The Moorings, Issue #59

THE MOORINGS ISSUE 59

6 December 2017

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

Incorporated by Royal Charter

Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION 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

2018 - RNA Christmas cards Packs of 10 official RNA Christmas Cards from Central Office are available to buy from S/M Gary Daisley at £5 per pack. The cards feature the Royal Navy’s newest Aircraft Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth on the cover and the text “Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year” inside.

2018 - RNA Diaries Official 2018 RNA diaries are also available from S/M Gary Daisley, priced at £9 for the complete diary, cover and address book set, £8 for the diary and cover only or just £5 for the diary insert if purchased on its own.

A small number of 2012 Diamond Jubilee lapel pins and 2017 RNA Poppy Pins are also available, priced at £2 each.

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Guess Who? We have had loads of fun running the ‘Guess Who?’ feature this year, but can you remember who they all were?

As a final listing on the article, we have compiled the complete list from 2017.

See if you can recall who’s who from the profile pictures on the facing page. You’ll find the answers elsewhere in this issue.

Issue #58’s Guess Who was Shipmate Mike Sandbrook.

Thank you again to everyone who has taken part. As a final teaser, we have two more shipmate’s photos for you to put a name to. There aren’t any prizes for guessing correctly it’s just for fun!

Shipmate of the year As in previous years, past winners of the Award have the opportunity to nominate the person they feel has gone ‘the extra mile’ for the benefit of the Branch. The person who they believe has contributed selflessly and has made the greatest contribution in pursuit of the core values of the RNA. This year’s submissions need to be sent to S/M Gary Daisley by 10 December in order to be counted. All submissions will be forwarded to S/M Chairman Jim Hammond for consideration, with the final decision being announced at next year’s AGM. Last year’s winner was Iain Hendry (pictured above), receiving the trophy and medal from S/M Jim Hammond.

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2017: 25 issues of The Moorings (back issues are available to view at www.issuu.com)

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Extract from the Semaphore Circular December 2017 Dear Shipmates, Welcome to the December Circular. HMS Queen Elizabeth, has now returned to Portsmouth after very successful Contractor Sea Trials, with the ship on track for Commissioning and Acceptance into Naval Service. We were also thrilled at the arrival of RFA Tidespring.

Dedicated and named yesterday, she is the first of four new RFA double-hulled tankers built to a high standard and great price in S. Korea. She is a very handsome ship and highly capable. She is berthed just along from Semaphore Tower on Victory Jetty right next to the QE who she will serve through her long life.

It was good to see a good turnout at the Field of Remembrance and I was privileged to act as wreath bearer for Remembrance Sunday with S/M Carol Gibbon laying the RNA/Naval Associations wreath on the 100th anniversary year of females in the Naval Service at the Cenotaph.

I hope you have lots of fun branch events planned for Christmas after the sober time of Remembrance. Don’t forget to look after those who might be feeling a bit lonely at this time of year – maybe check on the Shipmate who hasn’t been to a meeting recently or a lady member whose husband has crossed the bar.

Please forgive me if this sounds like egg-sucking - I know many of you are brilliant at befriending and looking after shipmates.

May I ask you to book your accommodation for the Dublin Conference and register your Delegates. I appreciate that Dublin is more expensive than usual (for lots of reasons), and I hope that there will be help for delegates with the cost in addition to travel cost to port of embarkation. This is for the NC to decide on 9 Dec in the approval of next year’s budget. We’ll email branch secretaries and put on the website if approved (fingers crossed).

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There are options apart from the Royal Marine Hotel and please email conatravelservices@justforgroups.co.uk for details. Their great brochure also has details of ferries etc.

Some other important points: • Remember the deadline for branch motions is 16 February.

• The Deadline for NCM/DNCM and SOC elections is 16 February.

• Don’t forget that this is a great time to commemorate a shipmate with the Jutland Wood. Details at: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/support-anappeal/centenarywoods/jutland/ • Nigel is looking forward to your orders for our excellent QE Christmas cards and the 2018 diary with the Royal Yacht featured.

• A reminder for anyone interested in the role of RNA Hon Treasurer to give the GS a ring, or to put yourself forward please email GS with your CV and reasons for wanting to take on the role.

• The link https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk is a great start for a grant for Armed Forces Day events. Give it a go.

• We have changed the way we source our branded RNA clothing to allow you to order and pay online. This is something we have been asked for and have now organised. Cost is about the same, with a small fee for the use of the RNA crest coming to CO. See article for details.

• The Standard Bearers’ Competition details are in the Circular this time for next May. Please note that we are running a novices’ competition. Candidates will be eligible for travel support and the use of RN accommodation. The idea is to have a training session and see the best standard bearers at work. There is a presentation and a trophy and a tot I am sure.

• If you are booking into the Royal Maritime Club at Portsmouth (Home Club), then please quote the RNA membership number 7398 and you will get the member’s rate for rooms and in the 8

restaurant. Note that if you book online, the discount will be applied on your arrival and not online.

• There is no January Circular due to the Central Office closed period (22 December to 2 January 2018).

• Don’t forget the LIBOR buses for Christmas events and including those who don’t get out much because of mobility issues.

Finally, a huge Bravo Zulu to Shipmate Marie Taylor who has been presented with her British Empire Medal – following a joint application by the RNA and the Association of WRNS. A richly deserved award for a lady who does a huge amount for others.

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me and all the team at Central Office,

Paul Quinn General Secretary

The Official 2018 Royal Navy Calendar 12 AMAZING IMAGES OF THE FLEET. The official calendar for 2018 celebrates the awesome sea power of our Royal Navy featuring images that show its role sailing the world’s seas protecting and helping in areas in much need of aid and assistance.

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£8.99 Incl. p&p

To order, telephone 01213 331553 (quoting the discount code SEAPOWER18), or go to www.onlinecalendarshop.com.

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Diary Dates

RNA Rayleigh Christmas Social Wednesday 6 December 2017 Enjoy letting your hair down and spending the evening with StarStruck Disco.

UCKERS TOURNAMENT Saturday 16 December 2017 (10:30 - 16:30) £5.00 entry. Contact S/M Gary Daisley.

First Branch Meeting of 2018 Wednesday 10 January Start: 8pm The Royal British Legion Hall 2 London Hill, Rayleigh

Answers: 1-Alma Walton, 2-Tony Reekie, 3-Tom Hurley, 4-Les Holyome, 5-Phil Edwards, 6-Cliff Severn, 7-Mike Sandbrook, 8-Bob Hill, 9-Dave Mead, 10-Jim Hammond, 11-Bill Pye, 12-Terry Barker. Page 4 (top right) Gary Daisley and (left) Bill Vernon.

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