The Moorings, Issue #63

THE MOORINGS ISSUE 63

March 2018

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

FLEET FLAGSHIPS

HMS Ocean, the Fleet Flagship, visits Portsmouth for the last time and met up with a future Fleet Flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth, who was just about to depart on further sea trials.

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:

Joan Crick

01268 741303

Membership Secretary:

Bill Vernon

01268 772775

Standard Bearer:

Dave Bishop

01268 770521

Welfare Officer:

Dave Mead

01702 307922

Social Secretary:

Mike Sandbrook

01702 801103

Padre:

Rev. David Oxtoby

01268 971814

PR Officer:

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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

Photo competition It was announced at the AGM that a photo competition open to all branch members was to be held in 2018. The winner will receive a trophy at the Branch AGM in 2019 and the winning entry is to be printed on the front cover of The Moorings and printed & framed as a permanent keepsake of the competition.

Rules: • All Rayleigh branch members are eligible to enter.

• Photographs can be submitted in a either digital (1MB or larger) or printed (5”x7” minimum) format.

• Photos must be taken by an eligible Rayleigh branch member.

• Photos to be of a subject matter relating to the RN, RNA, of a general naval theme or RNA activity (including branch visits and formal events).

• Photos must be taken between February’18 and January’19.

• All eligible photos must be received by the Branch Secretary no later than 1 February 2019.

• If sending a printed photograph, the name of the contestant is to be written on the back of the print and sent to RNA Photo Competition, 10 Arundel Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 4EF. • Digital entries are to be emailed to RNARayleigh@outlook.com and may include pictures taken on mobile devices including camera phones and tablets providing they are of sufficient resolution and quality.

• Each photograph (or print) is to be sent with the details of the event or subject matter that the image relates to.

• Printed material will be returned at the AGM, or by post if a stamped addressed envelope is supplied with the print.

• Rayleigh Branch reserves the right to use any submission for promotional and advertising purposes in print, on our Facebook page and other publications.

• Please ensure that you have the permission of anyone in the photo to use their image for this competition and that they understand that it may be used for promotional or advertising purposes as stated above.

So get out there, get snapping and have fun!

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Extract from the Semaphore Circular March 2018 Dear Shipmates, Welcome to the March Circular, I hope you enjoy the picture of HMS Ocean and HMS Queen Elizabeth together, a unique event with the Ocean on her final trip before entering Plymouth to decommission. A great picture by Nigel from the roof of Semaphore Tower. The QE sailed shortly afterwards on flying trials and embarked two Chinook helicopters alongside, with Merlins and a Wildcat joining later.

I had the great privilege of representing the RNA at the Centenary commemoration of the Battle of May Island. This service was planned and managed by the Scottish Area on the request of the Second Sea Lord. There was a wonderful turn out by the RNA and Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock and Lady Woodcock were very touched by the care and organisation of the event. A particular BZ to S/M Karen Elliott for her meticulous planning and best wishes for recovery after an unpleasant car accident.

I was able to visit the HMS Prince of Wales at Rosyth dockyard thanks to the EWO, WO1 Nicholson. I was taken round the Ship by a Seaman Spec Leading Hand and after three and a half hours of long and steep ladders my knees were wrecked. The ship is well advanced in build with the fit-out phase now starting.

The bottom picture shows the hangar, which is vast and can be divided into three separate areas by rapidly deployable curtains.

Some gentle reminders please: • End of year reports should be coming in along with 2018 membership subscriptions.

• Don’t forget to register your Conference Delegate and book accommodation with CONA travel. The National Council has agreed a £100 subsidy per voting delegate to help with expenses, this might be more depending on the uptake.

Remember that the Conference decides on where 4

• • •

• •

Conference is and not the National Council or Central Office staff!!

Do please book up for Open Days, we have vacancies on all our dates.

We have updated the website so that it is now user-friendly for mobiles and tablets.

Do try and come to the Welfare Seminar, we have an excellent programme of speakers and it’s a cheap weekend rate close to the National Memorial Arboretum.

I hope all Branch Sec have read Nigel’s brief on protecting data.

The Libor buses are there to be used and can be booked for longer periods by Areas or branches. Only cost is fuel and a car licence to drive. Give it a go.

Finally, The April Circular will be the hard copy post out of the annual report and accounts, Conference Agenda, raffle tickets etc.

All the best from the team at Central Office,

Paul Quinn General Secretary

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Visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia A message from Andy Fletcher Ex L/RO (G) 1969-78 and member of the Association of Royal Yachtsmen.

"We are visiting Britannia in Leith Scotland for our Annual Working Party between 14-17 May 2018 (Yottie Week).

If any Shipmates are in the Area on these dates it would be a pleasure to welcome them (16 May at 16:00) on the Royal Deck.

A visit could be arranged at around 14:00".

Contact Area Sec for further details (contact info from Branch Secretary). If interested this must be done by 30 April 2018.

S/M Paulette Rose (No.5 Area Hon Secretary)

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Portsmouth Dockyard & RNA HQ Visit: 28 & 29 June 2018 The planning for our Portsmouth Dockyard & RNA HQ visit on 28 & 29 June 2018 is going well. We have had a great response with 26 people already booked. The plan is to arrive at Portsmouth for 10:00 on Thursday. We have arranged for two wheelchairs for the duration of the trip.

On arrival at HM Dockyard Portsmouth S/M Mike Sandbrook will obtain day tickets for all the attractions. We will then be visiting HMS Warrior where tea, coffee and biscuits are to be laid on for us free of charge. After refreshments, we will be split into two groups and given a guided tour of HMS Warrior which is expected to take between 60 to 90 minutes at your own pace.

On completion, we will enter the Dockyard where we will be free to visit the many attractions including HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, HMS M33, Action Stations and the Museum. There is also a shop and café.

At 15:15 (3.15pm) we will be picked up by our minibus and taken to our respective accommodation. Pick up point to be confirmed.

The coach will stop at the Royal Maritime Club and then travel to Trafalgar gate. Those staying in the WO & SR’s Mess are to be issued with passes to access HMS Nelson.

Chairman S/M Jim Hammond is the point of contact for those staying at the Royal Maritime Club and S/M Mike Sandbrook for those staying at HMS Nelson WO & SR’s Mess.

The first pick up on Thursday 28 June will be 07:00 at Rayleigh Weir, 07:10 at the Royal British Legion, Rayleigh and then if required Trafford House, Basildon.

On Friday the minibus will pick up those staying at the Royal Maritime Club and take them to Trafalgar gate where passes will be issued. The minibus will then pick up from the WO & SR’s Mess before moving on to RNA HQ, in Semaphore Tower.

During our visit to RNA HQ, refreshments will be served and a tour given before a boat trip around the Dockyard. The minibus will then pick us up at 15:00 (3pm) for our journey home.

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The cost of the visit including entry to HM Dockyard Portsmouth and coach will be £41 per person. Payment is to be made to S/M Mike Sandbrook in cash or cheque made payable to ‘RNA Rayleigh Branch’ as soon as possible. Food and accommodation will need to be paid separately.

If you have any questions regarding the visit, please contact either Chairman S/M Jim Hammond or Social Secretary S/M Mike Sandbrook.

Formal Mess Dinner - Saturday 28 July 2018 The RNA Rayleigh Branch Formal Mess Dinner will take place on Saturday 28 July 2018. Following on from the very successful event last year, we have kept the same venue Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea. Tickets for RNA Rayleigh members are on sale now. For more information talk to the Mess Dinner Working Group (Chairman Jim Hammond, Social Secretary S/M Mike Sandbrook, S/M Cherry Ablitt and S/M Joan Crick).

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Reward and recognition The No.5 Area’s ‘John Newsome’ award for a branch member who has gone ‘above and beyond’ for the benefit of his branch and advancement of RNA was won this year by a member from Rayleigh Branch. The award was presented by Area Chairman S/M Tim Jarvis and handed to NCM S/M Jim Hammond for safe delivery to the winning recipient at the Rayleigh Branch AGM. John Newsome was a S/M in an RNA branch decommissioned many years ago. He subsequently gave the Trophy to be competed for annually in Area 5.

Little else is known about John or the Trophy, but the first inscription dates back to 2005.

Shipmate of the year This year’s Shipmate of the Year winner is S/M Gary Daisley.

Gary was presented the coveted shield and medallion at this year’s AGM for his outstanding service to the branch. In particular for his leadership and participation in the Project Semaphore initiative to equip ‘digitally isolated’ shipmates with iPads, providing training and accommodating the needs of other branches throughout No.5 Area including providing trainer training and technical support.

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The ‘Reward & Recognition’ continued with 30 year branch certificates awarded to Shipmates Anthony Paxton and Len Hobbs and 25 year certificates to Bob Hill and Ray Pye. Unfortunately, none of the recipients were present at the AGM, so were unable to receive their awards in person. The certificates were to be sent by special courier with a covering letter from the branch Secretary thanking them individually for their contribution over the years. ...and finally, the John Newsome Trophy was presented to S/M Iain Hendry, who also won the Shipmate of the Year award in 2017 for the Annual Mess Dinner organisation and his tireless contribution to the upkeep and maintenance of the RN & RNA Memorial gardens at Operation Sweet Pea in Rettendon.

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No.5 Area Committee Elections Life Vice President: S/M Chas Claxton (Chelmsford) Chairman: S/M Tim Jarvis (Weeley & District) - Re-elected Vice Chairman: S/M Jim Hammond (Rayleigh) - Newly elected (1yr) Hon. Secretary: S/M Paulette Rose (Harwich) - Re-elected Hon. Treasurer: S/M June Ray (Harlow) - Newly elected (1yr) Welfare Adviser: S/M Graham Dunnill-Gosling (Dagenham) Committee Member: S/M Mel Gamlin (Maldon) Committee Member: S/M Pete Chivers (Stowmarket) - Newly elected National Council Member: S/M Jim Hammond (Rayleigh) Standard Bearer: S/M Terry Barker (Rayleigh)

NEW BROOMS! A new broom sweeps clean! (but the old one knows the corners)

RNA Rayleigh Committee & Branch Elections President: S/M Bob Hill Chairman: S/M Jim Hammond - Re-elected Vice Chairman: S/M Terry Barker Hon. Secretary: S/M Gary Daisley Hon. Treasurer: S/M Joan Crick - Newly elected (1yr) Welfare Officer: S/M Dave Mead Membership Secretary: S/M Bill Vernon - Re-elected Social Secretary: S/M Mike Sandbrook - Newly elected (1yr) Minutes Secretary: S/M Dave Bishop - Re-elected Non-Executive posts: Gangway Bosun: S/M Audrey Blomfield - Newly elected Standard Bearer: S/M Dave Bishop Deputy Standard Bearer: S/M Dave Mead - Newly elected 11

Knitting Circle We have received a request for help from the Rayleigh Royal British Legion as follows: “I have been asked to send an e-mail to you all from RRAVS (Rayleigh, Rochford and District Association for Voluntary Service). They are looking for people to sew together pre-knitted squares to produce tea towel size blankets for local charities.

If you are interested, you can either pick up the knitted squares from their offices: RRAVS, Civic Suite, Hockley Road, Rayleigh on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 9:30-14:30, or from their knitting groups: RBL Club Rayleigh. (Knit to Nurture) Thursday 11:30-13:30 or Hockley & Hawkwell 55+ Day Centre, Wednesday 14:00-16:00.

If you require any further information call RRAVS on 01268 772796 or email: volunteers@rravs.org.uk.�

Did you know..?

After four years of war, heavy casualties and the expansion of the RN, the average age of the crew of the battleship HMS Conqueror in 1918 (including the officers) was under 20 years old.

Navy News (February 2013).

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Castle Point: Armed Forces Day 2018 Flag Raising Ceremony The Town Council have confirmed that this year’s flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday 25 June at 10:30am at the Council Offices in Kiln Road, Benfleet.

Canvey Island: Armed Forces Day 2018 Parade & Service The Town Council have confirmed that they are still planning the Armed Forces Day Parade on Canvey on Saturday 30 June, in spite of the proposed works to be carried out on The Paddocks community centre which are unlikely to have progressed by then.

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WRNS in action Our WRNS in action series celebrating 100 years of the Wrens continues with a photo from the IWM archives of the ladies of the Fleet Air Arm re-arming a Hawker Hurricane.

Ground Crew servicing naval aircraft (2 September 1943), Royal Naval Air Station Fighter Direction Station, Yeovilton. WREN Air Mechanics service and maintain aircraft.

Photos courtesy of the IWM

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Diary Dates

HMS MTB667 Memorial Service Monday 5 March 2018 All Saints Church, Brightlingsea.

Mess Deck Supper Friday 16 March 2018 (8pm) S/M Mike Sandbrook.

St. George’s Day Dance Saturday 21 April 2018 Basildon RNA - S/M Mike Sandbrook

RNA v RBL Darts Match Friday 4 May 2018 S/Ms Dave Bishop & Dave Harding

Rayleigh Trinity Fair Sunday 10 June 2018 High Street, Rayleigh

Castle Point Council Flag Raising - Monday 25 June 2018 Council Offices, Kiln Road, Benfleet Muster at 10:30

Canvey Island Armed Forces Day - Saturday 30 June 2018 Castle View School, Canvey Island Muster at 10:00 15

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