THE MOORINGS ISSUE 31
26 October 2016
Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy
RNA REMEMBERS NELSON’S BIRTHDAY
Shipmates Dick Ascott and Jim Hammond celebrating Lord Nelson’s 258th birthday with a tot of rum in “Nelson’s Church” with the current Rector (Graham Hitchins) at All Saints Church, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk.
Incorporated by Royal Charter
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
RAYLEIGH BRANCH (AREA 5)
BRANCH CONTACTS RNArayleigh@outlook.com 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:
www.facebook.com/RoyalNavalAssociationRayleigh
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Cover Story... On 2 October, Shipmates Jim Hammond and Terry Barker travelled the bleak Norfolk country lanes to pay their respects at the Lord Nelson Church Service in Burnham Thorpe, and to represent RNA Rayleigh at this annual pilgrimage. Attracted by the lure of liquid hospitality from the Reverend’s private stock of Jamaica’s finest and Nelson’s family connection with the 600 year old church, both shipmates continued the 300 year old tradition and “spliced the mainbrace”! Burnham Thorpe is the most remote and secretive of the Burnhams, hidden among narrow lanes about two miles southeast of Burnham Market. Nelson's father (the Reverend Edward Nelson) was Rector of most of the Burnhams, but this was the site where the original Rectory stood, and where Nelson was born.
All Saints Church, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk.
2017 KEY DATES First Meeting after Xmas 4-Jan-17; Branch AGM 1-Feb-17; Mess Deck Supper 3-Mar-17; Mess Deck Supper 14-Jul-17; Rettendon Memorial Arboretum 8-Aug-17; Formal Mess Dinner 19-Aug-17; Biennial Parade 10-Sep-17; Mess Deck Supper 14-Oct-17.
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RNA vs. RBL Darts Results... The Rayleigh RNA boys were beaten again by the British Legion team at the last darts match on 7 October. An unrepresentative 53 defeat could have gone either way following a 3-3 score at the halfway point.
Left-to-Right: Shipmates Bill Pye, Harry Irons, Jim Hammond, Gary Daisley, Scott Thomson, Adrian Betchley, Bill Vernon, Terry Barker and Dave Bishop. (Inset: Arthur Haslam in action)
WEAR YOUR BADGE WITH PRIDE!
Anyone who bought one of the gold coloured RNA lapel badges from HQ can give themselves a big pat on the back! The gilt range is now sold out (with the exception of “Life Member”), so you now own a genuine “limited edition” collector’s item. 4
RNA MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Please remember to contact your bank to update your Standing Order details with the new membership fee (ÂŁ14 for 2017). Membership renewals are due 1 January. Payment by Standing Order is strongly recommended by the Branch Committee. In order to do so, please contact your Bank or Building Society with the following instructions: Payment date: 1 January (annually). To: Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch. Sort Code: 40-38-24 A/C: 81065955. Receiving Bank: HSBC Rayleigh Branch
OPERATION SWEET PEA The site owners at the Rettendon Memorial Arboretum will again host a Memorial Service and a Rededication Ceremony for Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch members on 8 August 2017. Jim Hammond has confirmed the date with the Revd. Cannon Mike Lodge (Branch Padre) and will be sending formal invitations to RNA National Representatives including; Admiral McAnally, former RNA National Chairman Chris Dovey (OBE), Area-05 (East Anglia) Officers and Standard Bearers plus local MPs and dignitaries. Refreshments, car parking and disabled access will be available. 5
2017 BRANCH COMMITTEE RE-ELECTION Shipmate Jack Harrison will be stepping down from his position as Gangway Boson at next year’s Branch AGM in February, and with it his position on the Branch Committee. Shipmate Audrey Blomfield has also indicated her wish to stand-down as Social Secretary as soon as a replacement can be found. Consequently, nomination forms will be distributed in January to include the following Committee positions. It’s time for some deep soul searching to see who prepared to give a little bit more back to the Branch! Up for election/re-election will be... Vice-Chairman .. S/M Terry Barker Hon. Secretary .. S/M Gary Daisley Welfare Officer .. S/M Dave Mead Social Secretary .. vacant Gangway .. vacant Public Relations Officer vacant
S/M Bob Hill, receiving his Presidential “Chain of Office” from Branch Chairman Jim Hammond at the 2016 AGM
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2017 FORMAL MESS DINNER
The date for RNA Rayleigh Branch’s 2017 “formal” (black tie) Mess Dinner is now set for 19 August at the Saxon Hall in Rochford (same venue as this year’s 30th Anniversary Ball). More details about this VIP gala function will be posted as soon as available. Audrey Blomfield is already in negotiations arranging music for the event, and invitations will again be sent to the RNA Area-05 Committee and Branches, together with local Council and national Government representatives.
RAYLEIGH REMEMBRANCE PARADE Shipmates are reminded that this year’s Remembrance Service is on Sunday 13 November. All members (including “Associate”) are welcome to march with the Branch on this special day. Please note that we meet at Websters Way Car Park at 09:15, ready to march off at 09:40 prompt. Those going directly to Holy Trinity church should plan to be seated by 09:45. 7
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