THE MOORINGS ISSUE 28
14 September 2016
Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy
WESTMINSTER FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE
HRH Prince Phillip with the RNA’s National President Admiral McAnally, at Westminster Abbey and the RNA Garden of Remembrance in November 2015.
Incorporated by Royal Charter
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
RAYLEIGH BRANCH (AREA 5)
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Cover Story... Field of Remembrance – Westminster Abbey 10th November 2016. Any Branches wishing to place a cross in the RNA Garden of Remembrance or want to attend the Field of Remembrance please forward your details and ticket requirements to Nigel in Central office. Crosses can be place in the plot on behalf of a Branch or individual. These can be purchased from Central Office and will be placed on the day by those representing the RNA. Crosses cost £5 each. Shipmates attending are reminded to bring a form of ID with you, and that you need to be enter the garden gate by 1015 and muster at the RNA plot. The Chaplain of the Fleet will conduct a short memorial service and a potential visit from a VVIP. The National President and General Secretary will be in attendance and can be contacted on his mobile – 07850 646755 (if required). Further details received from Nigel Huxtable at RNA HQ: Gates open at 0845 on the day, you will need to be in position before 1030. You will need two forms of ID including photo ID. Further details will be available on the RNA Website nearer the day.
RNA vs. RBL DARTS MATCH... Friday 7th October (starts 8pm)... Rayleigh RBL, London Road, SS6 7HP... “THIS TIME, IT’S SERIOUS!!!” . 3
Extract from the Semaphore Circular September 2016. Dear Shipmate, Welcome to the September Circular, I hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather – I have just had my summer leave, including walking in the Lake District, which was a nice break after the buzz of the Annual Conference and the pleasure of writing the Conference minutes! We have had another successful Open Day with shipmates having a fun day out and two shipmates going to sea in HMS Dragon to explain the benefits of the RNA, at the invitation of the Ship’s XO. A good Circular this time I would draw your attention to a number of important articles please: ♦ The new Counselling Service is a very important new provision under the Aged Veterans programme, and we are one of the provider’s lead partners (that is Blind Vets UK). This is open to all who are eligible and does not have to be related to service in the RN, PTSD. Shipmates may use it in cases of depression, divorce or separation, bereavement or even if you just want to chat to a counsellor. This is a free service for naval or marine veterans, with counselling normally costing over £40 a session, this is an offer of a basic package of 6 free sessions, extendable if required. Welfare Officers and Branch officials please take careful note. ♦ I appreciate that many shipmates may be away on holiday, but Admiral David Steel reminds us that we need to keep plugging away at the Jutland wood trees, which make a great commemorative item – living on into the future to commemorate a shipmate or someone else who may have made the ultimate sacrifice. 4
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And a few admin matters too please: A reminder that if you may be interested in a coach to Perth to let CONA Travel know. No routes or timings have been decided, we are fact-gathering at the moment, trying to judge demand. The National Council will be looking at this issue at their 10 September meeting; no funds have been committed, just practicality and outline costs being worked on. If you don’t let CONA travel or Central Office know that you may be interested, then we can’t include you in the plan. A brief reminder that subscriptions rise to £14 on 1 Jan 2017. We have not yet had formal approval of the Conference motions from the Privy Council, so there has been no change on the CoA arrangements yet. If you have indicated that you wish to parade at the Cenotaph this year, it is vital that you let us have your details. Tickets and joining details will be sent to Central Office in October and we will pass on as soon as we have them. Remember that a higher standard of dress and drill will be required this year. Please keep the applications for Project Semaphore coming in, for iPads for those not online. If you are not sure of eligibility give me a shout and we will sort it out. There is no Circular in October due to Andy’s leave and Nigel is on leave last 2 weeks of September. The metal beret badges sold by Forever-Jack are not approved for wear by the National Council and are not part of RNA rig. Forever-Jack has not checked with the RNA to see if it is OK to market these items. Please let us know if you want to attend the Field of Remembrance event at Westminster Abbey.
So by the time of the next Circular we shall have a new National Chairman, with S/M Chris Dovey standing down at the 10 September meeting. I know that Conference gave Chris a well deserved standing ovation, but I’d like to add my thoughts as he hands the batten over. 5
Chris has been an outstanding NCh. I have seen for myself his sheer dedication, driving the length and breadth of the country to put himself in the firing line at Area and Branch meetings. Always polite, respectful and a great listener Chris is a passionate and devoted member of the RNA who believes in saying it as it is. The RNA is a great place for conspiracy theories, with ‘HQ’ accused of many dastardly plots. Chris has led the RNA and National Council to be an organisation of compete openness, transparency and honesty. It was his idea to champion the change of emphasis to a Central Office responsible for support and to emphasise the role of the National Council in making decisions – underlining the democratic accountability of all RNA activity. I reckon that I email him at least 10 times a day with a phone call twice a week to discuss issues and for him to give me guidance – he has had his hands on the tiller very firmly for 6 years. I shall miss his wise advice, comradely arm around the shoulder when I need a hug, and massive common sense. A big thank you to Gail too who has supported him throughout and is a much loved member of the team. All the best from me and the Central Office (HQ) team. Paul Quinn General Secretary
RNA Sea time aboard HMS Dragon
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BRANCH CONTACTS
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President:
Bob Hill
01268 780449
Chairman:
Jim Hammond
01268 414616
Vice Chairman:
Terry Barker
01268 456165
Hon. Secretary
Gary Daisley
01268 555570
Hon. Treasurer:
Margaret Day
01702 524561
Membership Secretary:
Bill Vernon
Contact details 01268 772775
Standard Bearer:
Dave Bishop
available 01268 770521on request.
Welfare Officer:
Dave Mead
01702 307922
Social Secretary:
Audrey Blomfield
01268 781116
Gangway:
Jack Harrison
01268 743100
Padre:
Revd. Canon Mike Lodge
01268 742151
PR Officer:
Vacant