The Moorings, Issue #29

THE MOORINGS ISSUE 29

28 September 2016

Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy

ARCTIC SHIPWRECK MAY BE DOOMED 19th CENTURY HMS TERROR

Crew of the HMS Terror, stuck in the ice and commanded by the British admiral George Back (1796-1878), salvaging lifeboats and provisions east of the Frozen Strait, during the Frozen Strait Expedition, 1836-1837.

Incorporated by Royal Charter

Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

RAYLEIGH BRANCH (AREA 5)

BRANCH CONTACTS 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

01268 772775

Standard Bearer:

Dave Bishop

01268 770521

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

Contact details available on request.

President:

QUIZ Night Winners.

Congratulations to Shipmate Joan Crick and the rest of the ladies in the WRENS team for winning this month’s Quiz Night. They will retain their winner’s trophy and have the opportunity to defend it again at the next Quiz Night on the 12th October. The defending champion (Terry Barker) was nowhere to be seen!

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Cover Story...

More than 170 years ago, British explorer Capt. Sir John Franklin and crew embarked on a journey to navigate the fabled Northwest Passage, but the expedition never made it back. Now, the second ship of that doomed voyage may have been found in the appropriately named Terror Bay, The Guardian reports.

Cued by Inuit word of mouth, archaeologists with the Arctic Research Foundation on Sept. 3 found what they think is the HMS Terror. The ship sits in about 80 feet (24 meters) of water and is nearly intact, according to The Guardian.

"This vessel looks like it was buttoned down tight for winter and it sank," Arctic Research Foundation spokesperson Adrian Schimnowski told The Guardian. "Everything was shut. Even the windows are still intact. If you could lift this boat out of the water and pump the water out, it would probably float."

Lost Expedition: Franklin launched the expedition to the Arctic in 1845, commanding two ships, the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror. He and his men were attempting to navigate the Northwest Passage, the sea route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic Ocean and was long-sought as a trade route by several explorers. In September 1846, during the attempt, the two ships became stuck in ice. A note found on King William Island in 1859 revealed that the ships were deserted in April 1848 and that Franklin himself had died on June 11, 1847.

Eight other officers and 15 men had also died at the time of that writing - April 25, 1848 - meaning that 106 men were left to face their fate. None would ever be heard from again.

RBL MEMBERSHIP FEES. Fees Due 1st October RBL Fee = £21, RBL Blub Fee = £12 Total = £33.00 Payable by cash, cheque or Direct Debit.

Keep an eye on your letterbox for further info.

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Congratulations to Shipmate Dave Mead...

Our most recently appointed Welfare Officer has now received his official WO ID Card, and continues his excellent support for our more needy members.

Dave was also spotted wearing his new shiny new RNA tie, blazer and blazer badge at the Branch meeting earlier this month.

- Well done Dave.

RNA MEMBERSHIP REMINDER. Please remember to update the Standing Order details with your Bank or Building Society with the new ÂŁ14 membership fee for 2017.

Membership renewals are due 1st January 2017.

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Project Semaphore...

A formal application has been made to HQ for Shipmate Les Holyome to be accepted as a “candidate” under Project Semaphore (an RNA initiative to bring “digitally isolated” Shipmates online). A formal application has also been made for S/M Gary Daisley to undertake training as a “volunteer” to become part of the training and support team.

2017 RNA Diaries

Official 2017 RNA diaries, diary inserts and address book inserts are now available to order from RNA HQ, or via Margaret Day, priced at £8, £5 & £1 respectively.

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2017 RNA DIARIES

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RNA CAR STICKERS. S/M Dave Mead is now taking orders for RNA Car Window Stickers.

Priced at just £2.75 each, RNA Car Stickers make a great addition to your car windscreen, now that we no longer need to display a valid road fund licence (tax disc) or Guinness bottle label..!

They’re also a great way of “flying the flag”, but unlikely to stop you getting a parking ticket.

Once Navy, always Navy!

RNA vs. RBL DARTS MATCH...

Friday 7th October (starts 8pm)...

Rayleigh RBL, London Road, SS6 7HP...

“THIS TIME, IT’S SERIOUS!!!” .

TRAFALGAR NIGHT MESS DECK SUPPER. Friday 21st October (starts 8pm) Tickets £11 from Audrey Blomfield Ticket price includes live music and Fish (or chicken) & Chip supper 7

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