Royal Naval Writers’ Association
Newsletter – July 2020
The World’s Oldest Military Association – Est. 1887 – www.rnwa.co.uk
Foreword from the President
Fellow Scribes,
I thought that we would keep to the normal routine with newsletters as having a routine seems to be the best way to get through this period of what one calls living. I sincerely hope that you and your families have escaped the clutches of this dreadful virus and are starting to return to something resembling normality.
On a personal note I have kept busy catching up with all those “getroundtoit” jobs that never get done. I have nearly crossed them all off, and the garden has never been as clear of weeds as it is now.
We are now faced with a conundrum of whether to hold the Reunion dinner, although still 3 months away it can only go ahead if hospitality in the form of restaurants and hotels open for business and social distancing no longer exists. In all honesty I cannot see this happening 100% this side of Christmas.
I understand everybody needs some certainty in these times, but it is impossible to predict or plan with the future so uncertain. In view of this, it is with much regret, that after considerable debate the Committee has decided to cancel this year’s 133rd Reunion Dinner. Naturally, this means that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will also be cancelled. At the time of going to press, 34 members and guests had booked and paid for the dinner. Those requiring their payment returned should contact the RNWA Treasurer, Pat Prior BEM QVRM T: 02392 601266 E: patmprior1@gmail.com
Alternatively, the money can be held against next year’s dinner scheduled to be held Friday 8th October 2021 and confirmed to be held at The Royal Beach Hotel Southsea) assuming we are not in the same predicament as 2020.
In view of the cancellation of the AGM, the Committee and I request your indulgence to ‘rubber stamp’ the re-election of the current Committee (all have volunteered to continue) subject to no objections being received by 9th October. Should anyone wish to volunteer to serve on the Committee then please forward your name(s) to the Secretary by 1st September 2020.
Those members who were due to be presented with Life Membership will be invited to attend in 2021 or receive their certificates now via post.
I would like to thank all members who purchased tickets for the 2020 Grand National draw which as you were aware was cancelled. That said, an uncomplicated simple draw was held on the 1st May by the Secretary (witnessed by me) and despite the Grand National cancellation it was still a great success. More later from the Secretary.
I hope you all stay well and can enjoy in whatever way the rest of the summer. It is great news that no deaths of our members have been reported from Covid-19, so ‘fingers crossed’ that this continues.
Colin Hughes
RNWA President
3 Barnes Lane
Sarisbury Green
Southampton Hants.
SO31 7DA
Tel. 01489 573101
Email:-colin_hughes1@sky.com
‘Crossed the Bar’ & Legacy
Great News! Half-way through 2020 and no-one has been reported as Crossing the Bar – Glad to hear it so remain healthy and please keep safe in these unusual and uncertain healthy times.
It was reported in the February newsletter of the passing of member CPO Wtr Gordon Kershaw (7/12/19) based in Spain.
We are pleased to announce that Gordan’s sister has forwarded a cheque for £500.00 from his estate in his memory towards the RNWA as he ‘thought highly of the RNWA and all the members he had known’.
Members
As at 1st June 2020:-
. 3 Honorary Members . 35 Life Members 229 Members
267 Total
Reminder – Membership Contributions Due – Are you due to have paid and one of those in the following statistics? If unsure contact the RNWA Secretary, please asap.
The RNWA Database indicates that thirty-one members have for 2019 outstanding contributions due. For 2020 (Jan-May) Eighteen members due.
For those outstanding for 2019 if payment is not received, in January 2021 in accordance with the rules membership will lapse. You can make a payment to :- RNWA
Lloyds Bank plc 30-96-26 Account No. 34521468
Email amount & date **
Grand National – Draw
As previously advised, the draw was held on 1st May with the full results published and available to view on the website with winners contacted but congratulations to:-
1st £250 – No.1817 Chris Clarke of Morpeth
2nd £75 – No.247 Nigel Coy of Narborough 3rd £50 – No.3845 Andrew Whitfield Hamble
4th £25 – No.104 Brian Wead of Ringwood
An additional 12 persons were awarded £10.00 pp
Awards & Honours
Marie Taylor BEM – 2019
Please see the website under Awards & Honours section to read about Marie’s presentation.
Be proud of an award or a honour that you have been privileged to receive and please share a photo with us and a suitable ‘dit’ to accompany the photo. It will then be shared on the website to view.
Les Heyhoe BCAv
Newsletter Editor & Producer RNWA Secretary & Membership
Email: les@heyhoe.com **
Home: 02392 357181 or Mobile: 07494 150563