S/m Tim Thomson (Horsham Branch).01.05.08

It is with great regret that Horsham Branch must announce the death of S/m Tim Thomson on 18.04.08 in Chichester Hospital, after a short illness.

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Worthing Branch 70th Anniversary.22.04.08

On the 16th March 1938 Worthing Branch of the Royal Naval Old Comrades Association was commissioned. On 16th March 2008 Worthing Branch of the Royal Naval Association celebrated 70 years in commission with a Service of Thanksgiving and the Rededication of the Branch Standard. The Service was held at St.Michael's Church, Amberley, West Sussex. Area 3 Padre Reverend David Farrant conducted the Service which was attended by a grand total of 24 Standards from Royal Naval and Ex-Service Associations led by S/M Val Gleave with No.3 Area Standard.

Read the full article on the Worthing Branch pages, also see more pictures in the Gallery.

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HMS Eagle and HMS Undaunted Reunion.12.04.08

HMS Eagle association and HMS Undaunted Association are holding a joint reunion for HMS SHIPS Eagle (52/72) & Undaunted (44/74)at THE HEIGHTS HOTEL,PORTLAND 10th-12th October 2008,details can be found on the HMS Eagle Websiteor the HMS Undaunted website or ring 0117 947 0122 or email portland_reunion@msn.com

The cost is £60.00 per person, per night, with a £15.00 single room supplement.

The last reunion, held at Blackpool was a great success - come along to this year's joint reunion.

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Book commemorates Zeebrugge Raid.22.03.08

Paul Kendall has sent me details of his forthcoming book.

I have spent six years researching the Zeebrugge Raid and my book on the subject entitled 'The Zeebrugge Raid 1918: The Finest Feat of Arms' is being published by Spellmount in April 2008. This publication coincides with the 90th anniversary of the raid, which took place on 23rd April 1918, St George's Day. During the course of the research I have contacted many of the relatives of the men who took part in the raid and have unearthed unpublished photos and testimonies.

I know that the Zeebrugge Raid is an important event in the history of the Royal Navy, which is being commemorated this year, the 90th anniversary in April 2008. The book can be purchased from "The History Press" (tel 01453 883300), priced £25.00. ISBN is 978-1-86227-477-8

The purpose of my book is to:

Provide an account of the Zeebrugge Raid which took place on 23rd April 1918 to attempt to block the submarines at Bruges. These submarines were responsible for sinking a third of all allied merchant shipping during the First World War and there was a danger that the German submarine campaign could have starved Britain into submission resulting in defeat.

Explore the role of the German Flanders Flotilla based at Bruges, which passed through Zeebrugge to attack Allied shipping during the First World War.

Give an account of the German perspective of the raid. I also have many German photos of German personnel at Zeebrugge from a collection which I own.

The book features the personal testimonies of many of the participants, who took part in the operations, which have never been told before.

I have written biographical tributes and have included the photos of approximately 140 of the men who took part in the Zeebrugge Raid. This is the most important feature of the book, because I give an account of the fascinating lives of the men who raided Zeebrugge. Many of the sailors and Royal Marines that took part in the operation also participated in the Battles of Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland. Many of these men also took part in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 and in the Somme offensive in 1916. Some of the men that survived the Zeebrugge Raid also rejoined the services to fight in World War Two. For those that were deemed too old, they served in the Home Guard or the ARP. One example is Captain Chater, the adjutant of 4th Battalion RMLI. who took part in the actions at Antwerp 1914, Gallipoli 1915, Zeebrugge 1918 during World War One and in 1944 landed in Normandy on D Day. Lieutenant Cooke is another Zeebrugge raider who during World War Two lived under German occupation in Jersey an for over a year risked his life, when he sheltered an escaped Russian prisoner of war in his attic. Their involvement at Zeebrugge and their life stories make fascinating reading and enhance my book on these raids. I have made contact with many of the children and grandchildren of the men who took part in the raid who have provided photos and testimonies regarding the Zeebrugge raid.

I hope that my book pays homage to the men from the Royal Marines Light Infantry and Royal Navy who raided Zeebrugge and will ensure that they will not be forgotten. I hope that you find this information of interest.

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Ostend Visit Report.11.02.08

A report, including pictures from the recent visit to Ostend can be found here. There are still places available, S/m Alan Pecket would be pleased to hear from you if you wish to attend.

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Waterlooville Branch Pickle Night 2007.20.01.08

S/m Nigel King has sent a picture of the Pickle Night Celebrations held at Waterlooville Branch in 2007. A picture can be found on the Waterlooville Branch page.

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Chatham Hospital Pictures.10.01.08

Mr M. Harle is looking for any pictures of the decomissioning ceremony at RN Hospital Chatham. He wrote, "I was a young lad at the time but remember it. There were photographer on hand to record the occasion, try as I might I can't locate a single picture.

My dad, Jack Harle was the highest NCR there (CPO sick berth) and it would be great to have a copy or a look at the photos if they can be found. If there are any old mates of my dad still around and you would like to share your memories with me, to pass on to the next generation and fill in the gaps for me, I would love to hear from you."

Plese contact me if you have any details.

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Searching for Bayford Bennett.28.11.07

I have received the following request for information from Tony Collins in Ayr.

I am trying to trace following man if still alive or at least perhaps his surviving family. Bayford Bennett was a Lieutenant in Royal Navy in WW2. He was A/S Trawler JASPER, T14 when she was torpedoed and sunk in English Channel on 1 December 1942. My Uncle MATT DEMPSEY was a Stoker and was one of eleven men killed in the incident.

Lt Bennett, (a Hampshire man from Bursledon area?) seems to have been an ASDIC Officer and thereafter served on Loch Class Frigate HMS LOCH KILLIN and Captain Class Frigate HMS LOUIS. Enquiries at Royal Navy Departments and at the ship associations has proved negative. What makes me contact you is to see if he is or ever was a member of your branch? A person with same name Bayford Bennett appeared in Portsmouth/Southampton phone books from 1946 to 1956 and in Bournemouth/Exeter directories from 1960 to 1963. A similar name appears in Bournemouth/Exeter directory from 1964 to 1972. Any chance of finding if he was a member. Where he resided? Do any current members have any knowledge of him or what became of him? Any clues or directions appreciated.

Tony can be contacted on 01292 610710.

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Worthing Branch commemorates Dieppe Landings.01.10.07

Friday 17th August 2007 saw Shipmates Peter and Tracy Reed, Bob and Betty Scott, Keith (Branch Standard Bearer) and Doreen Merrett and Joe Pannett (CESA Standard Bearer) of Worthing RNA embarking on the early morning ferry to Dieppe, for the 65th Anniversary of the ill fated Canadian Invasion of Dieppe.

After a pleasant trip across the Channel, they were met at Dieppe by S/Ms Julie and Mike Andrews (Worthing Branch French Ambassadors who live in Puys) and the Newhaven Sea Cadets Commanding Officer Lt Neil Rogers who transported the S/Ms to their various hostelries.

As this was the 65th Anniversary of the Raid on Dieppe the weekend was split into two days of ceremonies. Saturday 18th August saw the S/Ms making their way to Puys seafront where the wreath laying ceremony at the Royal Regiment of Canada Monument was held. S/M Mike Andrews who lives in Puys and No.3 Area National Council Member S/M Peter Reed placed a wreath at the Monument on behalf of Worthing Royal Naval Association.

On Sunday the 19th August the Worthing S/Ms joined up with the Newhaven Sea Cadets and their transport and left at 0815 for the Cemetery at Vertus for the Ceremony of Remembrance, on arrival the Worthing Shipmates and Standards marched with the Sea Cadets of TS DEFIANCE to the Cemetery where once again the Ceremony was being run by the Canadians. A wreath was placed at the Monument by S/M Bob Scott on behalf of Worthing RNA.

On completion of the Service it was back on the transport to the Square du Canada for another Ceremony and Wreath Laying. When all the Wreath Laying Ceremonies on the Seafront Esplanade had been completed, all Associations be they French, Canadian, English and Cadets mustered to march through the streets of Dieppe to the Town Hall where an outdoor reception was planned. But as with all planned events the rain came, straight down and not missing anyone so the reception was held under cover.

Click image for larger view. (2016 x 1512 875Kb)

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RNA Biennial Parade 2007.01.10.07

Area 3 was represented by Standards and Shipmates who mustered in Whitehall Place to march to the Cenotaph at the Royal Naval Association Biennial Parade to the Cenotaph held on Sunday 9th September.

The Parade formed up in Whitehall Place under the watchful eyes of National Ceremonial Officer S/M Alan Robinson and his Parade Marshals, and when it was time, the Band of her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth fell in to lead the Parade. The Parade started off to march to the Cenotaph where the Chaplain of the Fleet and Hon Chaplain to the RNA, The Venerable John Green QHC conducted the Service. It was then time for the March Past, which was taken by the Royal Naval Association National President Vice Admiral JHS McAnally CB LVO. On completion of the Parade, refreshments were available at the Whitehall Civil Servants Club.

Click image for larger version (2514 x 1513 470Kb)

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Chichester Branch 60th Anniversary01.10.07

At the Sailors' Chapel Chichester Cathedral the Branch held a Service of Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the formation of Chichester Royal Naval Association on the 27th September 1947.

The Service was conducted by Area 3 Padre Rev David Farrant was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Hugh Wyatt accompanied by his wife Jane, the High Sheriff of West Sussex Colin Field esq. JP accompanied by his wife Christine, The Mayor and Mayoress of Chichester Councillor Raymond Brown and his wife Margaret, The RNA National President Vice Admiral J H S McAnally CB.LVO, The Commanding Officer of HMS HURWORTH, LtCdr A L Woolhead and most importantly the Shipmates of Chichester branch.

The Branch President S/M David Blythe read out the names of those Shipmates who were at the inaugural meeting of the Branch at the Ritz, Priory Road on the 30th September 1947 they were: Shipmates Jumper Collins, Eric Budd, John Hunt, Reg Seaward, Robert Dearling, Leslie Tench, Sidney Boxall, Geordie Peart and Peter Sykes.

Major Events of the Branch during the past 60 years were:

• 4th September 1949 The Branch Standard was dedicated in Chichester Cathedral.
• 30th July 1956 in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Branch attended the Dedication of the Sailors’ Chapel, Chichester Cathedral.
• 27th September 1997 The Branch celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Park Tavern (formerly The Ritz) in Priory Road.
• 30th April 2000 The Branch planted a Cherry Tree in Litton Memorial Gardens in memory of all those who lost their lives at sea and for whom there is no known grave.

After the Celebration Service was completed, all at the Sailors Chapel, walked from the Cathedral to The Council House, where the Mayor and Mayoress of Chichester hosted a reception for the Branch.

After the speeches an anniversary cake was cut by Vice Admiral McAnally and Mrs Flavia Knight wife of Vice President S/M Knight.

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R.M.A. Southampton Branch Lay up Branch Standard30.09.07

On the 23rd September 2007 at 3pm the Standards of The Southampton Branch R.M.A. and the Southampton R.N.A were laid up in a ceremony in the chapel of the Seafarer’s Society at Queens Terrace Southampton.

Attending were Lt Col. Ian W Grant RM with his wife and Capt. John Wright R.N. representing the Navy and 12 branch standards of the R.N.A. The service was conducted by Reverend William (Bill) McCrae and included the Royal Marine Prayer which ended the service.

A small buffet and bar provided by the Seafarers Society completed a fine afternoon. The Southampton R.M.A, standard was dedicated at the Royal Marines Association Reunion at Deal in September 1976 and was accepted on the branches behalf by Tom Bodman the Standard Bearer at the time and commemorated the passing of members of the branch at least 30 funerals over the past 30 years and was handed over today to Rev McCrae by John Smith father of C/Sgt Simon Smith currently serving in Cdo Log.

Due to pressure of work the branch was unable to obtain the services of a Royal Marine Bugler but the day was saved by the opportune attendance of Lt Cdr Tony Crisp MTC. and bugle who played the Last Post and Reveille instead of carrying his branch standard.

It must be made clear that this does not mean that the Southampton Branch is closing but the branch does have a shortage of able bodied men to carry the standard which was also starting to show its age. New faces would always be welcome at our twice-monthly meetings.

Please click the images for larger views.

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Union Nationale des Parachutistes - Section de la Seine-Maritime Rouen-Dieppe 76128.09.07

On completion of the of the Remembrance Parades Worthing Royal Naval Association were able to present Honorary Membership and a Certificate of Appreciation to four members of the Union Nationale des Parachutistes (French Parachutist Association). The four members of the Parachute Association and their colleagues had given a lot of help to Worthing RNA over the last few years when the Branch attended the Dieppe Memorial service.

The Parachute Association had also given S/Ms Mike and Julie Andrews much needed help when it was needed and especially when Mike had to go into Dieppe hospital for an operation and was then rushed to Paris in an emergency.

Worthing Branch was able to thank the four Association Members who were: Jean-Claude FOSSE (Le President), Jean-Claude CLOUET (Le Vice President), Roger ALONSO and Albert LECOQ.

Click on the pictures to view larger size. (2016 * 1512 ~900kB)

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Brighton Branch Lay Up their Standard26.09.07

On Sunday 2nd September 2007 Brighton Branch of the Royal Naval Association Layed Up their Standard after seventy years of being in commission. After a hard programme of recruiting by the Branch Chairman S/M Terry Grimwood and Branch Shipmates had failed, the Branch decided that now was the time to decommission. The Service was held in the Chapel of St Dunstans Home, Ovingdean. Area 3 Padre the Reverend David Farrant officiated the Service which was attended by Area 3 President Sir Derek Reffell accompanied by Lady Reffell and Shipmates from Branches throughout Area 3.

No 3 Area Standard was paraded with Standards from Aldershot, Burgess Hill, Camberley, Chichester, East Grinstead, Lancing, Lymington & District, Portsmouth, Seaford, Woking and Worthing RNAs, Woking RBL and Brighton and Hove RAFA in attendance. Brighton Branch Standard was carried by S/M Terry Grimwood who has been the Branch Standard Bearer for many years. The Last Post and Reveille was played by Bugler Lieutenant Toni Mugridge Sea Cadet Corp TS SWIFTSURE.

After the Service refreshments and "Up Spirits" were then taken in St Dunstan's reception room.

Click the images to view larger size. (2016 * 1512 ~900Kb)

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Canadian Veteran's Parade 26.09.07

Sunday 12 August 2007 saw S/Ms Keith Merrett, Joe Pannett, Bob and Betty Scott attend the 65th Canadian Veteran's Parade at Newhaven. The Parade started from Denton Island to march through the town, led by Standards from the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Associations and many other Ex-Service Associations. The Standards were followed by a platoon of marching veterans, Newhaven and Seaford Sea Cadet Corps and a contingent of Union Nationale des Parachutistes (French Paratroopers). The Memorial Service was held at the Royal Canadian Engineers' Memorial, South Way Newhaven, where the Reverend Martin Miller held a poignant Service. There were Addresses by the National President of the CVAUK - Miss Christine Baxter, The Worshipful the Town Mayor of Newhaven - Councillor Julie Carr and the Mayor of Dieppe - Monsieur Edouard Leveau.

A Roll Call of the Royal Canadian Engineers casualties on the Raid on Dieppe 19 August 1942 was read by Colonel Kevin Cotton on behalf of the Canadian High Commissioner.

After The Last Post and Reveille many wreaths were placed at the memorial. On completion of the Memorial Service, The Parade reformed and marched back through the town to Denton Island where refreshments were served. Click the images to view larger size. (2016 * 1512 ~900Kb)

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S/M Percy Price 1919 - 200721.09.07

No.3 Area and Lancing Royal Naval Association lost a valuable shipmate and Committee Member when S/M Percy Price Crossed Over the Bar on the 16 August 2007.

His Funeral at Worthing Crematorium was attended by Area 3 Standard and Committee Members, RNA Branch and Ex-Service Association Standards. A Guard of Honour was formed by Shipmates from many RNA Branches, the Fellowship of Naval Men, North Russia Association, the HMS HOOD Association and other Ex-Service Associations that S/M Percy price was a member of. Full story here.

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Bembridge Branch disbands.04.09.07

On Tuesday 28th August a short ceremony was held in the War Memorial Gardens Bembridge to 'Lay Up' the Standard of the Bembridge Branch of the Royal Naval Association, which has been forced to close due to a steady decrease in membership over the last few years. Formed in 1955, with a prospective membership of 200 ex members of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines living in the Bembridge Area, it joined existing Branches in Freshwater, Cowes and the Isle of Wight Branch based in Ryde. The Freshwater and Cowes Branches have since closed and therefore the Isle of Wight Branch remains the only one still operating on the Island.

At Bembridge, the Rev Nick Wallace, Chaplain to the Isle of Wight Branch, accepted the Branch Standard from Shipmate John Hobbs, and conducted a short service of dedication attended by members of both Branches. The Standard was then handed over to Mr Robin Maconchy of the Bembridge Heritage Centre where it will be on display along with the Branch Ceremonial Bell.

The Isle of Wight Branch, has recently received the 'Briggs Bowl', awarded annually to the Branch with less than 30 members, which achieves the best recruitment figure for the year, the 2007 award was the result of an increase from 24 members to 49, the highest figure since the 1960s., but more members would be most welcome. Full Membership is open to all those who have served in the Naval Forces of the Crown, The Royal Navy, Royal Marines, WRNS and Royal Fleet Auxilliary.

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Forums now back online.31.08.07

I have managed to reinstate the Forums, albeit without any of the previous members or posts. I have a copy of the database that was hacked, and the damage at first sight appears to be very extensive and will not allow for a very easy backup.

In the interim, starting afresh may be the easiest and quickest option, although I will still continue to work on restoring the data that was contained in the previous forums.

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RNA 3 Area Forums hacked.30.08.07

Unfortunately the forums have been attacked and malicious code has been installed which redirects all visitors to an external website. This occurred sometime during the last 10 days (that will teach me to go on holiday!), so I am unsure at the moment how much damage has been done.

In the short term, I will have to take the forums off-line and attempt to restore the forum database if possible. Pleae accept my apologies for any inconvenience.

James - Site Admin and Webmaster.

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Details announced for 2008 Area Reunion.12.08.07

The 2008 Area Reunion is to be held at the Rainbow Hotel, Torquay from Friday 4 April to Monday 7 April 2008. You can download an application form from here and view the details of the venue.

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Selsey Branch Annual Barbecue.12.08.07

On Sunday the 22nd July 2007 the sunniest and driest day for quite awhile, saw the Selsey Shipmates and their Guests arriving at S/M Fred Flood's garden for their Annual BBQ. As the S/Ms arrived they were given a sheet of paper and the instructions to walk around the garden and answer the many questions which were attached to trees, sheds, greenhouses, fences etc. Those who had finished that task were then given cloth bags to hold and to try and identify the objects in the bags, others were given a letter to read and decipher finding the items of a shopping list which were hidden in the letter.

Then came the piercing whistle (which only Fred can produce), this started a round of "Happy Birthday" from all the S/Ms as today was also S/M Fred's birthday. The BBQ had started; S/M Fred and his trusty chef were ready to serve up the many types of meats that they had cooked.   After the BBQ had been eaten and S/M Fred had given another piercing whistle and received another round of "Happy Birthday" the call of "Duff is ready" started a rush to see who could get a taste of S/M June Flood's famous Plum Pudding before it all disappeared.

When all the BBQ and many desserts had been cleared away, it was the time for the large raffle and to have all the answers to the quizzes, see who had managed to answer all the questions and the winners receive their prizes.

Sadly the day came to an end and the Shipmates and their guests had one mission to complete and that was to once more sing "Happy Birthday" to S/M Fred and give him his birthday present, but before they left there was a big thank you to S/Ms Fred and June Flood plus the many helpers for another superb Annual BBQ.  

More images can be found in the gallery.

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Chichester Branch Golden Jubilee.12.08.07

At Royal Naval Association National Conference 2007 held in Torquay, the RNA National President Rear Admiral McAnally presented to Area 3 National Council Member S/M Peter Reed a certificate to mark 50 years of Chichester Branch of the Royal Naval Association. Upon receiving the certificate S/M Peter Reed discovered that the certificate should have been presented in 1997. At a Chichester Branch meeting on the 10 July 2007 S/M Reed presented to Branch Chairman S/M Jim Austin the certificate marking the Golden Jubilee albeit 10 years late.

Chichester Chairman S/M Jim Austin receives the Golden Jubilee Certificate from Area 3 National Council Member S/M Peter Reed. Click for the full size image (2016 x 1512 - 660kB)

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Littlehampton Branch Sea Sunday.12.08.07

The last Sunday in July 2007 saw the Branch mustering with invited RNA Branches on the promenade at Littlehampton Beach. The occasion was to mark Sea Sunday, an annual event held in all types of weather and this Sunday was no exception overcast with heavy clouds but very warm. Full story here.

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Worthing Branch Sea Sunday.12.08.07

On the windiest 1st July, the Branch held their Sea Sunday on Worthing sea front. Under the watchful eye of the parade commander S/M Tony Avery the Standard Bearers, TS SCC Band and Shipmates mustered at Splash Point. Full story here.

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Liss Remembers.19.06.07

On Sunday 17th June 2007 members of the Liss & District Branch attended a memorial service held in Petersfield to remember those who had taken part in the Falkland Island conflict. The branch Standard Bearer Simon Sillence paraded the Standard and chairman Bob Dean laid a wreath on behalf of the branch.

The president Captain Mike Barrow attended the Anniversary Parade held in London as he was the Commanding Officer of HMS GLAMORGAN when it was hit by bombs during the war.

Click to view the full size image (1920 x 2560 - 1.53Mb)

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Area 3 Standard Bearer's Competition.12.06.07

On Saturday 26 May 2007 at TS SWIFTSURE's Headquarters in Farnham, eight in number Standard Bearers arrived ready to put themselves through their paces in No.3 Area Standard Bearers Competition. Four of the Standard Bearers were from No.3 Area They were: S/Ms Keith Merrett (Worthing), Brian Double (Crawley) Valerie Gleave (Gosport) and Richard Shenton (Seaford); each entrant was hoping to win the Area 3 Standard Bearers Position.

The other entrants were 2 from Area 2 S/Ms Gordon Appleby (Woking), Christine Sandmann (Chatham), 1 from Area 3 S/M Simon Sillence (Liss & District) and 1 from Area 6 S/M David Corrigan (Bletchley & District) who had entered the Open Competition. After picking their competition numbers, the competitors then paraded in two batches of four, ready to be inspected by the three judges (S/Ms Chris Durban, Norman Saintes and Ron Smith). After a thorough inspection of the competitors dress, bearing, equipment and Standards it was on to the Drill section where all the competitors put on a polished show and the standard of drill was high from all the entrants.

The results were as follows.

• No.3 Area Competition Runner up S/M Valerie Gleave Gosport Branch.
• No.3 Area Competition Winner S/M Keith Merrett Worthing Branch.
• The Open Competition Runner up S/M Simon Sillence Liss and District Branch.
• The Open Competition Winner S/M David Corrigan Bletchley and District Branch.
• There was no Novice Runner Up or Winner as no entrants were received for this competition.

Congratulations and well done to all the entrants of the competition.

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847 Squadron Reunion.05.06.07

There is a 847 naval air command squadron reunion arranged commencing on the 5th to the 7th october 2007 (inclusive dates) at the Bosworth hotel, in Warwickshire (tel:- 01455 291919). It is for all those that served on the Squadron between March 1969 and October 1971. We have arranged with the hotel to hold rooms open for the attendees. So book early as it is filling up fast!

We are still seeking numerous "missing" personnel. So if you are one of them please contact either myself, John Lawrence (newks) on 0161 7553170 (anytime)or Cliff Jones on 01772768104 (evenings) for the full details. It is the first time we have held such a reunion so make it one to remember!

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Liss and District Bid Farewell to their Padre.15.05.07

It is with much sadness that the Liss and District branch said farewell to their Padre at the May meeting. The branch have been extremely proud of their Padre as they could boast as being the only branch to have a French lady in this role. Full story here.

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Area 3 Annual Reunion.15.05.07

Friday 23 March 2007 at the Russell Hotel, Weymouth saw the gathering of Shipmates from all over Area 3 mustering for their Annual Reunion. Reunion 2007 was fully booked and looked to be the largest reunion to date. Friday evening after dinner saw the shipmates booking their seats around the bar area ready for the evening entertainment. The evening started off with games of Bingo, then when the music started, up they jumped it was if they had never been away, yes the Area 3 formation dance team took to the floor. Sadly the evening soon passed and so it was up to bed.

Saturday 24 March, with a coach waiting outside the hotel the Shipmates were soon bound for RNAS Yeovilton or the wholesale outlet village at Street. Those who did not go on the trip were out on trips of their own. The coach stopped at RNAS Yeovilton and the Fleet Air Arm Shipmates who were on board jumped off the coach like young gazelles ready to enjoy themselves at their old home base. Those left on the coach were soon at Street and as they left the coach, you could see the ladies stepping out sprightly and bright eyed ready to do battle with the shops and the men clutching tightly to their wallets and credit cards.

Saturday evening was the Gala Dinner Night. In the bar the Shipmates, dressed in their best bib and tuckers and the ladies dressed up to the nines were waiting for the pipe "Hands to Dinner". When the Shipmates were in the Dining Hall, the Standard was marched in by S/M Keith Merrett, Area 3 Standard Bearer, Shipmates wondered why the Area Standard was marched in one door and out the other, the reason was because the ceiling of the dining hall was to low for the ceremonial handing over of the Standard to the Area National Council Member S/M Peter Reed.

After "Grace" and the "Loyal Toast" dinner was served. When dinner finished it was back into the entertainment area where once again, shipmates began to enjoy themselves after a game of "HOY" (bingo with playing cards) the dancing started. The dance floor was soon rocking and reeling to the shipmates who were dancing to all types of music. Once again time took its toll and soon the dance floor was only being used by a couple of shipmates as the remainder made their way up to bed.

Sunday 25 March, Annual Church Service, the annual church service was held in the hotel ballroom and what a grand site it was to see so many Shipmates attending the service, where Peter Hayward in his usual jovial (but serious!!) way prepared the congregation for the Service. Hymns were sung, prayers said and Shipmates who had "Passed Over the Bar" remembered.

"Up Spirits" was piped and S/M Fred Flood and the Rum Bosuns were soon surrounded by Shipmates waiting for their tot of "Pussers" or wine. After a grand buffet lunch, some shipmates retired to their rooms and others played a few games in the bar area. After dinner, the shipmates were soon on their way into the hotel ballroom, ready to be entertained, listening to jokes, dancing and taking part in the various raffles. Monday 26 March, This is always a sad event, The shipmates were leaving, saying their farewells, lots of shaking of hands, hugging and kissing, see you next year, you bet we will.

From many shipmates who attended the reunion, I have been asked to say thank you to the Area Social Secretary and IOW Tours who organized the reunion. Well done Shipmate.

Further pictures from the reunion can be seen in the gallery.

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Lewes Branch decomissioning.09.05.07

Lewes Branch of the Royal Naval Association was commissioned in 1965 and was awarded their Silver Jubilee Certificate in February 1990. Full story here.

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Laying up of Farnham Branch Standard.05.02.07

On a cold but dry Sunday 4th February 2007 the decommissioned Farnham Branch of the Royal Naval Association held their Standard Laying up Service. The Service was held at St Andrews Parish Church Farnham and conducted by the Rector Revd Andrew Tuck assisted by S/M Stewart Dyke who gave the Address. The Royal Naval Association National President Vice Admiral J McAnally CB LVO attended the Service as did Area 3 President Sir Derek Reffell KCB accompanied by Lady Reffell. The Mayors of Waverley and Farnham, the only surviving founder of the Farnham branch S/m George Parker, The National Council Member for Area 3 S/M Peter Reed, The National Fundraising and Charities Representatitive S/M Rita Lock and many Shipmates from other Branches and Areas also attended.

The Standards that attended the Service were The Royal Naval Association National Standard, Area 3 Royal Naval Association Standard, Royal Naval Association Branch Standards from Farnham, Worthing, Chichester, Selsey, Woking, Camberley, Tamworth, Brighton, Horsham, South Harrow, Lymington, Purley and District, Fulham and Chelsea HMS GANGES Association Branch Standard, The Merchant Navy National Standard, Gravesend Branch Merchant Navy Standard, Aldershot Royal Corps of Signals Standard and Newbury and District Royal Artillery Standard.

On completion of the Service the Parade led by the Band from TS SWIFTSURE and under the command of the Parade Marshall S/m Fred Flood marched through the streets of Farnham to the Town Hall where Vice Admiral J McAnally CB LVO accompanied by the Mayors of Waverley and Farnham and Area 3 President Sir Derek Reffell KCB took the Salute. On completion of the Parade all Shipmates and guests were invited to a reception held in the Liberal Club where the Standard bearers were given their "Tots."

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Picture presentation to TS Defiance from RNA Worthing Branch.05.02.07

Shipmate Mike Andrews Worthing Branch French Ambassador and artist who resides in Puys a village just outside Dieppe has done much to bring the Royal Naval Association and the Sea Cadet Corp to the attention of the residents of Dieppe. Full story here.

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Liss and District Branch announce social calender for 2007.31.01.07

The Liss and District Branch of the RNA have issued a provisional programme of meetings and social events for 2007. Full story here.

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Archers raise the awareness of St. Dunstans.31.01.07

Liss and District Branch invited members of St. Dunstan's Archery Club to a Haggis Supper on Burns Night. Full story here.

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Save our Bases!18.01.07

Members of Area 3 Royal Naval Association are collecting signatures for a petition called Hands Off Our Base. The petition calls on the Government to retain Portsmouth Naval Base as home-port for the majority of the Royal Navy's surface fleet and as a major engineering support centre for British warships.

Pictured here are S/m Rita Lock, on her right is S/m Peter Reed Area 3 NCM and on her left is S/m John Dale Area 3 Chairman with shipmates from Worthing, Gosport, Waterlooville, Brighton and Horsham Branches. Click the image to view a high resolution image. (2016 x 1512 - 710kB).

The petition is organised by The News, Portsmouth.

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