Semaphore Circular #644 (November 2014)

The Semaphore Circular No 644

The Beating Heart of the RNA

November 2014

HMS Kent seen heading off from Portsmouth for a deployment on the 209th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, as the remains from Hurricane Gonzalo hit the UK.

RNA members are reminded that hard-copies of the Circular are distributed to each branch via their Secretary, but “silver-surfers� can download their own copy from the RNA website at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk .(See below) 1

Dear Shipmate Readers Welcome to the November Semaphore Circular, the month when we think of those Shipmates who have gone before – and in particular our comrade shipmates who saw service in the First World War. This, of course, is the ideal time to visit the Naval Service Memorial – or arrange next year’s visit. Best of luck – look out for our Vice Chairman S/M Keith Crawford who is representing the Naval Veteran community at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday with Nigel Huxtable acting as his wreath bearer. Don’t forget the drink and sarnie in the Civil Service Club afterwards if you are marching. The RNA postion is head of column E in position E1 – with Bob Coburn as the right hand marker – Admiral John will be in the front rank as usual.

I am delighted to report that we have now received the approval for Conference’s changes to the Charter and Rules – with the National Council amending the Bye-Laws to match. The Charter, Rules and Bye-Laws will be printed and sent to each Branch – we are just in the final proof read phase now. They will be published onto the website at the end of October at which point the new Charter Rules and Bye-Laws should be used. I am sure you will read them carefully, but apart from the simplification and clean up of the documents the main headline changes are: Charter  Change from Full Life Member to ‘Life Member’  Expressly states that the RNA is neutral in terms of gender, race, politics and religion as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This changes the RNA from being non-political to not being party political (therefore can be pro-Navy and speak out). It also means that it is expressly against the Charter to discriminate against females (or males) in terms of branch membership, access to meetings etc.  Sets a different legal structure for the Annual Conference, with the Standing Orders approved

by Conference and arrangements for the Conference under Bye-Laws.

Rules  Clarifies where guidance is available.  Removes time served requirement for Full members.  Introduces category of ‘Serving members’ for RN and RM separate from Full membership.  Introduces a new disciplinary sanction of a written reprimand, also clarifies procedure for discipline cases.  Changes the terms of the Standing Orders Committee to reflect the transfer of the organisation of Conference to Bye-Laws.  Introduces majority voting for most votes, instead of 2/3 rds – with important exceptions  Widening of the voting rights of Associates to those votes not requiring a weighted vote (that is a two thirds vote or a Full and Life members only vote). See By Law 6iii (Life members) and Full and Life members only voting for appointment of President and Vice President; B29, B34(d), B 26(f); B35(a); B38(a) covering disbandment of a branch; refusal of a club permit; sale of club premises; closure of a club . Clarifies Associate non-membership of finance committees. Clarifies that when acting as delegate at Area meetings or Conference has full voting rights.

It would not be surprising if there were questions and queries about the new Charter, Rules and Bye-Laws – please come directly to the General Secretary.

I hope that the printed versions will be with you before Christmas.

As a result of the changes the forms for Conference motions; NCM/DNCM, SOC members and the Club permit have all changed. I have produced new forms at the back which should now be used.

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If a vote was taken before 8 October, then the old forms are valid (which is why they were in the Circ last month); but if the vote is after that date then the new forms should be used.

Please note that the date of the Biennial Parade next year has changed – due to the Tour of Britain cycle race. The parade will now be held on Sunday 6 September 2015, forming up at 1020 onwards.

I am now delighted to report that the website has been updated to a higher security system which allows us to take money over the site.

Therefore people can now sign up and join on the website. We will pass details to you – and you do the eligibility check and charge branch fees only. Following years you charge the annual RNA fee as well as branch subs as usual. If a branch decides to reject a joiner for The long Autumn shadows are now showing a some (valid and legal) reason; HQ lovely colour wash at the Naval Service Memorial will refund to the individual and, if and the ‘Shadow Ship’ holding up nicely. Any appropriate, try a new branch or HQ roll. guesses as to when the Shadow ship over This could potentially take a lot of work overboard (off the granite pavement)? from Hon Secs and could be the normal way to take a new member into the RNA. Finally, do keep up with the excellent offers from UK Holiday group (known as CONA travel service) – they have some stunning deals ideally aimed at veterans.

Yours as ever,

Paul

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Chairman’s Chat – November 2014 Shipmates, This is my first Chairman’s Chat since July and the first of my fifth year as your National Chairman. I was re-elected at the September NC meeting, as was Keith Crawford as National Vice Chairman. I want to congratulate Ivan Hunter, NCM12, who stood against me, and Mike Hesketh, NCM Scotland, who stood against Keith.

The RNA in general is delighted that Scotland voted to stay in the United Kingdom – we did wonder at NC whether Mike might have the shortest term ever as Vice-Chairman had the vote gone the other way! Of course nothing would have happened until 2016 anyway, and we already have a precedent in the Great Britain Branches in that Cork & County and Dublin are considered as “home” not Overseas Branches. Indeed, Paul Stephenson, DNCM for 12 Area, attended several NC meetings when Ivan was recovering from major surgery, so we wouldn’t have thrown Mike off the NC had the vote for Scottish independence been won. As he is also the NCM with responsibility for Overseas Branches I suspect it would have been difficult to do so anyway. More importantly, the independence vote assured our continued RN presence in Scotland, and avoided the UK being the only country in the world with no capacity for warship building within its own borders. The potential loss of thousands of jobs directly or indirectly employed in the defence industries north of the border could have had a major impact in communities around Faslane and Rosyth. The numbers vote was close, but the regional vote was overwhelming, and while I sympathise with those who did not achieve their aim, as many of us fail to do in many elections, I sincerely hope we can continue to enjoy the fun and banter we have always had with our Celtic cousins. My passport says I am a British Citizen, and Britain is what I am proud of, as much as I am of Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

It is now 5 months since the NSM was unveiled and it is still proving to be one of the most popular memorials at the National Arboretum. I know many of you have had Branch trips to see it and it continues to impress. Recent photos we have received, with the sun getting lower in the sky at midday, show the enlarged pavement awash with colour. We extended it from 8m depth as originally planned to 12m, and I think that by the time we get to midwinter’s day we might even see the ship shadow falling over the side. I expect that will give our airy-fairies a bit of a nostalgic thrill!!

In my last Chat I commented upon the death of former National Chairman Fred Chambers. This time I have to express my sadness at the death of Geoff Hayhoe, a long time National Council member and National Vice President. A real gentleman was Geoff, with a good sense of humour and a sharp mind. He didn’t say a lot at NC but when he spoke we all listened because it was always succinct, to the point and very relevant. He was a great help to me in my early days on NC, as I’m sure he was to many others. Sadly I am unable to make his funeral on the Isle of Wight but my thoughts will be with him, his family and his many friends. Rest in peace, Shipmate.

Finally, as we enter the Trafalgar and Remembrance seasons I want to thank all those Branches who have been very generous in inviting me to celebrate these events with them. To those I have been unable to accept I am extremely sorry, but I hope I can join you at some other time in the future. The fun, friendship, unity and comradeship of RNA gatherings have always been important to me as the essence of RNA membership, and I hope to enjoy many more such occasions in the future.

Thank you all, Shipmates, and enjoy this special season for Naval veterans.

Chris Dovey 4

Daily Orders 1. Welfare Seminar – HMS Nelson 28 Mar 15 2. HQ Open Days – 2015 Dates 3. A Poem 4. Conference 2016 – Clarification of Booking 5. Pussers Meal Recipe 6. Important SCAM Information 7. Could you Assist 1 8. Joke 9. Could you Assist 2 10. Finance Corner 11. Donations received 12. Guess Where?

13. Book – County Class Destroyer 14. RNRMC 15. The Chair Test 16. HMS Bulwark -100th Commemoration 17. Another one for the Ladies 18. BFPS – Commemorative Cover –Red Arrows 19. MOD medals and Clasps Review 20. An Apology Longcast “D’ye hear there” (Branch news) Ship’s Office 1. Swinging the Lamp

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

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National Council Member National Council Association Management Committee Finance Administration Committee National Chairman National Vice Chairman National President Deputy National President General Secretary Deputy 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

michelle@royalnavalassoc.com

FAX

023 9272 3371

Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops)

023 9272 3747

nigel@royalnavalassoc.com

Deputy General Secretary

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

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

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 RNA HQ, Room 209, PP70, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth Hants PO1 3LT

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Daily Orders 1.

Welfare Seminar – HMS Nelson Sat 28th March 2015

A Welfare Seminar is being held on Saturday 28th March 2015 in the WO & SR Mess in HMS Nelson. It is primarily aimed at Area/Branch Welfare Officers but Observers and Shipmates with an interest in the welfare aspects of a branch are encouraged to attend. The Seminar will commence at 1000 with refreshments available from 0915. Lunch will be available in the Mess at 1200 - 1230. A number of Welfare Speakers, who will be briefing on a wide range of welfare related issues, have been invited and will be announced shortly, once they have confirmed their attendance.

Vehicular access is available through HM Naval Base Trafalgar gate (bottom of M275) but sadly NO accommodation is available in the mess. So...... You could book in at The Royal Maritime Club which will cost £56.00 per single B&B with a Double Room at £105.00 - phone booking number is 02392 824 231. There are other Hotels available all within walking distance of HMS Nelson, IBIS, Holiday Inn Express and Premier at Southsea to name but a few. It may be possible that UK Holiday Group can provide a deal and we are currently awaiting specific details which will be published shortly.

As well as advertising the Seminar in the Semaphore Circular Shipmate Rita, The National Welfare Officer, will be forwarding this information to all Branch Welfare Officers and any Branch officials whose email addresses are known. Please pass on the message to your shipmates if this is not your ‘part of ship’. The Branch may delegate a volunteer to attend on its behalf if there is no appointed Welfare Officer.

HQ will reimburse travelling costs according to distance, the accommodation cost however is between the member and the Branch. Claim forms will be available on the day so know your mileage or have your train ticket at the ready. Only one claim per Branch is permitted but certainly more than one Welfare Officer per Branch may attend and also any Observers who wish to. Expenses will be as follows;   

Up to 120 miles single journey 120 – 250 miles single journey Over 250 miles single journey

£50 £100 £150

To keep travel expenses to a minimum it would greatly appreciated if adjacent Branches could link up and attendees travel in one vehicle.

Those shipmates wishing to attended are requested to complete the application form at the rear of this Circular and inform Nigel Huxtable at HQ on 02392 723747 or e-mail nigel@royalnavalassoc.com and advise him of;  Make of car/model/colour and registration (Please ensure you are in possession of photo ID to gain access to the HM Naval Base)

If you require any further information please contact S/m Rita Lock MBE on 02392 642234 or ritalock@virginmedia.com

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2.

HQ Open Days – 2015 Dates For information HQ Open Days for 2015 will be held on the following dates, which are all Fridays; 10 April, 15 May, 03 July, 21 August and finally 09 October. As ever bookings are accepted on a first come first serve basis, however...... priority will be given to any branch which has yet to attend an Open Day. You will need to arrive at the HQ at 1100 which will allow enough time for some refreshments, a sandwich lunch and then onto the boat for the harbour tour.

For information some 30 Branches have visited HQ since Open Days commenced so please let Andy, Nigel or Chrissie know if your branch would like to attend and what date. All at HQ really enjoy the Open Days and are looking forward to seeing you.

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A Poem for Senior Shipmates

A row of bottles on my shelf caused me to analyse myself.

One yellow pill I have to pop goes to my heart so it won't stop.

A little white one that I take goes to my hands so they won't shake.

The blue ones that I use a lot tell me I'm happy when I'm not.

The purple pill goes to my brain and tells me that I have no pain.

The capsules tell me not to wheeze or cough or choke or even sneeze.

The red ones smallest of them all goes to my blood so I won't fall.

The orange ones very big and bright prevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pills helping to cure all kinds of ills.

But what I'd really like to know is what tells each one where to go!

4.

Folkestone Conference 2015 – Clarification of Booking Procedure Some Shipmates may be experiencing difficulty booking a room for next year’s Conference in Folkestone. The reason for this is that Shipmates are phoning Britannia hotel group central reservations to book a room and then being told that the Grand Burstin is fully booked. This is because Area 2 have already booked all the available rooms.

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So........ Could I reiterate that the only way to book is to use the booking form from the rear of the latest Semaphore Circular or on line at http://www.rna2area.org/ , or failing that ask HQ to send one to you. For information Shipmates have already booked over 143 rooms and Conference is only 9 months away. So get booking.........

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Pussers Meal Recipe

Shipmate Martin Raine an ex RN caterer has very kindly forwarded a few recipes for naval ‘scran’ which you may like to recreate!! We start the series with the world renowned........

Cheesie Hammie Eggie (Fromagie Jambonie Oeufie) Serves 4 4 slices of White Bread 4 slices of Ham 5 Cackle Berries 225g or 8oz of Grated Mousetrap (medium to mature cheddar cheese) 1 teaspoon of Mustard 50g or 2oz Butter Method  In a blender cream the Mousetrap; 1 of the Eggs, Butter and Mustard together.  Lighlty toast the Bread on each side  Place one slice of ham on each piece of the toasted bread  Divide the creamed mousetrap into four and spread generously over the ham on each slice of toast  Start to fry the remaining 4 Eggs  While the Eggs are frying gently grill the four slices of toast with the ham and cheese topping (time this so both are ready at the same time)  Serve with the egg on top with chips and beans!

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Important Information

For information Shipmates should be aware of two scams that are in operation, please see below.

Telephone Charity Scam Shipmates should be aware of a telephone scam highlighted by Huntingdon & District Branch. One of the branch members had received a phone call supposedly from RNA HQ asking for donations for injured servicemen. Clearly, this was a scam call as HQ would have announced a charity collection well in advance through the Semaphore Circular and Website, so please do not get caught out.

HQ would very much appreciate if shipmates would report any such instances to either Andy or Nigel, contact details available above.

HQ strongly advise that you should never ‘donate’ or provide any bank details to any organisation that phone directly on your home phone number asking for money.

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Telephone Area Code Scam Shipmate Ian Mcqueen (Area 11 NCM) has kindly taken the trouble to forwarded the information below so that Shipmates are aware of this SCAM 0809 Area Code.

S/m Ian received a call last week from the 0809 area code. The woman said “Hey, this is Karen.

Sorry I missed you- get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.” Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 0809. Luckily he did not respond, as this week, he received the an e-mail advising - Do Not ‘DIAL AREA CODE 0809, 0284, and 0876 from the UK’.

If you call from the UK you will apparently be charged a minimum of £1500 per-minute, and you'll also get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as is possible to increase the charges. The ‘scammers’ will try to get you to call an 0809 number by informing you that a family member is ill or by saying someone you know has been arrested, or that you may have won a big prize...... Please do not fall for it!

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Why this scam works....because the 0809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic.........

The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That is because you did DID actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

Please don’t let this happen to you.

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Could you Assist 1 ?

Shipmates may be able to assist Mr Patrick Boniface with information concerning Type 14 Blackwood class Frigates, please see below; Hello My name is Patrick Boniface and I am an author and journalist. My current project that I am researching is into the history of the Type 14 Blackwood class frigates.

I have previously written the histories of the Battle class destroyers and Loch class frigates and the soon to be published Bay class frigates too.

I would be extremely grateful if any of your members who served onboard BLACKWOOD, DUNDAS, DUNCAN, EXMOUTH, GRAFTON, HARDY, KEPPEL, MALCOLM, MURRAY, PALLISER, PELLEW or RUSSELL might like to contribute their memories to make these ships come alive with human stories about their times onboard. The kind of things that I am after are funny incidents, interesting runs ashore, dramas at sea or interesting characters.

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I can be contacted via email at patrick@pbmedia.plus.com or by post at 26 Adisham Green, Kemsley, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 2SR I look forward to hearing from any of your members who might like to have their memories put into this book project.

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Joke – The Stammers Action Group A very pretty young speech therapist was getting nowhere with her “Stammerers Action Group”.

She had tried every technique in the book without the slightest success. No-one was improving. Finally, thoroughly exasperated, she said

"If any of you can tell me, without stuttering, the name of the town where you were born I will have wild and passionate sex with you until your muscles ache and your eyes water.

So, who wants to go first?" The Englishman piped up.

"B-b-b-b-b-b-b-irmingham."

"That's no use, Trevor," said the speech therapist. "Who's next?"

The Scotsman raised his hand and blurted out "P-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-aisley".

“That's no better. There'll be no sex for you, I'm afraid, Hamish.”

“How about you, Paddy?” The Irishman took a deep breath and eventually blurted out " London ."

“Brilliant, Paddy!” said the speech therapist and immediately set about living up to her promise.

After 15 minutes of exceptionally steamy sex, the couple paused for breath and Paddy said d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-erry".

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Can you Assist 2?

Please see the letter below; Hello, My father Douglas Cribley is a former RNA member and has recently been admitted to a home after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Whilst clearing his house, I came across the ties in the attached photos. Rather than just ditch them, I thought it would be good to try and identify the organisations they represent so that I can use the information in conversations with him. They say that sufferers find comfort in talking about the past.

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I have searched the web with no luck and would therefore be most grateful if any of your members could help.

Tie above has a blue background and appears to be joint service with yellow Anchor, crossed Swords and RAF Eagle with separate light blue Sealion and tie opposite is navy blue background with silver single headed eagle topped by a silver crown Kind regards Mike Cribley Lt Cdr RN (Rtd)

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Finance Corner - Michelle

Dear Shipmates, My Bobby and I were very kindly invited to Trafalgar Night at Royal Leamington Spa, the food and company where excellent and a good night was had by all. Considering this Branch was under threat, it was inspirational to see what can be achieved by hard work, strong leadership and management coupled with a willingness to diversify. Moreover, that a Branch can successfully thrive and operate in today’s tough economic times. Well done and BZ. The picture opposite shows me in my gown for the night!....

Now moving on to RNA work........... 

Termly Accounts We have a new volunteer called Tina, who is going to help in the Finance Department, producing the Summer Termly Accounts, these are being created as we speak, and your forbearance is requested while Tina finds her way around the accounts and settles in.

Thank you.



Pooled Fares

All Pooled Fares invoices have now been produced and will reflect in your Winter Termly Accounts, below are the costings: Breakdown on Coventry’s 2014 Conference 109 Delegates of 308 branches attended the Conference The total claims amounted to £6930.00 Divide £6930.00 by 308 = £22.50 which is the average cost for a medium branch Large branches pay an extra 1/3 Small branches pay 1/3 less 

Naval Service Memorial Fund

Many thanks to all those that have contributed to the Charter Challenge Fund.

As at the end of 20 Oct 2014, the total funds stand at £34,114.27, this is made up of: 12

RNA Branches Individual Shipmates NSM – Lapel Badges

£19,777.06 £13,261.88 £1075.33

To anyone who would like to donate not only can you send payment to HQ, but you can also go on to www.bmycharity.com and donate under the Naval Service Memorial.

Yours Aye, Michelle 11.

Donations received for Central Charities and the Charter Challenge – Naval Service Memorial Central Charities RNA Littlehampton

£126.42

Charter Challenge/Naval Service Memorial RNA Selsey RNA Delabole Ms E Maxwell

£500.00 £250.00 £65.00

In memory of the late Sadly in the August Circular it was noted that a donation had been received via Mr Hines £50.00, this was an error, for which we apologise; it should have read ‘from the Fire Brigade Union, In Memory of S/m Harry Hyman’.

S/M Alec Weir S/m David Haymen S/M William J Chivers

£250.00 £65.00 £25.00

Once again thank you so much for your support.

Donations made in someone’s name will go on our memorial web page accessed by a QR code at the memorial. Page is http://www.qr-memories.co.uk/memorial/naval-service-memorial

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Guess Where? An Establishment

Can you name this old naval establishment which sadly closed in 1981and 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 Wiki!!

Answers in next month’s edition.

Last month’s answer!

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HMS Deadalus Lee on the Solent. (The Solent end of the runway is at the bottom of the picture)

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13.

County Class Guided Missile Destroyers by Neil McCart A new book entitled COUNTY CLASS GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYERS by Neil McCart is on sale with Maritime Books.

When they first appeared in the 1960s these ships were unlike any destroyers that had gone before - the County class brought the Royal Navy into the missile age! This lavishly illustrated volume charts the career of all eight ships from design, through launch and throughout their service careers.

The book normally retails at £25 but has been discounted for RNA Members to just £20, which includes postage and packing. Please order from : Maritime Books, Lodge Hill, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4EL. Tel: 01579 343663 Or Order from: www.navybooks.com

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RNRMC – Admiralty Service St Martin in the Fields This year’s Admiralty Service is being held in St. Martin in the Fields – the Admiralty Church – on 1 December. It is the first of the season’s military services and will consist of a traditional Nine Lessons and Carols, followed by a drinks reception in the Crypt of St. Martin’s.

The event has become a traditional meeting point for the Naval staff and their foreign counterparts, and this year The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is working closely with the First Sea Lord’s team, and event sponsors Esri UK and Thales, to open the event to others in the Naval Service family. For information on tickets, please visit rnrmc.org.uk/fundraising/events

15.

The Chair Test

An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one question final exam after a term dealing with a broad array of topics.

The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on his desk and wrote on the board: "Using everything we have learned this term, prove that this chair does not exist."

Fingers flew, erasers erased, notebooks were filled in 1. furious fashion. Some students wrote over 30 pages in one hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair. One member of the class however, was up and finished in less than a minute.

Weeks later when the grades were posted, the student who finished 14

in one minute received an ‘A’. The rest of the group wondered how he could have been awarded an A grade when he had barely written anything at all.

This is what he wrote: "What chair?"

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HMS Bulwark 100th Commemoration – Sheerness / Gillingham

The HMS Bulwark Albion and Centaur Association will be holding a remembering and 100 th Commemoration event, for those who lost their lives in HMS Bulwark on the 26th November 1914, at Sheerness and Gillingham over the weekend 29/30th November.

While anchored near Sheerness on 26 November 1914, HMS Bulwark was destroyed by a large internal explosion for the loss of 736 men. Two of the 14 survivors died later in hospital. The explosion was likely to have been caused by the overheating of cordite charges that had been placed adjacent to a boiler room bulkhead.

The RN has confirmed that an HM Ship and RM Band will be in attendance. Please see the draft programme of events below; Saturday 29 Nov 0830 - Boat to wreck site. Wreath laying etc 1430 - Parade and Service at Woodlands Cemetery 1945 - Gala Dinner King Charles Hotel Sunday 30 Nov am - Church Service If you require any further details please contact Denis Askham BAC Association Secretary at askhamd@oragnehome.co.uk (Editors Note – I have confirmed that Denis’s surname is not AskHim... Do you get it.. Boom Boom! )

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Another One for the Ladies

Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, surely I can't look that old? well...

My name is Alice Smith and I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new Dentist when I noticed his Dental Diploma, which bore his full name.

Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark haired boy with the same name had been in my 15

Secondary School class some 40-odd years ago. Could he be the same boy that I had a secret crush on, way back then?

Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought this balding, grey haired man with the deeply lined face was far too old to have been my classmate.

After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had gone to school at Morgan Park Secondary school. “Yes, yes I did I'm a morganner!’ he beamed with pride. “When did you leave to go to 6th Form college?” I asked In 1965 he replied. Why do you ask? “You were in my class” I exclaimed. He looked at me closely.......... then the ugly........old............ bald.......wrinkled..........fat a***ed.......grey haired...... decrepit, barsteward asked… “what subject did you teach?” !!!!!********!!!!!!******

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British Forces Philatelic Service – Commemorative Cover -The Red Arrows 50ᵗʰ Display Season.

The British Forces Philatelic Bureau has produced a special commemorative cover to celebrate the The Red Arrows 50ᵗʰ Display Season. The Team’s opening season was in 1965. As is tradition, it is the number of display seasons being marked in 2014, rather than the Team’s anniversary or formation.

The cover has three versions, two of these are numbered limited editions, including one signed by the nine pilots. The main image is actionpacked and shows the Red Arrows flying in close formation. A red 1ˢᵗ class stamp will be cancelled by a unique BFPS numbered handstamp. Each cover comes complete with an A4 information sheet about the Team.

The covers may be purchased from the BFPS online shop (www.bfps.org.uk/shop) and cost £6 for the standard commemorative cover, £12 for the flown numbered limited edition and £24 for the flown and pilot-signed numbered limited edition. They are available now to order on a strictly firstcome-first-served basis. The covers are also available by post by sending a cheque (payable to ‘BFPS CIC’) to BFPS The Old Post Office Links Place Elie Fife KY9 1AX (all prices include UK/BFPO p&p).

19.

MOD Medals and Clasps Independent Review

The MOD Medals and Clasps review conducted by Sir John Holmes has now been completed and Shipmates will I am sure be interested to read his the conclusions of his review which have been implemented by MoD.

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The Sir John Holmes Independent Medal Review The Prime Minister appointed Sir John Holmes in April 2012 to conduct an independent review of the policy governing the award of military medals. He issued his report in July 2012, which concluded that the existing guiding principles were reasonably based but that there should be greater readiness to review past decisions. Sir John was therefore commissioned to review independently a number of cases which had been brought to his attention as possible candidates for changed medallic recognition. The aim was to draw a definitive line under issues which in some cases had been controversial for many years, ensuring that consistency and fairness were respected as far as possible, in a context where the judgments are often difficult, but need to be clear and defensible.

This substantial and complex piece of work is now complete. Each of the reviews has been subject to detailed discussion by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals and its conclusions have gained Royal approval.

Responsibility for the implementation of these new awards rests with the Ministry of Defence Medal Office (MODMO). A phased approach has been adopted to allow time for the design and manufacture of the new awards.

The changes and implementation timescales are as follows: New Clasps Cyprus 1963-64 Those servicemen who served in Cyprus during the period 21 December 1963 to 26 March 1964 will be awarded the General Service Medal (1962) with clasp “CYPRUS 1963-64”. Applications for the new clasp will be accepted from 1 March 2015 onwards. The first of the awards will be despatched towards the end of that month (however these timings remain under review).

Applications will be dealt with in date order.

Berlin Airlift The General Service Medal 1918-62 with clasp ‘BERLIN AIRLIFT’ will be awarded for at least one day’s service to all aircrew, RAF and civilians who took part in the Berlin Airlift operation from 25 June 1948 to 6 October 1949 inclusive. Applications for the new clasp will be accepted from 1 March 2015 onwards. The first of the awards will be made towards the end of that month (however these timings remain under review). Applications will be dealt with in date order.

Existing Medals/Clasps that are to be awarded under revised qualifying criteria South Atlantic The qualifying period for the award of the South Atlantic Medal without the Rosette will be extended from 12 July to 21 October 1982, when the airfield at Mount Pleasant was completed.

Applications for the South Atlantic Medal, under the new time extension, will be accepted from 1 October 2014 onwards. The awards will begin to be despatched towards the end of that month.

Applications will be dealt with in date order.

Cyprus 1955-59 Those who participated in the suppression of acts of terrorism in Cyprus between 1 April 1955 and 24 December 1959 will qualify for the General Service Medal 1918–62 with clasp ‘CYPRUS’ if they served for 90 days or more. The qualifying period has been reduced from 120 days, bringing it into line with the qualifying period for service during the Kenya anti-terrorism campaign. Applications for the clasp ‘CYPRUS’ under the new qualifying period will be accepted from 1 October 2014 onwards. The first of the clasps will be despatched towards the end of that month. Applications will be dealt with in date order.

How to Claim Full details on how to claim the new awards are available at https://www.gov.uk/the-ministry-of-defence-medal-office but please note the above dates from which applications will be processed. With the exception of the South Atlantic Medal, RAF and Civilian Pilots are encouraged to submit copies of their flying logbooks to provide evidence of eligibility.

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Application Forms Medal Application Form (For non-serving personnel) Contact Us Write to us at: MOD Medal Office Innsworth House Imjin Barracks Gloucester GL3 1 HW Email: DBSmedals@mod.uk The address provided is for written correspondence only, unfortunately we do not have the capacity to answer face to face enquiries.

Veterans can telephone the free Veterans Helpline 0808 1914 2 18 for further advice. The opening times are: 07:30 – 18:30 Mon – Thurs 07:30 - 17:00 Friday Telephone enquiries about medals from Serving Personnel should be directed to the Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) Free Phone: 0800 085 3600 Overseas Civ: +44 (0) 141 224 3600 Mil: 94560 3600 Fax: 0141 224 3586 Questions and answers How do I claim medals – I am a veteran?

To claim medals that have not been issued, please complete the application form (link above) and return it to the address stated. The following information (or as much as possible) will be required: Service Number, Regiment/Corps (Army/RM), Branch/Trade (RAF and RN), Full Name, Date of Birth, Rank and date of discharge, plus, of course, your current name and address. If you served as a Pilot/Navigator/Aircrew with the RAF, please submit copies of your flying logbook to assist in the assessment of your application. Please ensure only you, as the veteran, sign the application form.

How do I claim medals – I am the next of kin of a veteran who is now deceased?

If a service person’s medals were not claimed whilst they were alive, the medals can still be claimed by the Next of Kin. However, we require documents to confirm proof of death and a declaration of kinship before the medals are issued. ONLY the Next of Kin may make a claim. If you wish to apply, the completed application form and a photocopy of the death certificate should be sent to: MOD Medal Office Innsworth House Imjin Barracks Gloucester GL3 1 HW How do I claim medals – I am the next of kin/relative/friend of a veteran who is still alive but is incapacitated?

You may apply for veteran’s medals if you hold Lasting Power of Attorney over the affairs of the Veteran. If you do not, the veteran must apply themselves. You must send a copy of the Power of Attorney with the application.

How do I claim medals – I am not the next of kin of a veteran who is now deceased?

If you are not the next of kin you cannot apply for the deceased veteran’s medals.

I already have a General Service Medal. Will I get another one when I apply for a clasp?

No. If you are already in receipt of the General Service Medal for which the clasp you have qualified for then you will only receive the clasp. If, however, you are not in receipt of the correct GSM then the MOD Medal Office will issue it with your clasp.

I was a civilian pilot during the Berlin Airlift. Will you have evidence of my service?

No, records for civilian airline pilots are extremely difficult to locate. However, if you send in a copy of your flying logbook from that period, then we will be able to assess your eligibility and award a clasp (and medal if you have not previously been awarded one).

Why has my medal campaign been rejected by the Independent Medal Review?

The Independent Medal Review was commissioned by the Cabinet Office and therefore the MOD is unable to comment on the reasons behind the findings. All queries should be directed to the Honours Secretary at: The Honours Secretary, The Cabinet Office, 70 Whitehall, London SW1A 2AS Why won’t the first award be made until October and why will it take so long to bring in the other medals?

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In order to establish a dedicated team, run commercial activity and process the high volume of applications anticipated takes time. The MOD Medal Office strives to process applications as quickly as possible but it must also maintain the integrity of all awards by assessing the applications carefully against the strict eligibility criteria.

Do I need to send original documents in support of my application?

No, photocopies of documents, death certificates, Power of Attorney are sufficient as the originals are irreplaceable if lost 20.

An

Apology

The Editorial staff apologises to St Neots & District Branch for mis-spelling the branch name and not including the district on the front cover of last months Semaphore Circular. The matter is now closed ! and we will not get even under any circumstances......

RNA Longcast 2014 01 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 2015 07 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 27 Feb 06 Mar 14 Mar 28 Mar 10 Apr 01 May 01 May 09 May 15 May 19 Jun 21 Jun 20 Jun 03 Jul 01 Aug 15 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 05 Sep 06 Sep 09 Oct 07 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 05 Dec

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Area 5 - Area Quarterly meeting - Harwich AMC Meeting – HQ FAC Meeting - HQ National Council Meeting - HQ Area 5 – AGM followed by Quarterly Meeting - Harwich AMC FAC Motions for Conference - deadline SOC National Council Welfare Seminar – HMS Nelson HQ Open Day Dublin Branch visit HQ Christchurch RNA - 50th Anniversary Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Beccles HQ Open Day AMC/ FAC / National Council /SOC Meetings - Folkestone SOC Conference Wash up Conference 2015 – Grand Burstin Hotel Folkestone HQ Open Day Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Southend On Sea AMC HQ Open Day FAC National Council - UJC Biennial Parade - Whitehall HQ Open Day Area 5 – Quarterly meeting- Harwich AMC FAC National Council

‘D’ye hear there’.....

News from around the Areas and Branches RNA Reigate Branch After thirty nine outstanding years as Chairman of the Reigate Borough Branch, S/M Bob Pearce has stepped down from the role.

An emotional evening for Bob, which began with the entrance of his dear friend and the branch’s oldest member, Fred (Bunny) Wells, aged (97). At the end of his final branch meeting as Chairman, Bob was presented with a special plaque in recognition of his service to the RNA. In his final speech, Bob thanked everyone for their help throughout his time as Chairman, and, with the addition of 19 new members who have joined in the past year, he expects the branch to continue for quite some time. In an added tribute to Bob, the branch unanimously elected him as branch Life Vice President.

Pictured above is Bob with his plaque, and Bunny Wells Editors Note – What a super achievement 39 Years as Chairman that is worth a huge

BZ

RNA Aquitaine Branch Shipmate Ken Napier, who is Chairman of the Aquitaine Branch, which covers the South of French France, advised that the Branch’s affiliated French ship visited Portsmouth recently with the 1st Sea Lord Admiral Zambellas onboard during the visit. The Branch visited the ship last May and presented a gift of a French illustrated cookery book, which was well received, by her liaison officer who is the Pusser. S/m Ken (Aka the Frying Scotsman) spent some time in her galley, during a visit to Bordeaux.

RNA Rhonnda Branch On Sunday 28 September 2014 a number of branches from Royal Naval Association Area 7 and other Areas joined the recently reformed Rhondda Branch, at the rededication of their Standard.

Standards and contingents of RNA branches and Sea Cadets marched through the town of Tonypandy, Rhondda 20

Cynon Taff, to St. Andrews Church where the Area Dean, Fr. Haydn England-Simon and the Parish priest Fr Philip Leyshon officiated at the Dedication Service. The Standard was carried by CPO(MW)Rob Crandon who is based in Faslane, escorted by the branch chairman Paul Gower and Branch Secretary Graham Warner, the reading was by Paul Gower, and the exhortation and Kohima prayer by National Council Member, Gordon Williams.

Most of the congregation then paraded back through Tonypandy, the salute was taken by Lt. D Hawkins Commanding Officer of the Wales University RN Unit, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgend.

A reception was held at the Mid Rhondda Working Mens Club, with speeches by the Chairman, Lt Hawkins and the Deputy Mayor of Bridgend. Naval toasts were made with Pussers Rum.

RNA Queensland Branch Shipmate Patrick Hetherman has been touch from down under and forwarded this communiqué...

We have watched with interest the challenge thrown out by Maidstone branch regarding the great game of "UCKERS" and have been playing it out here for quite some time down here using a giant 6 metre board layed out on a floor somewhere. We have even introduced the game to Antipodean Caravaners who certainly have grasped the game with enthusiasm and some violence on occasions.

Our pictures show a couple of shipmates playing in a delightful pub the "Mulgowie Hotel" Shipmate Keith is about to blob up the yellows whilst in the other Shipmate Geoff is removing a threat. We also do not play ‘Suckbacks’ as it prolongs the game too much. A two hour game with four teams makes for a boisterous lunch time day out or a very good way to enjoy the cool of the evening after a tropical day.

We hope to have a social day and challenge with the Royal Marine Association in the future.

Our next event is Trafalgar where we haul out the gas powered cannons firing tennis balls.

Yep being down under makes the blood rush to the head....!!!!

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RNA Huntingdon & District Branch Over the weekend of 27-28 September 2014, Huntingdon Town Council marked the 100th anniversary of World War One with a ‘Living History Weekend’ comprising a number of reenactment displays from British, German and Russian soldiers as well as WWI cavalry, soldier encampments, children’s activities and a sunset ceremony featuring the RAF Wyton Voluntary Band and the RAF Wyton Military Wives choir.

Static displays were provided by local organisations including a stall manned by Huntingdon & District Branch representing the Royal Naval Association. During the day, shipmates Pete Aston and Karl Webb chatted with residents and visitors of the town as well as the Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Bill Hensley. At 1730, service personnel from RAF Wyton arrived for the Sunset Ceremony. Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion were joined by the Branch Chairman, shipmate Bill Small, who paraded the Branch Standard.

The service was led by the Reverend Andrew Milton (who is also Honorary Chaplain for Huntingdon & District Branch). With everyone in position, a drumhead ceremony took place; afterwards, shipmate Karl Webb joined the Mayor, councillors, and Brigadier Nick Davies (Commander Joint Forces Intelligence Group) in order to lay flowers of Remembrance to those who lost their lives during the Great War. The Sunset Service ended with RAF Wyton’s band playing the evening service, Sunset, and the National Anthem. The day did not end with the Sunset Ceremony, the Mayor of Huntingdon led a procession to the Town’s Beacon which he would light as a final tribute to the fallen. Joining the Mayor, the Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, and Town Councillors was a Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Captain Victor Lucas DL (another shipmate of Huntingdon & District Branch). With the Beacon burning brightly, a signal rocket was fired to mark the beginning of a two minute silence (followed by a second rocket marking the end) to close the day’s celebrations.

RNA Derby Branch Shipmate Tom Smith BEM who has been the Chairman of the Branch for 32 years decided to stand down. Tom joined the RNA in 1977. In appreciation of his Dedication and Commitment to the Derby Branch Tom was appointed Life Vice President.

S/M Tom is pictured receiving a certificate from new Chairman Shipmate John O'Gara.

(Editors Note - Congratulations Tom and BZ for your 32 years as Chairman) 22

RNA Belfast Branch 1 Very sadly Belfast Branch would like to advise that their esteemed Shipmate John Gillanders has crossed the bar. John served in both HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious and had been a great member of the Branch serving on committee and as treasurer, he will be sadly missed. S/m John can be seen in the photo below with S/m Ernie White and opposite during his early navy days.

RNA Southend Branch Shipmate Terry Christmas the Branch Welfare officer contacted the Russian Embassy to inform them that some Veterans were not able to collect their Ushakov medals in person. The Ambassador personally arranged for a Russian delegation to travel to Southend and present the Ushakov Medal to Arctic Veterans Richard Dorrington, Alf Stedman, Douglas Shelley, Alfred Fowler and John Lazell.

Who you can see them in the photos proudly holding their thoroughly deserved medals. BZ

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RNA Chard Branch Thanks to the excellent support of Chard residents and businesses the Chard Branch raised £700 at their Armed Forces Day Band Concert at St Mary’s Church, Chard. The superb performance by HMS Heron Royal Naval Volunteer Band made for an evening of first class entertainment with requests for future events to be undertaken.

The sale of tickets raised £680 and through the generosity of local businesses and supporters the excellent range of raffle prizes produced raffle takings of £339. The sale of programmes raised a further £50 and the provision of refreshments saw a profit of £55.50p. With further personal donations of £44.75p a total of £1,169.25p was attained. Outgoings for the cost of the band, church hire and church room hire and refreshments for the band came to £455.62p giving a profit on the day of £713.63p. A further donation was provided by the Branch to make the money up to a grand total of £750 to be split equally between Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) and the Royal Naval & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

At the Royal Naval Association Branch Meeting held on Thursday 9th October the branch was given an interesting insight into both charities by their representatives, Pauline Homeshaw (SSAFA) and Anne Richards (RNRMC), providing details of the diverse support provided to Armed Forces serving and past members and their families.

It was with great pleasure that the President and Chair of the Branch and their members presented the two cheques to their nominated charities, knowing that the money will be put to good use and provide some support for our worthy Armed Forces members and families, past and present, both young and old.

RNA’s Gosport and Lee on the Solent and Stubbington Branches A Gosport peninsular rivalry has broken out between Lee/Stubb and their Turk Town neighbours...... So much so that the Turk Town Secretary has taken to posting articles on social media featuring pictures of him and his workmates prior to joining the RN as a ‘Handbag swinger’!

See below .... I don’t know what he is inferring Lee on the Solent and Stubbington Branch

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Gosport Branch

RNA Brentwood Branch On Tuesday 16th September members of Brentwood Branch together with guests from Chelmsford and Romford Branches enjoyed a coach trip to the Historic Dockyard at Chatham.

The Branch arrived at the Dockyard just before 11am and on arrival were greeted by staff and told that they could visit all the ships and the former diesel boat HMS Ocelot. The Vice Chairman regaled the branch members with his own unique insight as he had previously served in diesel submarines!! The picture shows Two members of Romford branch demonstrate the art of Rope making in the Dockyard ropery.

It was a lovely relaxed day enjoyed all and with fine warm weather it allowed members to wander around at their own pace and relax taking refreshments in the open air between their visits to the various exhibitions.

RNA Royal Leamington Spa Branch Shipmates are advised that the Branch contact details are as follows; Email - leamingtonrna@btconnect.com .

Phone - 07410 138350

RNA Welshpool Branch September saw members of the Welshpool branch climbing Cadair Idris in North West Wales. Just short of the height of Snowdon , but probably a more difficult climb, and this was followed in October by a shorter, but more relevant climb up to Rodney’s Pillar , named after Admiral Rodney. This sudden zest for outdoor pursuits is something of a recent extension of the branches social activities. The madder members of the branch have suggested future activities such as entering a home made raft in the Mersey River Festival raft race , or setting a triathlon challenge for other veterans associations to match...........hopefully those making such suggestions will go and lie down in a dark room for a long time !!!!. (Woh there Trigger!!)

As we approach November the branch is preparing to draw the winners in its Trafalgar draw ( £100 first prize and many other prizes ....most shaped like bottles !). This is the Branches main fundraising effort for the year, and we have been selling tickets at the Welshpool Airshow , local fairs , and Morrisons supermarket. Although the economic times make fundraising more difficult , it has still enabled us to donate £50 each to Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity ; Gurkha 25

Benevolent Trust ; Seafarers UK and SSAFA since March with the intention to donate a further ÂŁ100 to the Poppy Appeal next month, and with the proceeds from a bucket collection at Tesco supermarket in December to go to Royal Marines wounded in recent conflicts.

Finally please also note that our monthly branch meetings have recently changed to 2030 hours on the first Friday of each month at the Welshpool Bowling Club.

RNA Colchester Branch On Saturday 6th September 2014, Colchester Branch hosted 5 members of the HMS RELENTLESS ASSOCIATION in preparation for a ceremony honouring Colchester man and RNA HQ Member, S/m Derek (Jimmy) Bolt, aged 89yrs as the RELENTLESS Association's Honorary President. Jimmy attended this event with his wife Anne, daughter Linda Kingstone and son in law Gerry Kingstone.

There was a good turnout of Colchester Branch members paraded in excellent rig of the day with medals. The celebration started with a normal RNA Branch meeting and when matters were complete, the Branch Chairman, S/m Ron Carr handed over to the RELENTLESS Association's Padre, S/m Revd. John Mills (also Padre of RNA Cromer Branch). The Padre outlined a history of the ship during WW2 from the commencement of the war and to the period when Jimmy served on her, 1944. This information and further reading about HMS RELENTLESS can be found on the Association's website, www.hmsrelentless.co.uk.

Jimmy joined HMS Relentless in 1944, after being bombed by German aircraft while serving in HMS Assegai, and was present in 1945 when RELENTLESS was involved in bombarding airfields in the Nicobar Islands and covered the landings at Port Dixon and Port Swettenham where Marines were put ashore during a long, slow operation. When the Japanese capitulated on September 12th 1945, the ship went to Penang with HMS Nelson where General Seishiro Itagaki was agreeing the Japanese surrender terms. Itagaki was later hanged for war crimes.

Following this introduction, Jimmy was welcomed and appointed as Honorary President of the HMS RELENTLESS ASSOCIATION and awarded a framed certificate of appointment by the Chairman , Bob Blackburn. The Association's Secretary, Steve Newton presented Jimmy with a marvellous framed painting of HMS Relentless leaving Malta in 1942. S/m Roy Bingley and S/m Ron Hiskey from the HMS RELENTLESS ASSOCIATION also attended the function. There then followed Up Spirits and an excellent meal provided by the Colchester Conservative Club. The day continued with a general relaxed social afternoon in the Club culminating in many happy shipmates.

RNA Belfast Branch 2 It is with great sadness that the Belfast Branch announce the lost of their Esteemed Vice President Charlie McCullough JP, Charlie was a highly decorated WW2 Submariner veteran. He was also a founder member of the Democratic Unionist Party, Leader of the

26

Unionist Group in the old Belfast Corporation and the last surviving member of the Northern Ireland Senate.

The Royal Naval Association laid to rest one of its finest this month, his funeral was attended by the Senior Naval Officer Northern Ireland, Lord and Lady Carswell, our president Cdr Peter Campbell, The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast and other dignitaries from the political world Safe Anchorage Shipmate

RNA Belfast Branch 3 The Belfast Branch Shipmates took part in the annual Battle of Trafalgar Service, complete with aftermath!! as seen in the photos below;

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RNA Members Benefits

UK Holiday Group /CONA Holiday Service 

Variety of special deals for both Groups and Individual. 1% of turnover thorough CONA Holiday Service is returned to the RNA. http://www.royal-navalassociation.co.uk/news/323/members-holidays-service

Funeral Service 

2 ½ % discount form Wessex Funeral Services

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard



RNA member entry just £10 plus four guest at £10 each provides access to the all attraction including the Submarine Museum.

Pussers Rum – Special Rates for RNA Official RNA rate for Pusser’s rum set up with Fine Wine Sellers (www.finewinesellers.co.uk) to receive the rate simply quote RNA rate when ordering.

Details are as follows - Normally Pussers Blue Label normally RP £34.49 plus delivery of £4.99 (Delivery is £4.99 whether it is one bottle or 6) RNA discount price £29.49 plus delivery (as above) or 10% discount for 6 bottles or more

Legal Services

Free 30 minute legal advice with Coffin Mew. armedforces@coffinmew.co.uk 0800 827168

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Shortcast (Run in date order) 2014 The HMS Glorious, Ardent, and Acasta Association – 09 November 2014 The Remembrance Day Parade in London. Contact Greg.Monteith 01243 532916 gregmonteith@wsht.nhs.uk

e-mail

HMS Diamond Association - 14 November 2014 Reunion at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea from 14 to 16 November. All welcome. For more information please contact Ray Shipley at shipleyraymond@yahoo.co.uk HMS Eagle Association – 14 November 2014 The 42nd Anniversary ‘Nautical Experience’ reunion to be held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea November 14-16. Meet and greet Friday, various tours from the hotel Saturday with dinner/dance and entertainment in the evening. All commissions 1952-72 welcome with wives, partners and guests. Contact main organiser Danny du Feu at ddf.photography@gmail.com or events secretary Bill Melvin at bill.melvin2@btinternet.com HMS Relentless Association reunion – 28th-30th November 2014 The 72nd anniversary reunion of the HMS Relentless Association will take place at the Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford from November 28th to 30th 2014. Any one who served on Relentless during the 40s, 50s or 60s commissions welcome. For booking contact IOW Tours on 01983 405116 or email enquiries to Secretary@hmsrelentless.co.uk or visit our website www.hmsrelentless.co.uk

Shipmates may wish to know more about the HMS Relentless Association should read the article below.

RELENTLESS was an ‘R’ Class destroyer during WW2 and was the first such destroyer converted into a Type 15 fast anti-submarine frigate. She spent the war years on the Africa, East Indies and Far East stations and on returning to the UK at the end of WW2 was put into Reserve in 1946. Converted into a Type 15 frigate in 1951, she served as ‘Captain D’ 3rd Training Squadron in Londonderry under the command of Capt.Michael Le Fanu (who later became Admiral of the Fleet and First Sea Lord). Placed in Reserve in 1955 she was once again pressed into service in 1963 serving in the West Indies, Mediterranean and Far East until finally being scrapped in 1971.

The HMS Relentless Association was only formed in November 2012 and from small beginnings, and for a ship that was scrapped over forty years ago, the membership continues to grow. Our Patron is Vice Admiral Sir Geoffrey Dalton who, as a young Commander was CO in 1966-67 and one of our more notable members is ex-Chancellor Nigel Lawson - now Lord Lawson of Blaby who was a Sub-Lieutenant on board in 1955.

Our next Reunion is 28th-30th November 2014 in Stafford where we will be dedicating a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to all those who served on board. It would be great to hear from any ex-RELENTLESS oppos or in fact, any of the 29

other seven ‘R’ Class destroyers, or any of the other twenty-five Type 15 frigates.

You can find more information on our website, www.hmsrelentless.co.uk, you can email me at Secretary@hmsrelentless.co.uk, or call me, Steve Newton, on 02392 599 640.

HMS Ajax Association – 13 December 2014 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). So come along and join us on 13th December 2014 at a 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.

2015 HMS Illustrious Association – 15 January 2015 The HMS Illustrious Association will be holding its annual service of remembrance at St James Garilckhythe London EC4V 2AF on 15 January 2015 commencing at 1330. More information is available from Frances Garton on 07985 196908 HMS Penelope Reunion - 20 February 2015 HMS Penelope. Reunion to be held in Blackpool February 20-22. Contact the secretary Mike Bee at mike.bee@ntlworld.com HMS Ariadne Reunion – 13 March 2015 The 4th annual reunion is will be held at the Forest Pines Hotel, Broughton, Lincs DN20 0AQ from 13th to 15th March 2015. A deposit of £20 made payable to Sally Clarke at ‘Just for Groups’ tel: 01603 886740. Total cost is £99pp for the weekend. Former members of any of the commissions are most welcome to attend all or part of the weekend. Please contact HMS Ariadne on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/37130765250/ for more details.

HMS Surprise Reunion – 20 March 2015 The HMS Surprise Reunion weekend will be taking place at the Hadleigh Hotel, Eastbourne during the weekend of 20-23 March 2015. All former ship’s company are very welcome. Interested in attending or getting in touch with your former shipmates? Contact Geoff Prentice at Geoff.prentice@virginmedia.com HMS Resolution Association Reunion – 20/22nd March 2015 The annual reunion for the HMS Resolution Association will take place at the Hallmark Hotel Hull.

Come and meet and greet old shipmates with a chance to catch up and celebrate. Early bookings discount is available before 31st January 2015. (Hotel website – http://www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/our_hotels/hull) The Association is open to all former crew members of HMS Resolution. For further details please contact events-manager@hmsresolution.org.uk or visit the website at http://www.hmsresolution.org.uk/home.php 30

HMS Andromeda Association – 27 March 2015 HMS Andromeda Association reunion will be held at the Holiday Inn, Doncaster February 27-2nd March. Doncaster council adopted the ship in the 1980s and links with the council have been reestablished and it is planned that civic events will take place to commemorate the event. Details of the reunion and the weekend events can be obtained from Isle of Wight Tours on 01983 405116 HMS Campbeltown Reunion – 03 April 2015 First mini reunion to be held April 3-6 in Guzz. Contact Florrie Ford at cf002e5349@blueyonder.co.uk Captain Class Frigates Association – 10 April 2015 To mark the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII, the Captain Class Frigate Association will hold a Final Reunion at the Warwick Hilton Hotel, Stratford Road, Warwick from 10 to 12 April 2015. The guest speaker will be a distinguished Naval Personality. This will be our member’s last chance to meet with former shipmates. Book direct on 01926 499555.

HMS Glasgow (C21 0r D88) Association – 17/20th April 2105 HMS Glasgow (C21 & D88). Reunion to be held at the Queens Hotel, Paignton over the weekend April 17-20. Further details from Gary Eaton at Geaton8@aol.com HMS Protector Association – 24/27th April 2015 HMS Protector Association is calling on all members plus ex ships company who served onboard between 3rd October 1955 to October 1968 to join us at a commemorative 60th anniversary reunion of the first sailing to the Antarctic and the Falkland Islands. The reunion will take place in the Aztec Hotel, Bristol over the weekend 24th-27 April 2015. Members of the 1965 commission are not forgotten as we will be also celebrating the 50th anniversary. It is also the Association’s 16th reunion and AGM. Reunion booking forms and membership application forms can be downloaded from www.hmsprotector-association.co.uk and further details can be obtained from the reunion organiser Doug Harris (01495 718870) at Dougatspindrift@aol.com or PRO Pete Latham (0161 7248164) at peterlatham49@yahoo.co.uk Royal Naval Hospital Haslar Reunion – 01/03 May 2015 There will be a reunion weekend from Friday 01 May until Sunday 03 May 2015 in the Thorngate Halls, Gosport for all personnel who served at RNH Haslar. For further details please e-mail haslarreunion@virginmedia.com HMS Phoebe Association – 01 May 2015 HMS Phoebe Association, Cruiser (C43) & Frigate (F42): Have their annual reunion from May 1 to 4 at the Chatsworth Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. All ex crew are welcome to join us. Please contact the secretary, Roy Pavely at roy.pavely@virginmedia.com Federation of Naval Associations - 08 May 2015 The FNA AGM and reunion wil be held at Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone from May 8 to 11. All Associations and former RN/RM/WRNS/QARNNS/RFA/MN etc are most welcome. Details and booking forms available from Robbie Robson at robbie.fna@virgin.net

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HMS Fife Reunion – 17 October 2015 The HMS Fife reunion will take place at HMS Nelson Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess on 17 October 2015, 1900-2359. For information about this reunion or to register your interest in attending please contact Warrant Officer 1, Darren Emmerton at darren.emerton459@mod.uk

Swinging the Lamp – November 2014

Date 1st

Year 1944

2nd

1800

3rd

1914

4th

1906

5th

1942

6th

1956

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Entry Successful assault on Walcheren. Operation Infatuate 1 and 2. Ships: Erebus, Roberts, Warspite, Kingsmill. No. 4 Army and 41, 47 and 48 RM Cdos. About 180 landing craft of a wide range of types took part.

Alexander Dalrymple, first Hydrographer of the Navy, published the first Admiralty Chart, a ‘sketch of the Road on the NE Side of the Island Houat in Quiberon Bay by Thomas Moore, Master of HM Ship Diamond’.

German battlecruisers bombarded the British coast near Gorleston, Norfolk, for the first time. HM Ships: Halcyon, Leopard, Lively. D 5 sunk by mine 2 miles S. of South Cross Sand Buoy, Yarmouth, seeking, with D 3 and E 10, to intercept the German squadron.

Disturbances among men at the new RN Barracks, Portsmouth. The trigger was the drill order ‘on the knee’ given by Lt Bernard St G. Collard, the duty officer, to stokers fallen-in on the parade ground in the rain on a Sunday afternoon. Stokers, not understanding this gunnery command, considered it a humiliation and insurrection followed. Several ratings were courts martialled and very severely punished. The cause was lack of judgement by a junior officer and it reflected wider deficiencies at RNB. The Admiralty took a dim view.

The Commodore, Executive Officer and Gunnery Officer were relieved. ‘On the Knee’ resounded throughout the nation to the embarrassment of the Royal Navy (as did ‘Bunga! Bunga!’ in 1910).

Collard was court martialled and reprimanded but he returned as an admiral to cause another naval humiliation.

Prime Minister Churchill directed the First Lord of the Admiralty to give names rather than numbers to submarines; ‘I have no doubt whatever that names should be given, and I will myself make some suggestions which may stimulate others’.

British forces landed in the Canal Zone, Egypt, following the nationalisation of the Suez Canal. Helicopter assault in Whirlwind and Sycamore aircraft by 45 RM Cdo launched from Ocean and Theseus on Suez. First major helicopter-borne assault from ships.‘Whatever may be said of Suez – an amphibious success but a diplomatic

7th

1975

8th 9th

1813 1970

10th

1941

11th

1918

12th

1992

13th

1941

14th

1967

15th

2010

16th

1857

17th

1999

18th

1942

19th 20th

1895 1957

33

disaster – it saved the day for the Royal Marines in particular and amphibious warfare in general’ – Col Ewen Southby-Tailyour.

Another black day for the Royal Navy. The ‘infamous’ DCI T641/75 announced that black nylon stockings for Wrens (Vocabs 45500-05) were to be replaced by black tights. ‘BR81 and BR96 will be amended’. The Navy had not fully recovered from the withdrawal of the Rum ration in 1970 when this further blow landed. A vigorous but futile ‘Fight Tights’ campaign was led by the FAA. The black stockings calamity ‘had a devastating effect on morale’.

Boats of Revenge cut out a French privateer at Palamos.

Carrier Ark Royal, Capt John Treacher RN, collided with Russian Kotlin-class destroyer S. Of Crete during Exercise Lime Jug. No damage to Ark Royal.

Submarine Swordfish, first of name and of class, launched at Chatham. (Sentinel, fourth of her name and sixty-second and last of the class, was launched on 27 July 1945.)

Armistice signed by Germany ending the First World War. RN strength 37,636 officers and 400,975 men, excluding RNAS transferred to from RAF on 1 April 1918.

Plans to transfer RN Operational Sea Training from Portland to Devonport and the closure of Portland Naval Base by April 1996 announced by the Armed Forces Minister.

Ark Royal torpedoed by U-81 off Gibraltar (36.03N, 04.45W) while returning from Operation Perpetual. Sank next day, and might have been saved by better damage control, from which many lessons were learned.

Order for first Type 42 guided missile destroyer placed with Vickers: Sheffield.

Destroyer Manchester, Cdr Rex Cox RN, on counter-narcotics patrol in the Caribbean, arrived in Havana for a five-day visit, the first British warship in Cuba since the frigate Bigbury Bay in 1957.

VC: Lt Nowell Salmon, AB John Harrison, Lt Thomas James Young and AB William Hall (Shannon) for gallantry at Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny. Hall was the first non-white and the first Canadian to gain VC. Young married the sister of Mid Boyes, VC. Sea King helicopters from Ocean provided humanitarian relief after major earthquake in Duzce area, Turkey. Within hours the frigate Northumberland was engaged in disaster-relief operations on the island of Anguilla in the wake of Hurricane Lenny.

Arethusa, light cruiser, was escorting a convoy to Malta in Operation Stoneage. Air attacks started at 0600 18 November, and at 1800 Arethusa was torpedoed. She was towed sternfirst back to Alexandria, having to battle with raging fires and a rising gale. She reached Alexandria on the evening of 22nd, with 155 men dead. She was the last serious casualty of the famous 15th Cruiser Squadron. In 1944, Arethusa led the bombarding forces at Normandy and later carried King George VI over the Channel to visit forces in Normandy.

First Commander of Signal Schools appointed Admiral Lord Mountevans, ‘Evans of the Broke’, died at Golaa, Norway. He was second-in-command of Scott’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition and he gained added fame for his dashing action off Dover in the destroyer Broke in 1917. Between the wars Teddy Evans commanded the Royal Australian Squadron, was C-in-C South Africa and C-in-C The Nore.

21st

1914

22nd

1997

23rd

1896

24th

1944

25th

1960

26th

1899

27th

1978

28th

1914

29th

1963

30th

1940

34

Three RNAS Avro 504 biplanes flew from Belfort on the Franco-Swiss border to bomb the German airship factory at Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance, destroying an associated gas plant. The loss of Antwerp having put German airship facilities at Dusseldorf and Cologne beyond flying range, the RNAS aircraft were crated and sent by rail to Belfort. The attack flew N. of Basle and followed the Rhine on a 250-mile round trip over the Black Forest in what Admiral Sir John Fisher, First Sea Lord, praised as ‘a fine feat of endurance, courage and skill’. The senior officer, Sqn Cdr E.F. Briggs, was forced down and captured. Fl/Cdr J.T. Babington and Fl/Lt S.V. Sippe returned to Belfort.

HMY Britannia entered Portsmouth for the last time, escorted by Southampton with CINCFLEET embarked and berthed at South Railway Jetty. Commodore Royal Yachts, Cdre A.J.C. Morrow, rang down ‘Finished with main engines’ at 1135. End of 44-year career, having steamed 1,087,623 miles.

Lofts for the training of carrier pigeons established at Sheerness, Portsmouth and Devonport Corvette Shawinigan (RCN) sunk with all hands in the Cabot Strait (47.34N, 59.11W) by homing torpedo from U-1228.

Royal Marines, except recruits and bandsmen, authorised to wear the green beret of the Commandos.

Naval Brigade formed at Durban from Forte, Terrible, Tartar and Philomel.

The last catapault launch in the Royal Navy: F4K Phantom of 892 NAS piloted by Fl/Lt Murdo McLeod (Pilot) and Lt Denis McCullum (Observer), launched from the waist catapult of Ark Royal at 1515A inbound to RAF St Athan. The last Buccaneer launch that day was an 809 NAS aircraft, Sqn Ldr Rick Phillips (Pilot) and Cdr Ken MacKenzie (Observer).

VC: Cdr Henry Peel Ritchie (Goliath) at Dar-es-Salaam during search and destroy operation. Ships: Fox, Goliath, Dupleix and Helmuth: three German ships disabled, and harbour installations wrecked.

Ritchie’s was first naval VC won in the First World War. Tribal-class frigate Mohawk commissioned at Barrow. Her RM contingent of twenty-two men joined the hard way. Led by Lt Robin Ross RM, they marched out of Eastney at 0930 Tuesday 12 November and marched into Barrow seventeen days later, the afternoon before commissioning.

GC: Lt Harold Reginald Newgass, RNVR, for mine disposal at Garston Gasworks, Liverpool

2014 Christmas cards These are available with envelopes at £5 per pack of ten.

Orders should be sent to HQ Semaphore Tower and be accompanied by a cheque or payment details for the total value.

From: ................................................................Branch/Member Please provide............. Packs of ten Victory Christmas Cards @ £5 per pack Please provide ..............Packs of ten St Albans Christmas cards @ £5 per pack Deliver the order to S/M………………………………............

Address……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………..................…………………………………… ……………………………………….............. ………………………………………………………Post code…………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card No ................................................................... ....... .

Card in the name of :......................................................................................

Valid From: ...................... Expires ....................

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address if different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

35

2015 Diaries The 2015 diary will be sold as the diary part only, price £5.

If you need a diary with the blue crested cover it will cost £8 Orders should be sent to the address below and be accompanied either by a cheque for the total value or instructions to debit a Branch Account.

To: Royal Naval Association, Room 209 Semaphore Tower (PP70) HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order form From: .................................................................Branch Please provide ……………… 2015 RNA insert Diaries @ £5 .00 each £ ......................

Please provide ……………… 2015 Diaries with Cover @ £8 .00 each £ ......................

TOTAL £............

Deliver the order to S/M…………………………………………………………

Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

Find enclosed a cheque to the value of - £ ..................made out to The Royal Naval Association OR debit the ..........................................Branch for £..................

Or charge to my Credit Card/Debit Card; the details of which are: Credit Card/Debit Card No ....................... ................................................... .

Card in the name of :.................................................................

Valid From: ................................ Expires ..................................................... .

Three Digit Security Code (where applicable) ...............................................

Card holder’s address of different from delivery address Address ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………......

Post Code:……………………………

36

Form C3 APPLICATION FOR ANNUAL PERMIT FOR A REGISTERED ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION CLUB (To be submitted to RNA Headquarters by 7 December 2014) PART - The Club Name of Club in full .....................................................................................................................

Registered Number ...........................................................................................................................

Registered Office Address ......................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................

Tel.............................................Post Code......................................

Premises owned by : Club/Branch/Other..............................................................................................

Club membership as at 31 October ‘14 : Life........................Full........................Assoc........................

ANNUAL PERMIT 2014 The undersigned certify that: The Club is registered with the FCA and has registered the annual accounts/financial statements.

The Club is a going concern and solvent under the terms of the Insolvency Act 1986 and this is anticipated for the year of this permit application.

The Club, at its AGM, agreed to abide by the Rules for Clubs laid down by the Association; reviewed its approved Bye-Laws and believes them to be current and appropriate.

Hon Secretary ........................................(Signed)..............................(Print name) .......................Dated Chairman............................................. (Signed)........................... (Print name) ........................Dated Treasurer............................................. (Signed)........................... (Print name) ........................Dated PART II - The Branch The Committee of the ......................................... Branch of the Royal Naval Association has examined the above information and it is satisfied as to its accuracy.

The Committee hereby applies for the renewal of the Annual permit and undertakes to ensure all the conditions therein are complied with.

The present paid up membership of the branch is: Life......................Full...................Assoc......................

Branch Hon Secretary........................................................(Signed)........................................... Dated PART III - The Area Number.......... Area in which the ....................................Branch is situated recommends that National Council approves this application.

Area Hon Secretary ......................................................... (Signed)..............................................Dated

37

PART IV - The Council This application is approved by the National Council, the Bye-Laws, if amended, are approved On behalf of the Council........................................................(Signed) .........................................Dated Notes and conditions (a)

Under Association Rule 11 the Council requires all Branches forming a club to register it and its name with the appropriate authority through RNA headquarters, and thereafter to apply for an Annual Permit

(b)

The application for the Annual Permit should be submitted by the Branch having first received the Area’s endorsement, to RNA Headquarters by the 7 December 2014. If either the Branch or the Area cannot approve the application, it should endeavour to resolve the reasons with the Club, but failing this should report full details to the General Secretary with a copy to the Council member for the area.

(c)

RNA Headquarters will issue the permit dated 1 January of the following year as soon as practicable.

(d)

If the premises are not owned by the Branch it is a condition that adequate facilities are provided by the owner or lessee for the conduct of Branch business.

(e)

If the Secretary’s address for correspondence is not the same as the registered office for the club, this should be shown after their signature

(f)

The conditions specified on the Permit as being accepted by the Club include the following: 1. All members of the Club shall be members of the Association with not less than 20 Full and or Life members as defined by clause 7 of the Royal Charter.

2. The Club will, in general, do all possible to further the objects of the Association and will support and encourage the work of the Branch with which it is associated.

3. The Club will abide strictly by the registered rules which shall be those approved by The Council and accepted by the Licensing authority. Amendments to the Rules may only be made by the Council; they shall apply to each Club, which ensures that they are always compliant with the Law and RNA Charter.

4. Each Club shall review its Bye-Laws annually and submit amendments to the Council for approval.

5 Two copies of the audited accounts of the Club shall be forwarded to the General Secretary each year.

6 The Council shall be entitled to appoint a representative to inspect all documents, accounts and books of the Club on giving seven days notice.

7 The Council and the appropriate Area Committee may from time to time pay a visit of inspection to the Club.

8 The Council can give seven days written notice of cancellation of the permit, whereupon the Club shall thereupon cease to trade under the title of the “Royal Naval Association” and to use the RNA registered Rules.

38

NOMINATION FORM ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DEPUTY MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL (June 2015 to June 2017)( RNA Bye-Law 6) For the attention of All Branch Secretaries in Areas. 2,6,7,8,9,11, Scotland Each Branch may nominate one full or life member from any Branch within its own Area, as a Candidate for election to the National Council, and one full or 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 the nominees in the RNA. Continue on separate sheet if necessary NCM

DNCM

Chairman .......................................................... (signed) ............................................(dated) Secretary .......................................................... (signed) ............................................(dated) ___________________________________________________________________________ If the Candidate’s Association membership is not registered with the nominating Branch, this section is to be completed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Branch through which it is registered.

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

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

Chairman ...................................................................................(signed).........................(dated) Hon Secretary ............................................................................(signed).........................(dated) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Candidate I accept the nomination and undertake to attend as many National Council Meetings as is possible and to sit on Committees to which I may be elected.

Signature of Candidate .........................................................(signed).........................(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 27 February 2015. Only one nomination is needed for a candidate to be included in the ballot.

39

PROPOSED MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015 Proposals must reach The General Secretary by 1500 27 February 2015 Name of Proposing Branch: ...........................................................................................

Motion / amendment

Explanation of the Motion / Amendment (To be included in the notes for Conference)

Hon Secretary ............................................................................(signed).........................(dated)

Name of Seconding Branch: .........................................................................................................

Hon Secretary ............................................................................(signed).........................(dated)

Notes a. A motion is submitted in the name of a Branch. Secretaries of proposing and seconding Branches are certifying that the motion or amendment reflects the view of the Branch meeting (not a committee); and that voting was conducted in accordance with Rule 20. b. A separate form is required for each Motion or Amendment c. A manuscript copy is acceptable for additional Motions or Amendments if the printed form is not available. d. The Motion or Amendment should be as short and precise as possible avoiding ambiguity.

A Motion should normally start with the word `THAT' e. The explanation is to assist the scrutiny of the Standing Orders Committee in understanding the intention behind the Motion so that they may be able to consider its presentation so it can be improved and implemented as soon as possible (Conference Bye Law C4) f. Motions may be submitted at any time but must reach the General Secretary by 27 February 2015. g. Motions of Urgency should reach the General Secretary not less than 48 hours before Conference. (In accordance with Conference Bye Law C6.) and include an explanation about the urgency. h. Amendments to Motions should also normally reach the General Secretary not less than 7 days before Conference. The provision for the submission of amendments during Conference is in the Conference Bye-Laws. i. Bye-Laws. 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. j. The Branch Proposing a Motion must have it Seconded by another Branch before forwarding it to the General Secretary. (Conference Bye Law c3i)

40

Nominations for Standing Orders Committee 2015 For the attention of All Branch Secretaries To reach the General Secretary no later than 1500 27 February 2015 Two members of the Standing Orders Committee are to be elected at Conference 2015, those standing down are eligible to be re-elected. (S/M Lyons and S/M Downing).

Each Branch may nominate one full or full life member of a Branch in the United Kingdom or the Republic or Ireland as a Candidate for election to the Standing Orders Committee, subject to the approval of the Branch to which the candidate belongs.

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 undertake to attend as many Standing Orders Committee Meetings as 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 27 February 2015. 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.

41

Welfare Seminar - HMS NELSON Saturday 28 March 2015 - Application form Please send completed form by e-mail to nigel@royalnavalassoc.com or post to RNA HQ, Room 209, Semaphore Tower PP70, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3LT. Name Area / Branch Position held in Branch Address including Post Code

Telephone/Mobile No E-mail Address

Are you a trained caseworker for – RBL or SSAFA Other Associations Qualifications Do you use CMS ?

Notes

42

Conference of Naval Associations

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Issue 2 - October 2014

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P6693 / V6237

Issue 2 - October 2014