THE MOORINGS ISSUE 47
21 June 2017
Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy
LIBERATION RECOGNITION
Shipmate Les Holyome in receipt of his Legion d’honneur medal.
Incorporated by Royal Charter
Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
RAYLEIGH BRANCH (No.5 Area)
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). Registered Charity: Registration Number 1069148 2
From the front page Shipmate Les Holyome brought his recently acquired medal of honour to show off at our branch meeting on 7 June (ironically, DDay+1). France’s highest military award was presented to Les from the grateful people of France for his action during their liberation in 1944. A formal medal presentation ceremony at Rayleigh RBL is currently in the planning stages. Details to be announced and published as soon as available.
Uckers Tournament Plans are currently being investigated to host an RNA Uckers tournament at the Rayleigh Royal British Legion Hall on London Hill on Saturday 16 December. When the final details have been agreed, invitations will be sent to all RNA Branches in No.5 Area (East Anglia). Southend-on-Sea have already said that they will be sending teams and there has been a lot of interest from our own branch. The branch committee will keep you updated as plans develop.
We’ve been recognised for our work on Social Media HQ have introduced a new feature to encourage us to share our news and promote our Branch on Social Media and digital marketing. The aim is to attract new members, forge stronger links with those still serving or recently left, share any new or innovative activities that our branches are involved with and continue to build our online community. I am pleased to announce that Rayleigh Branch received the very first ‘Branch of the Month’ award through our Facebook page. If you’ve not ‘Liked’ our Facebook page yet, why not find out what it’s all about? See overleaf to see an example of the news we share on our Facebook page. 3
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Chatham Dockyard Visit - 6 July 2017 Group Concession ticket has been reduced to £14 by changing tickets to day only. The price for the visit including entry and coach will be between £27 and £31 depending on how many people go. Therefore, S/M Mike Sandbrook will be collecting £31 from members and then if applicable will make refunds once prices are confirmed. Final numbers for the visit and full payment will need to be given at our next branch meeting on Wednesday 21 June. First pick up will be at Rayleigh Weir at 09:00 and then Royal British Legion at 09:10. The return coach will be leaving Chatham Dockyard at 17:00. There are a few places to eat and get a cup of tea or coffee at the Dockyard, but feel free to bring your own packed lunch to help keep the costs down. Take a look at the Chatham Dockyard before our visit at http:// thedockyard.co.uk/ Any questions contact S/M Mike Sandbrook (details on page 2).
Project Semaphore continues Shipmates Les Rudd and Dave Pocock from Romford Branch will undergo part-1 training and receive their iPads from S/M Gary Daisley at a training session booked for Sunday 25 June. This will be held at Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club following their regular branch meeting. Shipmate Rev. Graham Dunning-Gosling, who is also the new Welfare Advisor for No.5 Area, will also be attending and will step -up to provide continued training as and when required for our Romford shipmates. Anyone wishing to join us for a revision session of part-1 training is to contact S/M Gary Daisley in the first instance. Training also continues elsewhere in No.5 Area, under the watchful eye of Brian Cox, who is presenting part-1 training for shipmates in the Norwich area. Well done Brian. Keep up the good work! 5
Guess Who? Can anyone put a name to this handsome chap’s face? There aren’t any prizes for guessing correctly, it’s just for fun! As a clue, our mystery junior rating has been a regular attendee at Rayleigh Branch meetings since joining in 2010 and also joined us on our visit to HMS Belfast. The answer will be published in the next issue of The Moorings. Last issue’s Guess Who was Shipmate Terry Barker.
Dunkirk, the movie Shipmates may wish to note that ‘Dunkirk’ the long awaited movie from by Christopher Nolan is due out on general release on 21 July and is to be screened at cinemas everywhere. No doubt S/M Bill Vernon will be showing the movie at one of our branch meetings once it’s available on DVD/Blu-ray, but until then, I recommend everyone sees this at the cinema to get the best dramatic audio and visual effect. 6
Diary Dates Diary Date:
Mess Deck Supper Friday 14 July 2017 (8pm) Tickets on sale from Audrey Blomfield at £11 each.
Diary Date:
Chatham Historic Dockyard Thursday 6 July 2017 £31 tickets from Mike Sandbrook.
Diary Date:
Rettendon ‘Living Memorial’ Re-dedication Service Tuesday 8 August 2017 Service starts at 12 noon. Diary Date:
Rayleigh Branch RNA Formal Mess Dinner Saturday 19 August 2017 The Saxon Hall, Aviation Way Rochford, SS2 6UN. Tickets £40.
Diary Date:
RACE NIGHT!!! Friday 8 September 2017 (8pm) £TBA tickets from Mike Sandbrook. 7
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