) during our Conference weekend in June. The interest shown by the membership at large in attending this event on 15th June means it is something to which they are also eagerly looking forward.

When I first brought the idea of the RNA dedicating a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) to National Council early in my time as National Chairman, it was from a suggestion made to me by the Secretary of the Stafford Branch in my Area, who had recently invited the CEO of the NMA as guest of honour at their Trafalgar Dinner. Those early ideas envisaged a modest memorial in keeping with many that had already been dedicated by other ExService associations. However, with the enthusiasm of the membership, the many ideas we had submitted to us, and the growing interest from the Naval Service itself, the project took on a life of its own and I believe the final product is going to be an impressive, eye-catching, distinctive and almost unique memorial which has captured the imagination of a much wider audience than we expected. The NMA itself is hoping it will encourage future memorial planners to think outside the box of the traditional stone and bronze constructions to add more colour and variety to the NMA collection. The BBC have shown real enthusiasm and Caroline Wyatt, their Defence Correspondent, is planning to put together a program on not just the unveiling of the NSM but on its development, construction and installation. She will begin this when she returns from Afghanistan in February, and has plans to include broadcast footage not only in June but also in reflections during the Remembrance period in November. This will give great publicity to the RNA and show what a really forward-looking organisation it can be. I hope to meet many hundreds of you at our special weekend in June.

Coming back to having a personal good New Year I want to reflect on my own joy at what 2014 has brought. In the lead-up to 2014 Gail & I had the good fortune to be invited to share in the 60th Anniversary celebrations of the Hull Branch, and we spent a very enjoyable weekend in the city. It was good to meet so many shipmates and also some prospective new members – I don’t think I frightened them off joining and hope to see them in their new RNA rig next time I visit the Branch.

These anniversaries are going to increase in number and frequency in the coming years and if I remain National Chairman for a little longer I hope I can enjoy similar fun and hospitality I had with Hull with many more Branches. I just hope I can remain fit enough to do all the travelling as I approach my 70th birthday in 2015!

Many of you will have seen the article in the Navy News last year about me having been a GI Baby and the difficulties I had in trying to trace my biological Father. Sadly he died in 2001 but I finally traced my American siblings in March 2013 in Colorado, about 60 miles north of Denver. I have enjoyed great friendship with them and regular correspondence since, and just over a week ago I was granted a US passport by right of being the son of an American servicemen while he was serving overseas. Shortly afterwards my son, who currently lives and works in Toronto, was granted a visa to work at the Apple Corporation Headquarters in Cupertino, California. This means Gail & I will be spending Christmas 2014 with our two grandchildren in much sunnier climes than here, and certainly much more so than the sometimes harsh and brutal Canadian 4

winter. Finally, in my US link, on Sunday 19th Jan the Denver Broncos American Football team won their play-off semi-final against the New England Patriots and will be appearing in the Rose Bowl Final on 2nd February. I have always been interested in American Football and my Colorado family had already promised to fix up for me to see a Broncos home game at the end of this year.

I’m hoping that when that happens I will be going to see the current American Football champions.

But the icing on the cake for my personal New Year was undoubtedly being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. This was for my voluntary service to Naval personnel and to my local community in Worcestershire. I was quite overwhelmed when I first received notice, very humbled, but very honoured. When I thought about it some more it seemed I was being given an award for doing something which has been a part of my life, and a very enjoyable part, for over 25 years. Anything I have achieved in that time has not been done alone, but with the help, support and very good friendship of many others who have committed their time to voluntary service too.

In the RNA my enjoyment of what it had to offer began with the members of my own Tenbury Wells Branch, and the fun we had at meetings and social events was so inspiring that I wanted to contribute more to it. 12 years as Branch Secretary and then taking over as Vice Chairman have kept me active within the Branch. Attending Area meetings with fellow Branch members resulted in me being asked to stand as Area Treasurer, an office I held for 7 years during which I was asked to stand as DNCM as well. I did, but I have always been a believer in one member, one office, especially for key officer posts, and I told the Area I was happy to continue as Treasurer or become NCM, but I would not do both. I became NCM when my predecessor became ill, and not long after crossed the bar, so I held both offices until our next AGM when we found a new Treasurer.

My role on the National Council evolved over the next 4 years into National Vice Chairman in 2008 and then National Chairman in 2010. I have been very fortunate to work with some wonderful shipmates and, in my last 6 years, with some excellent staff in HQ. Doing all the jobs I have done has been a real pleasure, and I feel a bit of a fraud for being honoured for doing something for which I was a very willing volunteer and from which I derived great personal satisfaction. In fact I felt more pleasure at the beginning of this year in my son getting clearance to work for Apple, a long held ambition of his, than in my own award. I was also more pleased for Keith Crawford getting his award than I was my own. I offered to support Keith as National Chairman when David White stood down in 2010, as Keith had been on NC much longer than me and also had much more RNA experience than me. He preferred to spend some time gaining experience as National Vice Chair, so I became Nat Chair and he Nat Vice Chair, and we have remained so for coming up to 4 years. We are both very appreciative of how we have been welcomed around the Areas and Keith has been an excellent right hand man to me. I thank him very sincerely for the great support he has given me and the great job he has done for the RNA. We both feel very strongly that our awards are shared very much with all of you because you have given us the support and inspiration to give our best in return. I had a great time in my 16 years in the RN and my 25 years in the RNA have given me ample opportunity to try and repay what I received from the many shipmates who worked with me in my Service career. My 25 years living back in my home town of Tenbury Wells has also given me an opportunity to give something back to the community which gave me so much in my formative years. I couldn’t ask for two better groups of people to share my life with.

I hope you will forgive me for this rather personal Chairman’s Chat, but the start of 2014 has caused me to reflect on what being your Chairman really means to me. Thank you all so much for your friendship. It is a real pleasure to serve you all.

Chris Dovey OBE

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Daily Orders 1. RNA and NSM Lapel Badges 2. New RNA Branch Insurance Cover 3. National Standard Bearers Competition 17 May 14 4. RNA / RNRMC 5. Naval Service Memorial - Update Dec 14 6. My Living Will 7. IMC Sailing Camp 8. RN request for assistance 9. IOW Branch – Copyright Tot Glass 10. UK Holiday Group Deal 11. Donations for Central Charities Fund 12. Donations to Charter Challenge 2014 13. Finance Corner – Michelle 14. Elderly drivers – ITV Documentary 15. HMS Raleigh Mentors 16. Guess Where?

17. A Poem – The Computer swallowed Grandma 18. Can you Assist?

19. Double Seven Reunion 20. Not the old Scotsman and money joke!

21. Book Review 22. Naval Museum – Hear my Story Donation Appeal 23. Friends of Carrier – Newsletter 7 – December 2013 24. Calling all Ex HMS Caledonia S52 ERA’s 25. Royal Naval Division – 100th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner 26. Diamond Freight 27. Free Stair Lift

“D’ye hear there” (Branch news) Shortcast Longcast Ship’s Office 1. Swinging the Lamp

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For the Branch Secretary and notice-board Glossary of terms NCM NC AMC FAC NCh NVCh NP DNP GS AGS Asap CONA IMC NSM Throughout

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 Conference of Naval Associations International Maritime Confederation Naval Service Memorial indicates a new or substantially changed entry

Contacts: Financial Controller

023 9272 3823

FAX

023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops)

023 9272 3747

nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

Assistant General Secretary (Shipmates Programme Manager Circular, Events & Marketing)

023 9272 0782

andy@royalnavalassoc.com

Shipmates Administrator

023 9272 0782

chrissie@royalnavalassoc.com

General Secretary

023 9272 2983

paul@royalnavalassoc.com

Admin

023 92 72 3747

admin@royalnavalassoc.com

michelle@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

Snail Trail Mail - Postal Address 7RNA HQ, Room 209, PP70, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT

Daily Orders 1.

Now on sale our new RNA and NSM Lapel Badges

HQ has now received our fantastic two new lapel badges and they are available for sale. It is hoped that Branches will purchase them in large quantities costing £2.50 each with a recommended price of £3.00 enabling 50p per badge to go to branch funds. Single badge orders will cost £3.00 and any profits made by HQ from these badges will go towards the Naval Service Memorial Fund. So contact Nigel or Andy to place your order. Be warned they are all ready going like hot cakes!

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New RNA Branches Insurance cover

GS has informed all branches that the public liability cover that was thought to cover branch events, in fact, did not and never has – despite advice from the HQ. It has proved unaffordable to extend the HQ insurance for main RNA events to the branches (additional premium 2 tots short of £70,000). The good news is that it has been possible to negotiate a very, very good value deal on your behalf that Branches requiring cover can take out. Here is the info from our brokers:

A New Insurance Product for Royal Naval Association Branches Building on the relationship Coleman Insurance Brokers has enjoyed with the Royal Naval Association for several years, we are delighted to announce a new insurance product for RNA branches which will be available this spring.

Following consultation with the RNA, Coleman has chosen to work with Ansvar, a specialist charity insurer, to formulate an insurance policy at very competitive premiums based on three core covers.

• Public Liability cover with a limit of £5,000,000. This will cover RNA branches for their legal liability arising from bodily injury to third parties or damage to third party property arising during the course of normal RNA Branch activities.

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• Employer’s Liability cover with a limit of £10,000,000. This will cover branches for their legal liability for injury to people employed by the branch or people working for the branch in a voluntary capacity.

• Money - cover is provided for £2,000 in Transit and £1,000 in a safe in respect of monies collected by each Branch at any fundraising event The annual premium for these three sections of cover is £100 including 6% Insurance Premium Tax Branches can also select extra covers at an additional premium. Some of these covers include All Risks, Personal Accident, Trustees’ Indemnity and Business Interruption.

Cover is available to RNA branches based in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The policy will only be available on-line and RNA branches will be provided with guidance when the new product is launched in March.

Coleman and Coleman Insurance Brokers are trading styles of E Coleman & Co Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

3.

National Standard Bearers Competition - 17 May 2014

The National Standard Bearers Competition will take place in HMS COLLINGWOOD, Fareham on the 17th May 2014. Areas are invited to submit the names of qualified standard bearers for this event. The event is open to; 1. Area Standard Bearers 2. Deputy Area Standard Bearers (Deputy Standard Bearers are to be equipped with their branch standard and all associated equipment. (Sling, gloves and drapes).

3 The serving National Standard Bearer and Deputy National Standard Bearer 4. Where an area has not held an area competition a nominated standard bearer is permitted to enter.

All standard bearers holding trophies are to return them on the day of the competition (cleaned and polished please). Competitors are respectfully reminded that they are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.

Names of competitors are to be forwarded to Mick Kieran (NCA) at mick.kieran@virginmedia.com or by phone 07593573301. Entries close on 17 April 2014.

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4.

Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity – our preferred Charity

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is the principal, and chosen, charity of the Royal Navy and the Navy Board and now the RNA’s preferred (not compulsory) charity.

The RNRMC’s Chief Executive, Robert Robson, presented to our National Conference last year in Liverpool and many Shipmates commented on how their eyes had been opened to the scale of support that the Charity provides to naval friends and families throughout their lives by its grant making.

We hope that branches will also choose the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity as your preferred charity too.

We live in a world of sound-bites so here are a few about the RNRMC: •

Last year the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity gave £6.5m to people most in need: serving personnel, veterans and families. This included over £717,000 to the RNBT and £730,000 to the RN and RM Children’s Fund. So, by helping the RNRMC you, like the rising tide, “lift all boats”

•

For serving Shipmates – in ships, squadrons, submarines, commando units and ashore – its funding is used to boost morale, improve facilities and ease the pressure that life in the Service can bring.

•

But by far the largest amount goes to other (mainly) naval charities, including those that provide crucial support for parents and children as well as veterans experiencing difficulty with ill health, old age or hard times.

•

The RNRMC gave £20,000 to support the RNA’s new Naval Service Memorial see separate update.

We urge you to get behind the national charity for the Royal Navy, and “our” charity For more information on the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, please call 023 9254 8128 or visit www.rnrmc.org.uk

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The Naval Service Memorial - Update February 2014

Work on the NSM has been hurrying along apace over the last few weeks. The main news has been the £50,000 donation from the Gosling Foundation, which is wonderful. We have set up donations page for the NSM on our website and will be using on-line advertising to inform people of it.

The design has changed slightly with some spume lines added to the steel grey Atlantic panels and the cap held by the figure has been moved to a more natural ‘at ease’ position. Also some changes to panels 1 and 13 to improve the ‘shadow ship’.

The Kilkenny limestone has now arrived at Graeme Mitcheson’s studio at Ashby de la 10

Zouche, and he will start to carve it shortly. If anyone would like to see this please give me a ring and I will see if it can be arranged. We hope the BBC TV will be filming the carving at some point.

We have had some difficulty with the stone for the pavement. Limestone is too soft for the ground conditions and white quartz comes in tiny panels, so would have too many joints. We have chosen the lightest flecked granite we can find, which will be installed in 30mm slabs.

The glass panels are on order and should arrive at Proto Glass by the first week of February. We should be able to approve the tints during the second week of Feb and then Proto will go into manufacture, hopefully filmed too.

The structural engineers have now produced the final plans for the foundations, which all look OK. Planning for the dedication event is going ahead firmly and we met the NMA Events team yesterday. Plans are well advanced to move the DEMS memorial by mid March to give us time to get the NSM foundations done in time. We have also met with the Lord Lieutenant’s representative. The Order of Service is almost there and the formal guest list too. I am delighted to say that we have 15 Commanding Officers coming of HM ships, submarines, mine vessels, naval air squadrons, Royal Marine Commandos and the Commodore RFA. Both First and Second Sea Lords will be coming and we hope to have the Minister for the Armed forces too (programme allowing) – he like 1SL and 2SL are RNA members!!

We have a technical visit planned for early Feb with the Royal Marine Band, our sound engineer and the National Events coordinator.

So full steam ahead at present with GS getting to know the A34/M40/M42 better than he’d like!!!

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My Living Will..

My Living Will Last night, my children and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them “I never want to live in a vegetative state or be dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle” They got up - unplugged the computer and threw out my wine !!!!!

Little Bar Stewards

7.

IMC Sailing Camp 2014

The annual IMC Sailing Camp will be held in Varna, Bulgaria from 31 July to 11 August 2014.

We are looking for young persons who are 14-18 years old on 21 July 2014, who would like to attend this very enjoyable sailing camp. They need not be a Sea Cadet, they might just be a Shipmate’s granddaughter or grandson. But they must have their own Passport and be able to swim 50 yards in light clothing.

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A programme for the sailing camp will be available shortly.

The cost will be known soon, with parents responsible for meeting the cost of travel to and from Varna. Application forms will be sent out

by Nigel on receipt of proposed names. Please phone him on 023 9272 3747 before the end of February. Joining instructions will be sent to those accepted in June.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an opportunity to build on your existing sailing skills with an international dimension – if we send six young people it means that we get back all our IMC subscription in subsidies– so get nominating!!

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RN Request for Assistance.

The Royal Navy is looking for D-Day Veterans to tell their story in the lead up to the 70th Anniversary commemorations in June 2014. The stories will be used to tell serving personnel and the public of the individual sacrifices made and promote the RN’s role in the operation.

If you were involved in the D-Day Landings or the subsequent operations, and are willing to talk to the Royal Navy Media Team on camera of your experiences, please contact Lieutenant Jennifer Kedge RN, Officer in Charge Mobile News Team, Navy Command Headquarters on 02392 62 8844 or email on NAVYMEDIACOMMS-OPSMNT@mod.uk

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Isle of Wight Branch – Copyright Tot Glass It has been noticed that some Isle of Wight S/Ms have been drinking out of bottles. In an effort to stamp out this anti-social behaviour, the Committee have designed their own Tot glass which is proving extremely popular. Our New Year resolution for 2014 is to have all S/Ms adopting this method of imbibing.

The photo opposite taken at 0900 shows S/M Eddie Dickens 'Flight Testing' the prototype (Editors Note; Regular readers will not have failed to notice that once again an article featuring IOW branch is featuring Alcohol!!)

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10.

UK Holiday Group Deal

As a member of the Conference Of Naval Associations the RNA has joined forces with The UK Holiday Group, one of Britain’s most successful holiday companies, to provide members with a special ‘Holidays & Travel Service’. As our official partner The UK Holiday Group will be offering unbeatable savings on a wide range of specially selected worldwide holidays by air, land and sea together with other services aimed to assist members with their travel and event requirements.

Special launch offers include: • • • • • •

Amazing savings for all your group holidays, reunions, events and conferences!

Exclusive savings on a wide range of selected destinations – opening offers include the Channel Islands with 5 day breaks by air from just £299!

Fantastic self-drive hotel offers, saving up to 50%, on hotels thoughout the UK and Europe.

Great cruise offers saving up to 50% off published brochure prices!

An exclusive 10% saving on a wide range of UK and European coach holidays!

A bespoke service to help plan ‘Tailor Made’ events and group holidays for your association.

Your newly launched travel service is now underway and you can be assured of unbeatable offers right from the very start. It’s worth noting that you’ll also be helping worthwhile causes as The UKHG will make a donation to the association for every holiday that is booked!

For further details please call us ‘Lo-cost’ on: General enquiries: For current offers and services call the Hotline – 0844 264 2120 Or Email: conatravelservices@theukholidaygroup.com For groups and events (10 or more persons): Call the Group Travel Hotline – 0844 264 2122 Or Email: conatravelservices@justforgroups.co.uk

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Donations received for the Central Charities Fund

RNA – Sherborne RNA – Waterlooville

Thank you very much

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£50.00 £150.00

12.

Donations received for the Charter Challenge 2014 – Naval Service Memorial

RNA – Atherton £100.00 RNA – Beccles £100.00 RNA – Belfast £500.00 RNA – Belfast £500.00 RNA – Caerphilly £100.00 RNA – Costa Blanca £100.00 RNA – Eastbourne £171.77 RNA – IoM Ramsey £50.00 RNA – Lichfield £2000.00 RNA – Margate £100.00 RNA – Market Harborough £100.00 RNA – Mid Antrim £100.00 RNA – Norwich £150.00 RNA – Runcorn £250.00 RNA – South Bristol £25.00 RNA – Swaffham £50.00 RNA – Ludlow &District (In Memory of Donald Mowbray MN) £650.00

Gosling Foundation A Whitaker C Simmons E Naisbett Folkestown Town Hall H Cassar-Torreggiani H Tribe In memory of S/M GR Condor M Williams Miss S Hine Rev J Oliver OBE RN Golfing Society Shadwells Court Fund Tewkesbury Rotary Club

£50,000.00 £25.00 £10.00 £20.00 £40.00 £20.00 £50.00 £35.00 £50.00 £10.00 £10.00 £250.00 £30.00 £250.00

Once Again very many thanks

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Finance Corner – Michelle Happy New Year to you all; hope you all had a good Christmas which now seems a distant memory. Well, at least we have Spring & Easter to look forward too.

Michelle patriotically welcomes home HMS Illustrious from the Philippines

May I start by providing a gentle reminder to all Branches that members belonging to a branch should pay their Membership fee direct to their Branch Secretary or Treasurer either by D/D, S/O, Cheque or Cash and not by D/D to the RNA HQ Subscription Bank Account. The RNA HQ Subscription Bank Account is only for HQ Members & not Branch Members.

The reason for my reminder is that I have noticed whilst reviewing the RNA HQ Subscription bank account that a few members belonging to a branch are paying their fees through this channel instead of their branch. Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter.

I came across this poem and thought I’d like to share it with you.

Age is a quality of mind If you have left some of your dreams behind If hope is cold If you no longer look ahead If your ambition fires are dead Then you are old.

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But if from life you take the best And if in life you keep the zest If love you hold No matter how the years go by No matter how the birthdays fly You are not old.

Take Care Michelle

14.

Elderly Drivers - ITV Documentary

RDF Television is making a documentary for ITV about elderly drivers and their experiences on the road. They are currently looking for contributors who would be willing to take part as well as talk to them about their experiences. There are over 70,000 drivers in Britain in their 80 and 90s and they would love to speak to them about how driving has changed over the years, the difficulties they face on the road, what their car means to them, and how much longer they plan on keeping on the road.

They’re particularly interested in speaking to veterans as I’m sure they will have some fascinating stories to tell, have experienced different vehicles during their careers, and perhaps even had to face some difficult terrain in locations around the world. They want to hear stories of how the second world war allowed people to learn to drive, the difficulties of driving military vehicles over the normal road car, and much their military experience has helped them on Britain’s modern roads.

Can you remember what driving was like when roads were policed by ‘courtesy cops’ and the M1 didn’t even exist! If so - they want to hear from you. They would love to discuss how driving in the United Kingdom has changed over the years and how it compares to driving now. If this sounds like you or someone you know please call 0207 013 4120 or by email at Miranda.Tattonbrown@rdftelevision.com.

15.

HMS Raleigh Mentors

BZ to The Mentoring team of Shipmates who Mentor Phase 1 trainees at HMS Raleigh ROYAL NAVY Press release 13 Dec 2013

RAL 363/13

Thanks to Royal Navy veterans for their role in training A group of Royal Navy veterans have been thanked for the role they play in transforming civilians into sailors at HMS Raleigh.

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The 14 veterans, who are members of the local Royal Navy Associations, are assigned to each of HMS Raleigh’s four training division and the rehabilitation unit, which looks after recruits recovering from injury. They act as mentors, paying regular visits to encourage the trainee sailors as they complete their course.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, Captain (Capt) Bob Fancy, passed on his appreciation to the veterans during a special gathering in their honour.

Capt Fancy said: “We are immensely grateful to the veterans for voluntarily giving up their time to support the recruits as they make the transition from civilian to service life. They are a constant source of advice and guidance and hearing their stories helps to inspire the recruits. The veterans are also fine examples of people who display the Royal Navy’s core values of commitment, courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity and loyalty. It is these values that we aim to instil in the recruits during their initial naval training and the veterans play a key role in helping us achieve this.”

The support given by the veterans is highly regarded by the recruits. Trainee Engineering Technician Ben McArdle, aged 25 from Manchester, who is currently part of the rehabilitation unit, Stonehouse Division, said: “It’s nice to have someone who can give you a military perspective, in a less formal manner. The veterans we have spoken to have had amazing experiences. They are a great source of inspiration especially for recruits like myself recovering from injury. We are immensely grateful for the time they give us.”

Trainee Engineering Technician Warren Hickey, aged 24 from Swansea, said: “Their life experiences and the stories about where they’ve been and what they’ve done provide us with a vision for the future. Although sometimes the jobs that they’ve done have changed over the years, it’s still good to hear what it was like in their day. Some things haven’t changed at all and they are a good source of advice with regards to our training. Overall they are really quite inspirational.”

16. Guess Where? 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.

No looking on Google or wicki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

Wrens Quarters (Wailing Wall!) - The Grade 2 listed building which now houses Portsmouth City Museum was once part of Clarence Barracks and was built in 1897. After the Second World 16

War, the barracks was renamed the Duchess of Kent Barracks and accommodated members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the WRNS. The building finally became the City Museum and Art Gallery in 1972. Alexandra Road was shortly afterwards renamed Museum Road to reflect the building’s new use.

I asked a Supplementary question last month to try and catch you out.... Where was HMS Landrail? Answer - RNAS Strabane in Northern Ireland Remember if you hover over the picture in the pdf version with your cursor it will reveal the answer.

17.

A Poem - The Computer swallowed Grandma

Courtesy - Area 12 The computer swallowed Grandma, Yes, honestly it’s true!

She pressed 'control and 'enter' And disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely, The thought just makes me squirm.

She must have caught a virus Or been eaten by a worm.

I've searched through the recycle bin And files of every kind; I've even used the Internet, But nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Mr. Google My searches to refine.

The reply from him was negative, Not a thing was found 'online.'

So, if inside your 'Inbox,' My Grandma you should see, Please 'Copy, Scan' and 'Paste' her, And send her back to me.

18.

Can you assist?

AB Rich Jones is researching the sinking of HMS Duchess which was lost in a tragic collision with the Barham in December 1939 with the loss of over 100 of her ships company. There were only around 24 survivors. I would very much like to write about this incident and if possible tell the story of the life of the Duchess in a book. I would like to appeal to anybody who has information on her especially survivors and relatives of her crew.

I have previously written about other disasters and have put up 3 memorials to the dead with a further 2 being put up in the next few months.

I would very much like to see a memorial put up for this too if I had enough interest I would gladly lead a memorial campaign. Any help concerning the tragic loss of HMS Duchess would be very much appreciated. Please email shipwreckdata@yahoo.co.uk or 02392 720782 Thank you.

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19.

Double Seven Reunion

NOW WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AGAIN :-'cause without it we can't do it ,can we’ The next Double Seven weekend will be 24th April to 28th April 2014 the cost will be £96.00 pp Plus £4.00 pp insurance.

Please book soonest to avoid disappointment, as you will not regret it and thoroughly enjoy your weekend Please book direct with Katey Lansley (bookings and enquiries) 02392 460044.

20.

Not the old Scotsman and money joke!

A Scottish man who, along with Private Fraser of Dads Army fame taught HQ Nigel all he knows, walks into a bank in Glasgow and asks for a loan. He tells the loan officer that he is going to Australia on business for two weeks and needs to borrow £5,000.

The bank officer tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the canny Scot hands over the keys and documents of a new Ferrari which is parked on the street in front of the bank. He produces the Log Book and everything checks out so the Bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.

The bank's Manager and its officers all enjoy a good laugh at the rough looking Scotsman for using a £120,000 Ferrari as collateral against a £5000 loan. An employee of the bank then drives the Ferrari in to the bank's underground garage and parks it there.

Two weeks later, the Scotsman returns, repays the £5,000 and the interest, which comes to £15.41. The loan officer says, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled.....

While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multi millionaire.

So what puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow "£5,000" ?

The Scotsman replies: "Where else in Glasgow can I park my car for two weeks for only £15.41 and expect it to be there when I return'...........

21.

Book Review

Sailor in the Desert by David Gunn

Pen & Sword Maritime. £19.99 $39.95

In 1911 Philip Gunn followed his father and grandfather into the Royal Navy joining as a Boy Seaman. This book written by his son David, himself a former Fleet Air Arm pilot and TV presenter describes his father’s adventures In HMS CLIO one of the last warships propelled by both sails and steam. The outbreak of WW1 found CLIO detached from the China station to pursue the German cruiser EMDEN with whom they had been earlier quite chummy. But within the month the ship was under fire from both artillery and snipers while her six 4 inch guns were helping defend the Suez Canal against an advancing Turkish Army. That assault was defeated in February 1915 enabling CLIO to proceed for a short refit in Bombay/Mumbai. The ships’ company’s relief on 18

station was cancelled and their 3 year commission indefinitely extended. The remaining 5/6 of this beautifully produced book narrates Philip Gunn’s dangerous and arduous part in CLIO’s operations in the Shatt al Arab and in detached launches in the Tigris supporting the Imperial Army’s campaign in Mesopotamia. These were often ahead of the advancing troops and included ingenious improvisations for riverine warfare. Philip’s tactical part is placed in context by wider summary of the whole campaign and the narrative is well illustrated by contemporary photographs and fascinating reproductions of the young Gunn’s remarkable paintings such as the arrangements for slaughter of cattle necessarily embarked in the absence of refrigeration, coaling ship, stoking open front boilers, weighing anchor by man powered capstan and early amphibious assault craft. Philip Gunn carried responsibilities well beyond his age and rank and came into contact with the commanding General. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal before being evacuated from the front line near death from malaria. After a perilous ox cart and river journey back to CLIO he was nursed to health, stayed in the Navy for a full career and reached the rank of Captain.

British Aircraft Carriers – By David Hobbs - Book Review GS would like to bring to your notice one of the best books on British Aircraft carriers ever produced. Written by David Hobbs this is a magnificent Tour de force on the development of naval aviation from its first beginnings. The photographs are of the highest quality and the General Arrangement drawings superb, including a pull-out GA drawing of the old Ark Royal dated 1958 (and marked CONFIDENTIAL). I was particularly captivated by the section on HMS FURIOUS that was rebuilt 4 times to develop the classical carrier shape during the 1920s. Hobbs provides a commentary on all British carriers, even those not built, and some ship sections have very detailed reports of what the Ship did.

Belying the title he also examines developments in naval aviation in other Navies.

Available from Seaforth Publishing at www.seaforthpublishing.com ISBN is 978-184832-138-0 at £45, not cheap but good value.

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Naval Museum – Hear my Story Donation Appeal

The Royal Navy has always, since its inception, been at the very heart of British life. It has affected millions of men and women at home and around the world. Over the century the Royal Navy has changed, its size, its role in the world, its friends and enemies. Technology has revolutionised ships and the lives of those on board; but ships still sail, families are still left behind and crews still face the challenges of the sea through our one Royal Navy.

HMS-Hear My Story will be the first Galleries to tell the dramatic and eventful history of the 20th and 21st Century Royal Navy in detail. Visitors will come face to face with the people of the Royal Navy through their stories and histories, sharing in their triumphs and disasters. The innovative Galleries will be located in the newly converted Babcock Galleries at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

To achieve this vision we still need to raise £400,000, £20,000 which we hope to raise from our community of supporters and that is where you come in! We would love for you to be involved in

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our fundraising efforts for the new Galleries.

Every penny you raise will help conserve, preserve and celebrate the history of the modern Royal Navy, a history which is yours.

You and your Association can be a part of the saving the story of the Royal Navy by donating to the Public Appeal or by holding your own fundraising event or challenge! It can be anything from a bake sale to a sponsored dog walk! Every penny you raise we help us continue saving a vital part of British Heritage, as well enabling us to tell the currently untold story of the modern Royal Navy.

Remember, this is your story, so please do help us to tell it.

If you would like to help save the history of the Royal Navy please contact Emma on emma.strong@nmrn.org.uk or on 023 9272 736, so we can send you an events pack and don’t forget we will be with you every step of the way to make sure your event is as fun and successful as possible! Any cheques should be made payable to Royal Naval Museum and sent to: The National Museum of the Royal Navy, HM Naval Base (PP66), Portsmouth, PO1 3NH. Just-Giving link: http://www.justgiving.com/New-Galleries

23.

Friends of Carrier – Newsletter 7 – December 2013

So we come to the end of an incredibly busy year – at both the shipyards assembling and building the QEC carriers around the UK and in the meeting rooms of the ACA and the MOD. All of you will have followed the events of 6th November on the TV and radio when the revised QEC agreement was announced by Phillip Hammond. Under the revised agreement, the total capital cost to the MOD of procuring the carriers will be £6.2 billion, which reflects the realistic cost of delivering the vessels, as well as strengthening the cost control and management of the programme. The Carrier Review was an extensive analysis of the whole programme, including the remaining activities - testing, integration and commissioning - and the implications of the Short Take Off and Vertical Landing reversion. We have also agreed to appoint an independent chairman of the ACA, to focus management on the delivery of the ships. We believe these measures will keep the ACA focussed on delivering to the programme - Sea Trials in 2017, Flying Trials in 2018 and Initial Operating Capability for Carrier Strike in 2020 with the First of Class, HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Since I last wrote to you in July the assembly work on HMS Queen Elizabeth has gathered pace and now, as we reach the end of the year, she is structurally complete.

At the end of July, in a key operation for HMS Queen Elizabeth, teams in Rosyth removed all the supports at the aft end of the ship. She is now currently sitting in the position she will be when she takes to the water. With this careful operation complete, work to install and align the shafts has begun.

The galley, the final compartment on LB03, was signed off for compartment handover inspection (CHOI) by the ACA and Babcock at the end of August.. Final integration of the galley has been achieved through the hard work and cooperation of all alliance partners.

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The final section of ramp for HMS Queen Elizabeth was successfully lowered into place on Sunday 10th November taking just under 5 hours to complete. The lift work brought to an end all major lifts with the Goliath Crane for HMS Queen Elizabeth, and now enables the final elements of the major structure to be welded together The ramp is 64 metres long, 13 metres wide and the highest point, the take-off ramp, is 6 metres above the flight deck. Current plans will see the first Lightning II fast jet thunder off the ship using this ramp in 2018 during her flying trials.

In October the mast cap was successfully erected onto the Forward Island. The Long Range Radar was then fitted onto the mast cap in November. With the addition of the mast cap and the Long Range Radar antenna all of the ship’s main structure blocks are now in place. The radar, which provides a three dimensional, long-range picture sits 27 metres (88ft) above the flight deck, 50 metres (164ft) above the sea. And that’s still not the highest point on Queen Elizabeth. When the communications pole mast is fitted next year it will be 70 metres (230ft) from tip to keel – which

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is almost as long as a River-class patrol ship. As for the radar, it can track up to 1,000 contacts up to a range of 400km (250 miles) from the ship.

As I said, the ship is now structurally complete but, away from the ship, mission systems, communications and platform systems are being tested and set to work. They will be installed when compartments and ship wiring are ready. In early September HMS Collingwood hosted the latest of a series of trials designed to test QEC’s Combat Management System and Visual Surveillance System. Thirty seven trainees from the Maritime Warfare School acted as operators, performing tests provided by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance. The systems, which are key for the successful delivery of both ships, performed well despite scenarios designed to cause disruption.

Construction work is also continuing apace on HMS Prince of Wales with Lower Blocks LB02 (Portsmouth) and LB03 & LB04 (Govan), Centre Blocks 02, 03, 05 & 06 units underway. The bulbous bow and aircraft lifts are already at Rosyth and the first sponson units were delivered from Appledore in the Spring.

In October, LB02 in Portsmouth reached another milestone with the join up of ring C to the rest of the block. The move went very smoothly and quickly.

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November saw the delivery and installation of the Diesel Generator sets for HMS Prince of Wales in Govan. This complex task was completed with no quality or safety issues , and one month ahead of the original plan. In fact all of the Prince of Wales blocks are proceeding well, with good learning impact from Queen Elizabeth.

Assembly of HMS Prince of Wales will begin at Rosyth following float-out of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Float-out will take place in Summer 2014.

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24.

Calling all Ex HMS Caledonia S52 ERAs

Chris Greene served in the RN from 1964 to 1985 as an ERA and then an Engineer Officer. This year is the 50th anniversary of joining the RN at HMS Fisgard before moving to HMS Caledonia (1965 to 1968) to complete his apprenticeships.

He is hoping to organise a reunion this year of Ex Caledonia S52 entry to mark the anniversary.

So ........ Any Ex Caledonia S52 ExBo interested in a reunion this year to mark the 50 years anniversary are requested to contact Chris (Gan) Greene at chrisgreene143@btinternet.com

25.

Royal Naval Division – 100th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner.

A commemorative dinner to mark the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Naval Brigade is being held Saturday 27th September in the Long Room Function Suite, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds. The evening will commence at 1900 with a drinks reception followed by a three course meal including wine, tea/coffee and a glass of port.

Music will be provided by The Band of HM Royal Marines and the guest speaker will be Professor Eric Grove.

Tickets will be £55 p/p. Guests are welcome. Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. For further details please view the following websites; www.leedsnavy.com/rnddinner www.facebook.com/rnd.dinner or call LS WARSEA Kendrick on Mob: 07534 815443

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Diamond Freight

Shipmate David Emery our very own newshound from Uttoxeter Branch has very kindly forwarded this interesting article concerning Diamond Freight haulage company who operates out of Stoke on Trent. Each of teh company’s Heavy Goods Vehicles are named after Ships of The Royal Navy. The Fleet so far consists of; HM Ship’s Diamond, Glorious, Ardent, Acasta and next in line is HMS Dido. Mr Knight, the owner, has a consuming interest in anything that is relevant to the RN both past & present. The latest addition is HMS Hood which can be seen in the photos below;

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27.

Free Stair Lift

Merry Swan whose Father Ted Macey had been in the navy, man and boy through WWII and out the other side as a PTI would like to offer a Stair Lift, details below , to any Shipmate or Shipmates family who would benefit from this very kind offer. Merry is very keen that there is some sort of Naval or Fire Service connection.

The details are as follows: Brand new Stannah stair lift A straight rise over 14 modern steps left-hand seat battery operated remote controls for top and bottom of stairs colour sage green ( just in case the recipient is a lady) For further details please contact Merry Swan - Mob 07941 986118 Home 01835 830606 or e-mail merryswan@hotmail.com

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‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches

RNA Selsey Branch The red carpet was out as RNA Selsey branch starred at the Selsey Business Awards Dinner on Friday 10th January 2014.

The Branch won the prestigious award ‘Best Voluntary Group’ along with Branch Chairman S/M Brian Hall’s being presented with the runner-up in the ’Volunteer of the Year’ category.

The picture opposite shows Hon. Secretary Gavin Roriston and Branch Chairman Brian Hall with their spoils, a lovely trophy and a gold framed certificate.

Editors Note; BZ and very well done for doing your bit to keep the RNA in the public eye.

RNA Chard Branch A good time was had by all as Chard RNA branch attended the Chard Mayors Charity Christmas Fayre where they manned a stall selling Christmas fair and goods in order to boost their funds. The event was well attended by locals and the competition was competitive but the shipmates managed to raise £155 in total. The photo opposite show L-R Sm's Asprey, Day, Day, Allin, Hillman and Moon hard at work!

Lee on the Solent and Stubbington Branch

It is with great sadness the Lee on the Solent and Stubbington has to inform shipmates that S/M Sandy Powell crossed the bar in December. Sandy joined the RN in 1955 aged 18 and trained at Collingwood as an electrician. He served in HM Ships Bulwark, Diana, Alert, Newfoundland and saw shore time in Pembroke, Sultan, Cochrane and ‘loafed’ big time in HMS Terror! He left the RN in1984 as a CPO after 24 years. Sandy very nearly did not complete his service as.... He was 26

doing a gun test on the forward gun. However, instead of the loader using a dummy shell he put in a live one and on firing sunk the Admiral’s barge!!

The Branch Standard and members of the Committee attended the funeral. He will be much missed and very warmly remembered.

RNA Banbury Branch

Calling all Branch Secretaries here is a challenge……..

Shipmate Sean Hagger, Banbury Branch Hon Sec, and resident Sir Bradley Wiggins claims to be the only Branch Secretary to hand deliver memos on a £2000 carbon racing cycle! and what’s more dressed as a MAMIL (Middle aged Man in Lycra!!)

Can anyone ‘Black Cat’ that...?

RNA Basildon Branch It is with great sadness that the Basildon Branch has to announce that S/M Peter Robins crossed the bar in November, 2013. Peter served as our Chairman but had to give it up due to ill health some years ago. He served in the Navy from 1948 to 1960 in the Near East, Middle East, Far East and the West Indies. He served on HMS, Wild Goose, Super, Chichester and the Chieftain. He will be sadly missed by all members.

RNA Wansbeck Branch Wansbeck branch of the RNA celebrated Trafalgar Night with a dinner at the Portland Hotel Ashington on Monday 21st October 2013. This was a new venue, as previously they had hosted a Dinner Dance, but with an aging membership and very few new younger members joining, a dinner dance was no longer cost effect. The address was given by the Vice-President Shipmate Peter Wilson in the absence of our President Comdr. Chris Craddock.

Very sadly it would be the last time the branch was to see their VicePresident. Shipmate Peter succumbed to a chest infection and crossed the bar in hospital 2 weeks later. Several members of the Mess attended the funeral at St. Mary’s Church Morpeth on Friday 15th November.

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Gordon Peter Wilson of Morpeth, Northumberland aged 87 died 8/11/2013. He was an A/B Torpedo man 1943-48. On returning to civvy street he worked for the Post Office. He was VicePresident of the Wansbeck Branch RNA. Always a gentleman, he will be sadly missed.

RNA Bloxwich Branch Shipmates of the Royal Naval Association Bloxwich Branch celebrated their Diamond Anniversary on Saturday 30 November with a Rededication Service at All Saints Church in Bloxwich, followed by a dinner and dance at Walsall Football Club stadium. The dinner was attended by 24 members of the branch with Area 8 Chairman Shipmate Jim Goode in attendance along with National Chairman Shipmate Chris Dovey who was invited as guest speaker.

The National Chairman presented Branch Chairman Shipmate Gordon Witton with a certificate on behalf of RNA HQ. Organiser and Branch Secretary Shipmate Christine Hinder said, “The church service was wonderful as was the dinner dance at Bescot Stadium.

This really was a fantastic way to celebrate our 60 year anniversary”. Also in attendance was Shipmate Ken Wilson (extreme right on photo) who is the sole surviving founder member of the branch.

RNA Costa Blanca Branch RNA Costa Blanca Treasurer S/M Sandra Wake visited the HQ during a recent trip to Blighty to deliver a cheque from the branch for the sum of £100 towards the Central Charity fund.

The picture opposite shows the General Secretary receiving a cheque for £100 from Shipmate Sandra.

Grassieass Amigo’s!

11 Area – Shipmate Bill Sutherland It is with deep regret that 11 Area announce that Shipmate Bill Sunderland of the York branch crossed the bar last month. As 11 Area shipmates will all be aware Bill was very keen on the RNA and was always willing to offer advice and admonish when required. He will be missed at Area meetings when all of a sudden that gravelly voice would pipe up ‘A point of order Mr Chairman !!’ and bring us all back to earth. His sage advice and his presence will be missed by all 28

RNA Margate Branch Shipmates from Margate Branch got stuck in to ‘big eats’ after their December meeting. It has now become the norm that the Branch hold an American supper style buffet to be enjoyed after our Christmas meeting. This year there was more food than the 26 members could eat, “luckily there was a party in the legion club below who helped us to clear the tables of scoff” said S/M Mick Cox. The photo opposite shows Shipmates enjoying the food fest.

Ed Note ; Semaphore Circular Editorial team has been reliably informed of the ‘true dit’ that occurred that evening. After trying single handedly to clear the food mountain, complete with little flag and crampons! ,that S/M Mick Cox is a now a founder member of ‘slimming world’ Broadstairs…….

RNA Hull Branch It is with very deep regret that the branch has to inform Shipmates that the Hull Branch Chairman and Life Member Shipmate James Arthur Stevenson crossed the bar at 0420 on the 6th December 2013. "Stivvy", as he was well known throughout all the ex service associations, served the Hull Branch as Chairman for well over 30 years, and will be very sorely missed.

RNA Limavady Branch Limavady Shipmates welcome their newest recruit S/M Thomas James McFarland from Omagh who joined the branch aged 92! (Despite scurrilous suggestion from12 Area NCM it is absolutely not true he was recruited under the Shipmates Banner!!)

The photo opposite shows S/M Peter Campbell, Area 12 President, presenting an RNA badge to Shipmate Tommy. He served from 1941-46 & again from 1953-54 as a signaller (bunting tosser). During the , war he saw service mostly in small minesweepers (MMS43) with the Royal Naval Patrol Service, Arctic & Atlantic convoys and his call back to services in the 50s was spent loafing on the rock in HMS Rooke.

Photo left to right.

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Chairman Ray Cook, Hon.Treasurer John Pudney, Shipmate Thomas McFarland, Shipmate Peter Campbell Area 12 President and Rum Bosum Brian Finch.

RNA Alresford Branch Alresford RNA has had a particularly busy November, helping with the town’s arrangements to observe Remembrance Day. In particular selling poppies and raising over £2000 for the RBL Poppy Fund and taking an active part in co-ordinating the arrangements for the Remembrance Sunday service at St John’s Church Alresford.

The Branch has long had a tradition of holding a formal lunch on Remembrance Sunday and they were delighted that their President, Sir Derek Reffell, and his wife, Lady Janne, were able to attend. Sir Derek and Lady Janne hosted a top table of World War II Veterans, some of whom were Branch members and others specially invited guests. The event was held at Alresford Golf Club, who provided an excellent meal in attractive surroundings with good facilities.

On Remembrance Day itself, Monday 11th November, Alresford RNA worked again in partnership with Alresford RAFA to co-ordinate a brief ceremony at 11am in the town centre. This was much appreciated by the townsfolk who were present, with staff from local shops coming out onto the street to join in the two minutes’ silence.

The November Mess Night, on Tuesday 12th November, was also a public event, and the talk by Tom Tribe, on the hunt for the lost Australian submarine AEII, had been well-advertised beforehand. We were delighted to welcome many unfamiliar faces and hope that these occasional public talks help to maintain public awareness that Alresford RNA is thriving, active and always welcoming of new members.

RNA Chard Branch Shipmates Roy and Anne Allin celebrated their 39th Wedding Anniversary with their Chard shipmates on the 7th December 2013 which coincided with the branches Christmas dinner at the Golden Fleece Chard. They were supported by 32 of their shipmates who all had a great time with good food and even better company. Shipmate Roy commented it was 39 years of joy!! Especially when he was at sea....... Shipmate Anne said that was the best part!!!

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RNA Litchfield Branch On Sat 7th Dec 2013 Litchfield branch presented a gift of ÂŁ2000 to the Lichfield & Tamworth Sea Cadets. During a small ceremony Litchfield RNA Chairman Shipmate G Treadwell presented a huuuggeee cheque to Lt Sandy Powell SCC in front of Shipmates and Cadets.

RNA Kingston upon Thames Branch RNA Kingston upon Thames Branch, will be moving to New Malden, for their monthly meetings, as from 2nd January 2014. The new address is; The Grafton Club, 36, Grafton Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3AA. Tele. 020 82880971.

For further information please contact S/M John Brett Hon sec at john.brett10@virginmedia.com

RNA Ramsgate and Birchington Branch It is with great sadness that Ramsgate and Birchington Branch announce that Shipmate Derek (Curly) West crossed the bar on 29th November 2013.

Curly was born in 1930 and age 15 he started training for the merchant navy but somehow ended up at HMS Ganges, during his training there at the end of the war so many men were leaving the service that Boy seamen were taken to man ships that were under crewed. Curly was sent to the Mediterranean to join HMS Consort, but ended up onboard HMS Phoebe on his way to Palestine.

On leaving the RN he eventually achieved what he set out to do and joined the merchant navy. Somewhere

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along the way he picked up a fascination for motor bikes and cars of which he collected a few, but not forgetting his time in the Andrew he joined the HMS Phoebe association and carried their standard at events and shipmates funerals around the south of England.

Curley was rewarded at his own funeral on 19th December when 16 Standards including Area 2, HMS Phoebe, HMS Ganges and 2 Merchant navy standards were present. A fine sight and a good send off for a matelot who promoted the RNA and ships associations.

RNA March Branch (1) Shipmates, It is our sad duty to inform you that Shipmate Eric Deuters died aged 95 in Peterborough City Hospital on the 8th January. An Associate Member, Eric was very proud of his service with the Queens Own Buffs, who fought as the rearguard at Dunkirk, Eric was captured by the Germans and was a POW in Poland until he escaped to join the Polish Resistance.

His funeral will take place at March Crematorium on Friday 7th February at 1230, Standards will be paraded. For further details please contact Ted Rasell, Hon Sec, March Branch Tel 01945-860 683 email edward.rasell@btinternet.com RNA March Branch (2) In March 2010 a devastating fire swept through the Church of St Mary, in the town of March. The fire completely gutted the small picturesque Church, leaving just the outside walls standing, but severely damaged. Restoration work has been progressing since that time and is expected to be completed early this year (2014) Everything within the church was destroyed including the Standard of the March Branch of the Royal Naval Old Comrades Association, (the forerunner of the RNA) laid up there since the disbanding of that Branch March Branch intend to replace this Standard and to this end have purchased the new Standard. This will be dedicated before being laid up, where it belongs, in St Marys Church. The service will take place in St Marys Church, Westry, March. on Sunday 6th July at 1100.

The Church is situated on the A141 just north of Tesco and Cobblestones.

This event, happily, coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Commissioning of the Branch and we will celebrate this immediately following the laying up of the Standard, with a garden party and BBQ in the Garden of our Branch Chaplain, S/M Rev Anthony Chandler at 17 St Peters Road, March, PE15 9NA Branch Standards will be very welcome to take part in the Dedication and Laying up of the Standard, and afterwards to help us celebrate our Birthday.

If you will be attending, please inform our Hon Sec, S/M Ted Rasell, at 3 Overstone Drive, Coldham, Wisbech, PE14 0NG, e-mail edward.rasell@btinternet.com

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RNA Swaffham Branch Shipmates are advised that Swaffham Branch has recently changed meeting venue and date, please see below; New Meeting Venue: Swaffham Conservative Club, London Street, Swaffham.

New Meeting Day: 4th Tuesday monthly.

Everything else is as usual. For further details please contact David Harman (Hon Sec) at dharman2@sky.com

RNA Corby Branch Shipmates Eric & Lilian Drayton recently celebrated their 70th Platinum Wedding Anniversary. BZ HQ staff sent some flowers on behalf of the RNA to wish them continued ‘marital bliss’ on the way to their 80th (which is a bit of a let down in terms of gifts as it is known as the ‘OAK’ anniversary) They met through a mix of family and a shipmate on HMS Cumberland called Jackie Farrow and Lilian's sister worked with Eric's sister during the war.

During August 1943 the Cumberland visited the Tyne and Newcastle and during the ship’s visit Eric got invited ‘up homers’ with Jackie to Burnhope where Lilian lived and thus began a relationship that led to marriage by special licence on 12th December 1943 as they had only known each other for a few months. Eric and Lillian over the years became the proud parents of 3 Daughters, Grand Parents to 4 Granddaughters and Greats to 3 great granddaughters and are still here after 70 years to prove that marriage works.

RNA Bourne Branch Shipmates should note that Bourne Branch now meet on the second Wednesday of each month commencing at 1400 at a new venue.

Bourne Abbey Church Hall South Street Bourne For further details please contact Bourne branch Hon Secretary S/M Brenda White brenda.white@tesco.net

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RNA Ketton and District Branch Shipmates should note that Ketton & District Branch meet on the first Tuesday of every month at a new venue.

Bowls Cabin Blackstones Sports & Social Club Lincoln Road Stamford PE9 1UU For further details please contact Ketton & District Hon Secretary S/M Brenda White brenda.white@tesco.net

RNA Orkney Branch Shipmates are advised that Orkney Branch have changed their branch meeting day from the 1st Thursday to the 3rd Thursday in each month.

For further information please contact Shipmate Daran Brown at daran@Signalsystems.co.uk

RNA Stroud Branch RNA Stroud sadly wishes to inform Shipmates that Shipmate Eric Brunning crossed the bar on Christmas Eve. Eric joined the Royal Navy when he was just 18, serving as a sub-marine detector operator aboard the HMS Berry between 1943 and 1946, taking part in the Arctic Circle mission in the winter of 1845 for which he received the Arctic Star Medal. He was also decorated by the Russians in 2005 on the 60th anniversary of the campaign.

When the Second World War ended, Eric stayed with the Navy for a further year working to clear the North Atlantic of underwater mines, before moving to Stroud and joining Gloucestershire police where he remained for 31 years retiring in 1977.

Eric was a lovely man, very humble (although very proud of his medals he did not like a fuss) with a great sense of humour. He described his lovely wife, Dorothy, as not his childhood sweetheart, but his school day antagonist.

It was our privilege to have him as a member, and even though he was unable to make our meetings, we were in contact with him on a regular basis.

Shipmate Eric Brunning May you find safe anchorage.

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Shortcast (Run in date order) 2014 HMS Penelope Association – 21 February 2014 Open to all who served in the Cruiser 1938 - 44 or Frigate 1963 - 92, or are relatives of those who did so, are holding the 28th Annual reunion at Blackpool from February 21 - 23. For details of membership and the Reunion, contact the Secretary at mike.bee@ntlworld.com HMS Andromeda Association F57 - 28 February 2014 The 13th annual reunion will take place at the North Stafford Hotel, Winton Square, Station Road, Stoke on Trent ST4 2AE from February 28 to March 2. There is a full programme of events over weekend including an optional tour of the legendary Wedgewood Factory. All commissions all ranks and partners welcome. Full details from Rick Matthews at rickmatthews57@btinternet.com

HMS Ariadne Reunion – 7 March 2014 3rd Annual reunion is at Richmore Hotel (Tel: 01303 773435), 146 The Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 7NP from March 7 to 10 2014. Former members of any of the commissions are most welcome to attend all or part of the weekend. Please contact Dave Sprinks on 01761 239221 for more details.

Loch Class Association - 21 March 2014 Annual Reunion takes place at The Royal Maritime Club, Queens Street, Portsmouth PO1 3HS (023 9283 7681 quote ref: 14093) from March 21 to 24. All members welcome. Membership is open to all who served on any of the Loch Class ships or their variants (Bay Class, Admirals Yachts, survey ships and repair ships). Some of these types of ships have their own ‘Associations’ but you can always join both. For details please contact Andrew Nunn Hon. Sec. LCFA at andrew.nunn@blueyonder.co.uk or see the website http://www.lochclassfrigates.com HMS Glory Reunion – 28 March 2014 The HMS Glory reunion will take place at the Savoy Hotel, Bournemouth from 28th to 31st March.

All old Glory shipmates are welcome. Details from Tom Stallard at margaretstallard@yahoo.co.uk HMS Duchess Association - 28 March 2014 The next reunion will take place at the Britannia Hotel, Coventry from March 28 to 30. All commissions are welcome. For details contact Sharky Ward at adie.ward@ntlworld.com HMS Cavalier Association – 04 April 2014 Annual reunion / AGM and 70th Anniversary of HMS Cavalier will take place at the King Charles Hotel, Chatham, from 4th April till 7th April 2014. All members welcome. For further details please contact :- Terry Willis Hon Sec. at terry.willis@hotmail.co.uk. or visit website http://www.hmscavalier.org.uk

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HMS Hermes Association – 10-14th April 2014 The next reunion of the Hermes Association will be held at the Imperial Hotel Blackpool. For further details please contact the Secretary Tony Pincher Martin on 02393 781722 or on the website www.hmshermes.org.uk HMS Loch Fada (F390) Association – 11-14 April 2014 The 17th annual reunion will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St. Helens Parade, Southsea, PO4 0NR from April 11th to 14th . To include AGM @ 1000 Sat 12th and Reunion Dinner @ 1900 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of K/F390 commissioning. The Mayor and Mayoress of Eastleigh Borough Council will be in attendance as our special guests representing the Borough who adopted the K/F390 Loch Fada as their replacement ‘Warship Week’ Ship after our predecessor was torpedoed & lost in 1944.

For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 email enquiries@iowtours.com & mention F390 or Frenchy Sec F390 on 01252 310767 email f390.sec11@virginmedia.com HMS Protector Association Reunion – 11-14th April 2014 A grand reunion and AGM will take place at the Suncliff Hotel Bournemouth from 11-14 April 2014.

For further information, details and booking form please see the website www.hmsprotector.org or Doug Harris at Dougatspindrift@aol.com or on the dog and bone 01495 718870.

HMS Aisne Reunion - 25 April 2014 HMS Aisne, last commission 1965-68: The 4th reunion will take place at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth from 25th to 26th April. All ranks, rates and partners welcome. Anyone interested please contact Nigel Jest at nigeljest@hotmail.co.uk HMS London 1947-49 Reunion – 25-27 April 2014 Reunion will take place at Lea Marston Hotel, Lea Marston, Warwickshire from 25th to 27th April.

The hotel is a two minute drive from junction 9 of the M42 or attendees can be collected from Birmingham mainline rail stations, Birmingham International Airport or Digbeth Coach Station.

Contact Mike Overton at michael.overton1@virgin.net or tel: 07702 387171 if you wish to attend.

There will also be a joint service of thanksgiving and Remembrance on April 27 at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 65th Anniversary of the Yangtze incident Yangtze Four Ship Association – 27 April 2014 April the 20th this year marks the 65th Anniversary of the start of the Yangtze Incident involving HM Ships Amethyst, Black Swan, Consort and London. The Incident cost the lives of 46 men of the Royal Navy before Amethyst made her daring escape 100 days later. A Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 27th April involving surviving members of the four Ships Company’s, their families and friends and led by the Rev John Oliver O.B.E., R.N. who served in both HMS London and Black Swan.

As Chapel seating is limited please contact Mike Overton by telephoning 07702-387171 or email michael.overton1@virgin.net if you wish to attend. The HMS London 1947-49 Association will also be holding their annual Reunion over this weekend close to the Arboretum. Again anyone interested please contact Mike for further details.

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RN Chefs, Cooks and Caterers - 2 May 2014 All RN Chefs, Cooks and Caterers are welcomed to the 3rd reunion which will take place from May 2 to 4 at the Nautical Club, Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham, B15 1ET. For more information contact: Colin Joy at colinbjoy@hotmail.com Algerine Association Reunion – 05 May 2014 The AGM will take place from 5th to 9th May at the Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island. Open to all who have served on Algerine Class Fleet Minesweepers and to any other RN Association members wishing to join us for an enjoyable weekend. For more details contact George Patience MBE on 01456 450659 or Mrs Anne Knight on 01463 223610 or Jim Squires on 01707 322919.

Federation of Naval Associations - 09 May 2014 AGM and reunion at Mill Rythe, Hayling Island from May 9 to 12. All Associations and former RN/RM/WRNS/QARNNS/RFA/MN etc., are welcome. Details and booking forms available from Robbie Robson at robbie.fna@virgin.net HMS Bulwark, Albion & Centaur Association – 09 May 2014 The 2014 AGM and Reunion will be held at the Royal Clifton Hotel, Southport and will take place from May 9 to 11. More than 100 members have already booked. Please contact: Denis Askham at askhamd@orangehome.co.uk for further details.

Combined Field Gun reunion – 16th -19th May 2014 A re-union of the Combined Field Gun, (all divisions) will take place at the Parisienne Hotel Blackpool -244 North Promenade, Blackpool FY1 IRZ Telephone Number 01253 752424 over teh weekend of Friday the 16th May- Monday 19th May 2014. The cost will be £99 including breakfast and Evening Meal. For further information please contact Jim Finch Tel Number 01772434140.

Email Finchjmld@aol.com.

Safety Equipment & Survival Association – 16 May 2014 FAA Safety Equipment & Survival Association Reunion will be held from May 16th to 18th at Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire. Please contact Secretary Gordon "Pixie" Parkes at gordon.parkes7@virginmedia.com for further details.

HMS Hood Association – 18 May 2014 The AGM and Reunion AGM will take place at 1630 and 39th Reunion dinner 1900 at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth on 31st May followed by a Church Service at St Ann’s Church, HM Dockyard the following morning commencing at 1000. Finally a Service of Commemoration will be held on the 18th May at St John the Baptist Church, Boldre near Lymington commencing at 1100.

HMS Broadsword Association – 24 May 2014 Bi-Annual Reunion and AGM will take place on May 24 in the WO & Senior Rates Mess HMS Drake Plymouth. The reunion is open to anyone who served in Broadsword. For more information go to http://www.hmsbroadsword.co.uk/ or contact Steve Bullock at Stevie.bullock@blueyonder.co.uk

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HMS Coventry D118 Association - 24 May 2014 Reunion will take place on May 24/25 at the GIs Association, Whale Island, meeting up from 1630.

Muster for church service at 1015 at the Still & West Public House, Old Portsmouth on Sunday.

Full details can be found on the website at http://www.hmscoventry.co.uk/reunion.php HMS Liverpool Association – 14 Jun 2014 The thirtieth reunion takes place on June 14th at the GIs Association, Whale Island, mustering at 1200. Our association is made up of those who served on the Cruiser and the Type 42 Destroyer and new members are always welcome. For more information and membership details contact John Parker at info@hmsliverpoolassociation.org.uk RN Party 6789 (HMS Saker) 25-29th Jul 2014 RN Party 6789 (HMS Saker) Mixed Manning Demonstration USS Claude V Ricketts DDG5 (ex Biddle) 1964/65 are holding their 50th anniversary reunion of the Mixed Manning Demonstration commission to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Washington DC. USA on 25 29th July 2014. For further information in the first instance please contact Pat (Spider) Raines tel.

00 34 951 06 9968 or 0844 774 t5448 e-mail info1@birdbuffs.net.

HMS Tartar Association 3rd- 6th October 2014 The HMS Tartar Association reunion will be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hants, on 3rd - 6th October 2014. Further information can be obtained from the HMS Tartar Association website (www.hmstartar.co.uk) or by contacting the Social Secretary at: linpowe@btopenworld.com HMS Lowestoft Association Reunion - 17-19th October 2014 The 4th annual reunion of the HMS Lowestoft Association will take place at the Royal Beach Hotel, St Helens Parade, Southsea PO4 0NR from October 17 to 19th 2014. All ex-Lowie's 19611985 and guests are welcome. For booking & more info contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries@iowtours.com or email: ian@hmslowestoft.co.uk or visit http://www.hmslowestoft.co.uk The HMS Glorious, Ardent, and Acasta Association – 2014 Diary Dates 23 March - The Service of Remembrance in The National Maritime Museum, Vittoriosa, Malta GC Contact David Emery MBE 01782 397746 e-mail dg.david@hotmail.co.uk 04 May - Service of Remembrance 1100 hours at the Church Situated in The Village of Martindale Cumbria Contact David Woodcock 01229464414 e-mail dwoodcock123@btinternet.com 06 June - Service of Remembrance at The National Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire Contact David Emery MBE 01782 397746 e-mail dg.david@hotmail.co.uk 06 June - Social Evening, Holiday Inn, The Hoe, Plymouth 1930 Hours 07 June - Meeting on The Hoe, beside The Memorial for a Short Service of Remembrance 07 June - Social Evening, Holiday Inn, The Hoe Plymouth 1930 Hours

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08 June - Our Main Service of Remembrance at 1030 hours St.Nicholas Church, HMS Drake, Davenport, Plymouth. Followed by a Buffet in the Warrant Officers and S/Rates Mess, HMS Drake.

9 November - The Remembrance Day Parade in London. Contact Greg.Monteith 01243 532916 e-mail gregmonteith@wsht.nhs.uk HMS Ajax Association The HMS AJAX and River Plate Veterans Association have been working hard on arrangements to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle in 2014. The committee are aware that there may be members of the RNA including associate members who may have served in either the cruiser (scrapped in 1949) or the frigate (scrapped sometime it is believed in 1982). Events planned for 2014 are as follows:12th April Dedication of a Memorial at the NMA at Stafford, followed by a lunch. Timings tbc.

14/15/16 June Events in the town of Ajax, Toronto to mark the event 13th December 2014 Lunch in Portsmouth to mark the actual 75th anniversary of the Battle.

There is an open invitation to those who served in HMS Exeter and Achilles and their families.

If there is anyone who wishes to find out further details they can contact Malcolm Collis on malcolm.collis@gmail.com and there is also the website http://www.hmsajax.org/ where additional information can be found.

RNA Longcast 2014 15 Feb 21 Feb 22 Feb 01 Mar 08 Mar 15 Mar 05 Apr 25 Apr 11 Apr 16 May 17 May 13 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13 Jun 13/14 Jun 15 Jun 27 Jun 20 Jul 16 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 19 Sep 39

AMC Meeting – HQ Motions for Conference deadline FAC Meeting - HQ Area 11 AGM & Area Meeting – The Clarence Working Men’s Club (Hosts York Branch ) National Council Meeting - HQ Falmouth RNA - St Nazaire Memorial Parade, Falmouth National Standard Parading – HMS Cavalier 70th Anniversary No.10 Area Spring Conference / Reunion The Savoy Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9SJ HQ Open Day HQ Open Day National Standard Bearer Competition – HMS Collingwood AMC – Royal Court Hotel Coventry FAC - Royal Court Hotel Coventry NC - Royal Court Hotel Coventry SOC - Royal Court Hotel Coventry Conference – Royal Court Hotel Coventry Naval Service Memorial Dedication – National Arboretum Memorial - Staffs HQ Open Day Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Sea Sunday AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ HQ Open Day

Royal Naval Division – 100th Anniversary Commemorative Dinner- Leeds HQ Open Day Christchurch RNA – Trafalgar Dinner Falmouth RNA - Falmouth Branch Trafalgar Dinner.

AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ

27 Sep 10 Oct 11 Oct 17 Oct 15 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 2015 01 May

Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversay

Swinging the Lamp – February 2014

Date 1st

Year 2006

2nd

1966

3rd

1942

4th

1793

5th 6th

1902 1845

7th

1963

8th

1917

9th

2008

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Entry HMS Daring, first of the Type 45 air defence destroyers designed to replace the veteran Type 42s, launched by HRH The Countess of Wessex at BAE Systems Yard, Scotstoun. Armed with PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missiles System), Daring was the most powerful destroyer ever built for the Royal Navy and the biggest warship built at Scotstoun. The eighth of the name but with no battle honours.

Separation Allowance announced, effective from 1 April, for married servicemen separated from their families for an aggregate of at least twelve months overseas to get 4s a day during further periods of separation.

GC: Lt-Cdr William Ewart Hiscock DSC, for torpedo disposal at Malta.

(Gazette date.)

Capt Nelson, on half-pay since December 1787, left Burnham Thorpe for the last time, to join Agamemnon.

First dive by RN’s first submarine.

Terrible (sixth of the name), wood paddle frigate, launched at Deptford. First four-funnelled ship in RN. The Hawker P.1127 VSTOL aircraft, prototype of the Harrier, piloted

by Hawker Chief Test Pilot Bill Bedford, made its first carrier landing in HMS Ark Royal.

Destroyer HMS Ghurka sunk by mine 4 miles S.W. of Dungeness; seventy-five men lost.

GC: Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, RMR, 40 Cdo RM. L/Cpl Croucher, serving in 40 Cdo Group’0s Cdo Recce Force in Helmand Province,Afghanistan, tripped a wire-connected grenade booby trap during a night-time reconnaissance of a suspected Taliban IEDmaking compound. He shouted a warning to the men in his section and threw himself on top of the grenade, pinning it between his day sack and the ground. The grenade exploded, ripping the sack from his back and pitting his body armour and helmet with grenade fragments.

Miraculously, Croucher survived. ‘His magnificent displays of

10th 11th

1944 1841

12th

2010

13th

1970

14th

1945

15th

1953

16th

1762

17th

1943

18th

1907

19th

2009

20th 21st

1851 1779

22nd

1966

23rd

1943

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selflessness and gallantry are truly humbling and are the embodiment of the finest traditions of the Service’ – London Gazette, 23 July 2008.

Swordfish A/842 (Fencer) sank U-666 in W. Approaches.

Order in Council authorised a ￡50 pay rise to the Surgeon of Pembroke Dockyard to ‘enable him to keep a horse for the purpose of visiting his distant patients . . . in consequence of many of the men being obliged to reside at a considerable distance from the yard’.

The end of an ERA. The last Marine Engineering Artificers Qualifying Course passed out from HMS Sultan at Gosport. Engine Room Artificers (ERAs) first entered the Royal Navy in 1868 and Artificer Apprentices or ‘Boy Artificers’ in 1903. Henceforth RN engineering specialists were rated Engineering Technicians (ME), (WE) or (AE).

‘Blue berets, as at present provided for wear by aircrew with working dress . . . may in future be worn with working uniforms at sea.’ – DCI(RN) 202/70.

RCN’s 29th Flotilla lost five boats in an explosion (heard in England) in Ostend Harbour which destroyed twelve MTBs; seventy-three killed.

Sloop Snipe landed a British magistrate accompanied by two policemen and fifteen Royal Marines on Deception Island in Antarctica to arrest and expel a party landed in January by Argentine naval vessels and who ‘were becoming a nuisance’.

The French island of Martinique finally taken after a well-planned amphibious operation led by Maj-Gen the Hon. Robert Monkton, who had been Wolfe’s second-in-command at Quebec in 1759, and the Leeward Islands squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral George Rodney. The Seven Years War. Battle Honour: Martinique 1762.

Admiral Sir William James, lately C-in-C Portsmouth and newly appointed as the first Chief of Naval Information at the Admiralty, returned as MP for Portsmouth North in a by election caused by the incumbent, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes, having been raised to the peerage. Chief Petty Officer Walter Foster, a gunner’s mate, had announced his intention of standing for the seat ‘if he can obtain the Admiralty’s permission’ but did not do so.

St Nicholas’ church, RN Barracks Devonport, dedicated by the Rt Revd Archibald Robertson, Bishop of Exeter.

Mrs Ng Muk Kah BEM, Jenny of Jenny’s Side Party, who served the Royal Navy in Hong Kong from 1928 to 1997, died aged 92. Jenny and her girls ‘washed and ironed, cleaned ship, chipped rust and painted, attended as buoy jumpers, and, dressed in their best, waited with grace and charm upon guests at cocktail parties’. Her obituary in the Daily Telegraph was headed just ‘Jenny’ Boys to enter the Service at age 13 instead of at 14.

Remains of Capt Cook buried at sea from Resolution off Kealakekua, Hawaii.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir David Luce, resigned in protest at the cancellation of CVA-01 (HMS Queen Elizabeth) and the new generation of Royal Navy aircraft carriers. Navy minister, Christopher Mayhew, had resigned five days earlier. Sound Familiar!!

HMS Bicester, with Lamerton and Wheatland, Hunt class destroyers, sank U-443 off Algiers (36.55N, 02.23E). A three-day hunt demonstrating ‘the value of persistent effort’

24th

2011

25th 26th

1970 1915

27th

1847

28th

1962

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Frigate HMS Cumberland, Capt Steve Dainton RN, returning from the Gulf to pay off for disposal, diverted to Gulf of Sirte; on several runs into Benghazi she extracted 454 people (129 of them British) fleeing insurrection in Libya and landed them in Malta.

Concept of the Military Salary approved in Parliament.

VC: Lt-Cdr Eric Gascoigne Robinson (HMS Vengeance) at Gallipoli for charging two 4-in guns in turn under heavy fire.

The new steam frigate Dauntless, manned by dockyard riggers and men from Victory, was towed out of Portsmouth harbour to the Nab where she set sail down-Channel for Tobermory with ‘a large quantity of meal for the relief of the destitute in the north of Scotland’ thence to Napiers on the Clyde for installation of her engines.

RN Wireless Station at Mauritius took over operationally from Ceylon West WT at Wellisara (HMS Highflyer) at 0001Z. C-in-C South Atlantic and South America commissioned the station on 19 March 1962 as HMS Mauritius. AFOs 567/62 and 334/62.

NOMINATION FORM ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DEPUTY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL (June 2014 to June 2016)(Revised RNA Bye-Law 7) For the attention of All Branch Secretaries in Areas. 1,3,4,5,10,12 Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member from any Branch within its own Area, as a Candidate for election to the National Council, and one full or full life member for election as the Deputy National Council Member subject to the approval of the Branch to which both persons belong. (See Note Below) Name of Nominee NCM...............................................DNCM.................................................

Proposed by Branch ....................................................................... Area ..........................

Address of Nominee NCM……………………………………...........................................................................................

DNCM...........................................................................................................................................

Brief history of nominees in the Association. Continue on separate sheet if necessary NCM

DNCM

Chairman ...................................................... (signed) ............................................(dated) Secretary ...................................................... (signed) ...........................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................

We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch.

Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................

Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) ..............................................................................

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many National Council Meetings as is possible and to sit on any Committees to which I may be elected.

Signature of Candidate Dated ___________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1500 21st February 2014. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot

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PROPOSED MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2014 Proposals must reach The General Secretary by 1500 21st February 2014 Name of Proposing Branch: ...........................................................................................

Motion / amendment

Explanation of the Motion / Amendment (Notes for Conference)

I certify that this Motion / Amendment represents the views of the Members of this Branch, approved at a Branch meeting by at least two thirds of those members at the meeting. If accepted, the branch delegate will propose it to the Annual Conference.

Signed: ...........................................Hon. Secretary: ...........................................Date In seconding this Motion / Amendment I certify that it represents the views of the Members of this Branch, approved at a Branch meeting by at least two thirds of those members at the meeting. If accepted, the branch delegate will second it at the Annual Conference.

Seconded By: ..................................... Branch.

Signed ...........................................Hon Secretary ...............................................Date Notes a. A separate form is required for each Motion or Amendment b. A manuscript copy is acceptable for additional Motions or Amendments if the printed form is not available. c. The Motion or Amendment should be as short and precise as possible avoiding ambiguity.

A Motion should normally start with the word `THAT' d. The explanation is to assist the Standing Orders Committee in understanding the intention behind the Motion so that they may be able to consider acceptance and the wording under Rule 15. e. Motions may be submitted at any time but must reach the General Secretary by 21st February 2014. f. Motions of Extreme Urgency should reach the General Secretary not less than 48 hours before Conference. (In accordance with Standing Orders S8(7) as amended at 1996 Conference.) g. Amendments to Motions should also normally reach the General Secretary not less than 7 days before Conference. However they can be submitted in writing direct to the Standing Orders Committee during Conference. h. Bye-Laws - Under Rule 19 only the National Council may make a Bye-Law. A Motion to Conference may propose that a Bye-Law be set aside or it may ask the Council to consider making or amending a Bye-Law. i. The Branch Proposing a Motion must have it Seconded by another Branch before forwarding it to the General Secretary (as carried at item 4 of 1995 Conference.)

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Nominations for Standing Orders Committee 2014 For the attention of All Branch Secretaries To reach the General Secretary no later than 1500 21st February 2014 Two members of the Standing Orders Committee are to be elected at Conference 2014, those standing down are eligible to be re-elected. (S/M Allen and S/M Downey).

Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member as a Candidate for election to the Standing Orders Committee, subject to the approval of the Branch to which the candidate belongs. A nil return is not required.

Name of Nominee ................................................................................................

Proposed by Branch ....................................................................... Area ..........................

Address of Nominee …………………………………….......................................................................................................... ..................................e-mail ....................................................

Postcode..................

Brief history of nominee in the Association. Continue on separate sheet if necessary

Branch Chairman ...................................................... (signed) ......................................(dated) Branch Secretary ...................................................... (signed) ......................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate by the proposing Branch is not a member of that Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Candidate's own Branch.

Candidate's Branch ......... ............................................................................

We certify the acceptance of the nomination by the Candidate’s Branch.

Signature of Chairman (Candidate's Branch) .............................................................................

Signature of Secretary (Candidate's Branch) ..............................................................................

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and promise to attend as many Standing Orders Committee Meetings as is possible.

Signature of Candidate Dated ___________________________________________________________________________ Nomination Forms The envelope containing this completed form should be marked NOMINATIONS FOR STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE and must reach RNA HQ no later than 1500 21st February 2014. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot. Nominations received after the deadline will not be included in the Ballot.

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46

Delegate/Observers for the Annual Conference 2014 Coventry Those representing a Branch as a Conference Delegate will receive their pack and name badge at Conference.

Delegates are reminded of the need to sit in the delegates area and not with their Branch observers.

Branch

Area

Name of Delegate Delegate’s Address

Telephone No

Post Code

e-mail Number of Observers Names of Observers

*

Name of Branch Hon Secretary Contact telephone No: (if not branch Hon Sec) Contact e-mail address Name and Address for correspondence (if not branch Hon Sec)

*Please continue on a separate sheet with all your branch observers.

This will be the Branch secretary unless otherwise indicated.

NB: A Delegate will not be confirmed as such unless or until the Branch Balance Sheet for 2013 and Annual Subscriptions for Branch Members for 2014 have been received in RNA Headquarters (Rule 12 C). Should either not have been received in HQ, the Delegate's Status will be deemed to be that of an Observer.

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GO THE DISTANCE! MAKE EVERY MILE COUNT! The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity provides vital support to the serving community, their families and veterans.

You can help us wherever you are in the world by taking part in a run, row, swim or cycle. Your challenge is to cover the number of miles you are from Twickenham before the Army v Navy rugby game. For example, if you are based in Portsmouth, you could row 80 miles. If you are based in Lympstone you could cycle 180 miles.

You could do this individually or as part of a team, with your starting point being your unit, ship’s current location or your affiliated town. Raising sponsorship will help your charity care for you, your family and oppos.

Register now and measure up to the challenge!

Search ‘Road to Twickenham’ on the Virgin Money Giving website or contact: fundraising@rnrmc.org.uk T: 023 9254 8289

the road to

TWICKENHAM

rnrmc.org.uk/roadtotwickenham

Registered charity in England and Wales (1117794) and Scotland (SC041898).