THE MOORINGS ISSUE 54
27 September 2017
Core Values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism & Comradeship - Once Navy, always Navy
WHAT A GREAT MESS!
Shipmate Len Hobbs caught in a pensive moment during this year’s Formal Mess Dinner at the Saxon Hall in Rochford on 19 August 2017. .
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: email: RNArayleigh@outlook.com 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
The Poppy Dance: 30 September 2017
The Royal British Legion Rayleigh, Thundersley and Hadleigh Branches present The Poppy Dance 2017. The event is being held on Saturday 30 September, doors open at 6:30pm, dancing starts at 8pm. The event is being held at the Royal British Legion Club, 2 London Hill, Rayleigh SS6 7HP. Cost ÂŁ2 (members & non-members welcome). Dress: Black tie/lounge wear. Medals may be worn. All proceeds to the Poppy Appeal.
Branch Membership Inauguration Congratulations to Edward and Christine Callis who were sworn-in to Rayleigh Branch as Associate members at the meeting on Wednesday 13 September. Eddie & Christine have supported and represented Rayleigh Branch at recent fund raising events, Operation Sweet Pea, the Branch visit to IWM Duxford and last month’s Formal Mess Dinner. They were both cheered and supported by fellow members of the Rayleigh Town Council during the Inauguration ceremony at RBL-Rayleigh.
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Annual Mess Dinner: 19 August 2017 This year's Annual Mess Dinner was organised by our Chairman Jim Hammond and S/M Mike Sandbrook, assisted by S/M’s Cherry Ablitt and Joan Crick. The very successful event was attended by a total of 90, which were our own members and their guests together with members of RNA Dagenham, Romford and Southend branches. The guests of honour for the evening were Fran and Peter Theobald who own ‘The Living Memorial’ at Rettendon, where the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Association Memorial is sited. The night allowed us to show our appreciation for all they have done for our branch, allowing the Memorial to be placed there after initial consultations with S/M’s Alan Booth and Jim Hammond. Their ongoing support is very much appreciated. The event was held in the Jubilee Suite at Saxon Hall for the second year. We were well served on the night and all our needs were attended to by the efficient and friendly staff throughout the function. The Toastmaster also ensured that the evening ran smoothly throughout. Liam Gillan the photographer was very popular and is now hosting all our photos from the night on his secure website at www.photographerliamgillan.com/royalnavy (password is ‘royal’). Electronic copies can be downloaded or photo prints can be ordered directly from the website. It was good to hear so many positive comments about the evening and how much people had enjoyed the event.
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RNA RAYLEIGH IWM DUXFORD: 12 September 2017
IWM Duxford visit: 12 September 2017 Our visit to IWM Duxford was another fantastic day out for our members. We could not have chosen a better day to visit as the Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Messerschmitt BF109 were all flying as they practiced for the upcoming Battle of Britain air display. 6
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The RNA Rayleigh boarding party with USAF B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally-B; (left to right) shipmates Alan White, Alma Walton, Eddie & Christine Callis, Heidi Nevin, Les Holyome, Lynne & Phil Edwards, Cliff Severn, Ray Fenn, Eddie Dray, Jim Hammond, Pat Hammond, Katrina & Mike Sandbrook.
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We also benefitted greatly from having our very own tour guide S/M Ray Fenn who is a volunteer guide at IWM Duxford. He gave a very informative talk on the history of IWM Duxford and then went on to impart his vast knowledge of the various exhibits on display throughout the site. There were 18 shipmates in our group and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. For many of us it was a trip down memory lane as S/M Cliff Severn worked on the guns of some of the Fleet Air Arm aircraft. S/M Les Holyome had flown in a Sunderland like the one on display and S/M Mike Sandbrook was reunited with a Mk6 Sea King helicopter from his time served on 814 NAS. This was the third visit organised by S/M Mike Sandbrook this year. The location of the next visit is yet to be decided, so if you think of a place that our members would like to visit, let S/M Mike Sandbrook know.
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Guess Who? Can anyone put a name to this strapping young Matelot? As a clue, our mystery man has served on HMS Jamaica, HMS King George V, HMS Phoebe and HMS Pincher during his time in the Andrew. There aren’t any prizes for guessing correctly, it’s just for fun! The answer will be published in the next issue of The Moorings. Last issue’s Guess Who was Shipmate Alma Walton.
It’s a small world Whilst at the last Area meeting in Stowmarket, I bumped into an old shipmate of mine from back in the 80’s with HMS Essex. Shipmate Commander John Adams, (now with Ipswich Branch RNA) was a member of the permanent staff at HMS Ganges before taking his commission. John finished his time with the RNR as Commanding Officer of the shore establishment HMS Essex in Ness Road, Shoeburyness before its decommission in 1992. 10
Diary Date:
RNA vs RBL Darts Match Friday 6 October 2017 First arrows at 8pm - free admission Royal British Legion, London Hill, Rayleigh. Diary Date:
Mess Deck Supper Friday 13 October 2017 (8pm) Tickets on sale from Audrey Blomfield. Diary Date:
Remembrance Parade & Service Sunday 12 November 2017 Muster: Websters Way car park 09:30 Service: Holy Trinity Church 10:00-10:15 start Diary Date:
TURKEY & TINSEL 27 November - 1 December 2017 A festive Christmas break to the Isle of Wight. Details from S/M Margaret Day. Diary Date:
RNA Rayleigh Christmas Social Wednesday 6 December 2017 Enjoy letting your hair down and spending the evening with StarStruck Disco. Diary Date:
UCKERS TOURNAMENT Saturday 16 December 2017 (10:30 - 16:30) £5.00 entry. 11
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