Foreword from the RNWA President …
I trust you are all hale and hearty; it is a shame that the marvellous 2018summer has so far not been repeated this year. Unlike Terry Walton, allotment holder from the Rhondda (BBCRadio2 Jeremy Vine Show) my greenhouse is still intact and has been boon with the temperature variations so far this year.
The subject of agriculture brings me on to the NMA– The National Memorial Arboretum. It is with much frustration and no little embarrassment that I must report that we have again been thwarted in our attempts to plant a tree and erect a plaque to our late comrades. In accordance with the NMA administrators ‘instructions I again enquired in April on the situation regarding the proposed RNWA memorial and have been informed that no applications are being entertained until October2019 and even then, there is no guarantee that applications will be filled. No reason was given, and I was unable to elicit one by email, but I have been informed there is no waiting list.
A longstanding member is visiting the site this month and I have asked him to ascertain what is going on now and the long-term outlook. I have also asked him to find out what alternatives, if any, are available. The RNWA Committee have a greed in the meantime to ‘ring fence’ the money generously donated by members of £596.50together with the extra funds raised by the Grand National Draw of£235.81, a combined total of £832.31, until we have more information. It is very frustrating, and I hope the excuse “lack of trees” was not a smokescreen for something more serious i.e. no more land.
I hope you all have a very pleasant summer and look forward to seeing you in October when I hope I can update you at the AGM with some positive news on the NMA situation. Please review the RNWA website for further info, and updates regarding the Newsletter content.
Colin Hughes RNWA President, Tel. 01489 573101, Email:- colin_hughes1@sky.com, 3 Barnes Lane Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7DA.
Crossed the Bar 2019. It is with sadness that we must report of the following members R.I.P Sir John Miles Huntington-Whiteley VRD London – 19th February Douglas Jewell Saltash – 15th March
Committee Meetings Are held every 2 months at the RNA Gosport at19:00 – 3rd Thursdays of the month (2019) next:-18th July / 19th Sept. /21st November. AGM @ 18:30 Friday 11thOctober @ Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea.
Membership, 3 Honorary Members, 30 Life Members, 239 Members, 272 Total New Members 2019:- Mary McIntyre (nee Phillips) of Buckie, Banffshire / Andy Langston of Gosport, Hants. / Don McGeorge of Bourne, Lincs. / Andrew Griffiths of Gosport, Hants. / Derek Cooper of Hartlip, Kent.
Grand National Draw Saturday 6th April ’19. Full results are displayed via the website, but our congratulations to John Rowe of New Zealand who won the 1st Prize of£250.00 with ‘Tiger Roll’.
When did you join the RN? How old are You! The RNWA Committee wishes to recognise ‘The Old & Bold’ of its members (some of our records do not currently hold this info.), so to ensure our data held is correct please get back to us with the following information by 30/08/19.i. Did you join the RN(not the RNWA) before October 1946? ..if Yes *ii. Were you born before July 1928? .. if Yes *You could be our oldest RNWA member or even the earliest member to join ‘The Andrew’ or both; * Let me know * ?
Web Master. Have you got the knowhow, patience and more importantly the time to volunteer to run and administer the RNWA’s website www.rnwa.co.ukworking closely with the Secretary regarding its upkeep, update and content? If so, please make yourself known to The RNWA President!?
132ND Reunion Dinner, Royal Beach Hotel Southsea Hampshire – Friday 11th Oct’ 19. The Guest(s) of Honour will be newly promoted(May 2019) Rear Admiral Phil Hally MBE, ACNS. People Transformation & Navy Transformation Director, and wife Mrs Joanna Hally. FULL DETAILS can be found on the enclosed Booking Application Form.
The above self-adhesive car sticker (not actual size but much larger) will be given to members who attend the Dinner. Also available via eBay at £2.20 each (free p&p) via the-sticker-corps Royal Navy Sticker. Note: Especially adapted upon request to reflect the ‘Royal Naval Crown’.
* Les Heyhoe BCAv Newsletter Editor Email: les@heyhoe.com Tel: 023 9235 7181
