THE MOORINGS ISSUE 44
10 May 2017
Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy
POPPY WAVE IN SOUTHEND
The iconic poppy sculpture which graced the Tower of London taking shape on Barge Pier in Gunners Park, Shoeburyness.
Incorporated by Royal Charter
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
RAYLEIGH BRANCH (AREA 5)
BRANCH CONTACTS RNArayleigh@outlook.com 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
01268 772775
Standard Bearer:
Dave Bishop
01268 770521
Welfare Officer:
Dave Mead
01702 307922
Social Secretary:
Audrey Blomfield
01268 781116
Gangway:
Mike Sandbrook
01702 801103
Padre:
Revd. Canon Mike Lodge
01268 742151
PR Officer:
Vacant
BRANCH DETAILS Bank Details: HSBC Rayleigh Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch. A/C: 81065955 Sort Code: 40-38-24. Meeting Venue: Royal British Legion 2 London Hill, Rayleigh SS6 7HP Tel: 01268 776503 Meeting Dates: Fortnightly (see back cover). 2
From the front page: Have you visited the amazing poppy sculpture on Shoebury seafront yet? The 'Wave' sculpture will be at Barge Pier in Shoeburyness until 25 June 2017, and is part of a nationwide tour of the iconic poppies. The sculpture was originally part of the installation at the Tower of London in 2014, where 888,246 poppies were displayed - one to honour every death in the British and Colonial forces of the First World War. Southend was chosen to host 'Wave' due to its important First World War history. The Shoebury Garrison was a training school for the Royal Garrison Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery, where new weapons were tested. It was also the site of the first British War Dog School, established in 1917, where dogs were trained and sent to France and Belgium, and also used as guards and sentries on the home front. Words & pictures from Echo Newspapers
As a footnote, members may be interested to know that the Rayleigh Brass band will be playing at a VIP performance to be held on the last day of the poppy installation on 25 June. Shipmate Dave Smith informs us that the performance will start at 7pm and should be quite a spectacle. 3
Towns celebrate St George’s Day South Essex celebrated St George’s Day with parades and tea parties while raising the flag to celebrate the occasion. St Luke’s Hospice, in Basildon, marked the occasion on Friday 21 April, with patients and staff enjoying a special English afternoon tea. In Rayleigh, members of 6th Castle Mount West Guides helped the Town Council chairman, Christine Callis, to raise the flag of St George at Rayleigh Town Council’s office. The occasion was attended by town councillors and members of the public. Mrs Callis said “It is very important to keep our heritage alive and seeing the support of our young citizens is heartening to know that our future will be in safe hands.”
The Town Mayor and assembled MPs and dignitaries taking the salute during the march past.
In Southend, the occasion was marked with a tradition church service and parade. It finished with the mayor giving a speech and a buffet for everyone at the Military and Naval club. Roger Weaver, the president of the Southend branch of the St George’s Day Association said the day was a success. 4
Shipmate Dave Bishop (far left) carrying the Standard for RNA Rayleigh at the Parade in Southend.
Quiz Masters
Shipmates Jim Hammond, Mike Burnham, Dave Bishop, Terry Barker, Dave Harding and Dave Mead take the trophy and celebrate winning the Quiz Night held on 26 April. The unprecedented win has broken the long run of victories of the ladies team. In retaliation, shipmate Cherry Ablitt has said that she will set the questions and host the next Quiz Night. 5
HMS Belfast visit 28 April 2017 A cracking day out. With special thanks to Wally Filby (HMS Belfast ships company 1962-63), Kevin Price (Ex-RN Gunner and IWM Volunteer) and Mike in the Radio Shack for the RNARS as GB2RN from whom we were entertained with many tails and anecdotes. 6
The RNA Rayleigh boarding party; (left to right) shipmates Gary Daisley, Joan Crick, Lilly & Harry Irons, Phil & Lynne Edwards, Cliff Severn, Alan White, Les Holyome, Trina Sandbrook, Terry Barker, Alma Walton, Mike Sandbrook, Jim Hammond, Ray Fenn, Pat Hammond, Mike Burnham and Tony Reekie prior to boarding. Photo by Heidi Nevin.
7
The ‘luck of the Irish’ was said to be with the crew of this ship from the Belfast shipyard from which she takes her name. Having been nearly destroyed by Germany’s first ‘magnetic mine’ off Scapa Flow in November 1939, she later returned to active service and saw action escorting Arctic convoys, the Battle of North Cape (assisting in the destruction of the German battleship Scharnhorst) and took part in Operation Overlord supporting the Normandy landings. The IWM museum ship has many historic displays onboard and we could have spent many more hours seeing them all, but eventually the call of the pub ‘The Horniman’ was just too great and the promise of a cold beer and a hot lunch got the better of us. The coach back to Rayleigh was full of talk of what we had seen and the personal memories of those who remembered those times. A special thanks to s/m Mike Sandbrook for organising the trip. 8
GAMESHOW GAMES NIGHT SPECIAL EVENT
9
Diary Date:
Rayleigh Branch RNA Formal Mess Dinner Saturday 19 August 2017 The Saxon Hall, Aviation Way Rochford, SS2 6UN. Tickets ÂŁ40. The preparations for the Mess Dinner are going well with a good attendance from our branch members. In order to clarify how many spaces are available to offer to other branches we need to complete our branch bookings therefore, the bookings for our branch members will close on completion of our RNA meeting on Wednesday 10 June 2017. The pre-ordering of wine will also commence on this date. Wine lists have been given out and will be available from S/M's Mike Sandbrook & Joan Crick. The house wine (Red/White/Rose) will be ÂŁ14.50 per bottle but a full wine list is available to choose from. Booking the wine will save time on the night as it will be on your table waiting for you when you take your seats. You will be able to order wine by the glass from the bar if you prefer. As our Chairman Jim Hammond stated at the last meeting the raffle prizes for the night will need to be obtained by seeking donations from local businesses. I would be grateful if all our members could seek donations. In order that thank you letters can be sent to those businesses that have donated prizes, record slips are available from Joan Crick. Once prizes have been obtained please give them and the record slips to S/M Mike Sandbrook. 10
Diary Date:
GAMESHOW GAMES NIGHT Friday 19 May 2017 (8pm) £7 tickets from Audrey Blomfield A fantastic night of fun and games has been arranged by Dave Smith. Tickets cost £7 and will include a six game bingo book. There will be Higher and Lower, Open the Box, Roll-a-coin and a raffle. All are welcome to attend so bring all your friends and family with you. Tickets on sale now. Diary Date:
Mess Deck Supper Friday 14 July 2017 (8pm) Tickets on sale from Audrey Blomfield. Diary Date:
Rettendon ‘Living Memorial’ Re-dedication Service Tuesday 8 August 2017 Service starts at 12 noon. Diary Date:
RACE NIGHT!!! Friday 8 September 2017 (8pm) £TBA tickets from Mike Sandbrook. Diary Date:
2017 Biennial Parade Sunday 10 September 2017 The Cenotaph, Horse Guards Parade, London SW1A 2AX 11
12