THE ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION
Established 1887
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2026
FROM IAN FREEGARD – CHAIRMAN
Happy ‘meteorological autumn’ to you all – the mower has finally made an appearance, if that is any indication of the drought-riddled summer being behind us. I don’t know about you, but seeing the supermarket already piling up boxes of mince pies is quite disarming!
The 139th Reunion Dinner is almost upon us; my thanks to Lyn for pouring so much time and effort into the occasion, and made no easier by the fact that it will be held at a new venue, of course – appropriately, I’ll leave her to update you on the detail. You will also be expecting news of the milestone 140th dinner; following a good level of input from members, the Committee agreed the rich history of HMS PRESIDENT to be the venue of choice, along with a slightly earlier date of 1 October 2027. Conscious of cost-of living pressures, we shall endeavour to ensure that the dinner charge is at least comparable to this year – we have already secured assurances on price for next year – and will provide more details as they mature.
On your behalf, I attended the Confederation of Royal Naval Associations (CONA) in Portsmouth on 11 September, with the RNA National President leading from the front. Delegates were informed of initiatives to strengthen the body of naval associations, not least those to assist and support wherever they are able, going forward. Common themes for many of the associations present were long term sustainability and day-today management; unfortunately, veterans and the volunteers needed to keep each business going do not get younger! We also received briefs from the collection of Naval Charities; they are of course, here to help us all, and you might find this Pocket Guide to Royal Navy Charities invaluable, if not now perhaps in the future.
I continue to be astounded by RNWA Member John Glover’s meticulous historical research and, as reported in the last Newsletter, a comprehensive alphabetical list of those male Writers, who made the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars, is now available under a new tab ‘In Memoriam’ on the website. John has also furnished us with lists of these men by Ship/Unit, Rank/Rate and date of death, to assist any of you who have cause to probe further. Most unfortunately, his efforts to identify the female Writers is thwarted on the CWGC website by the absence of a specific Branch against the generic rank of ‘WRNS’.
Following our last committee meeting, I have now received a stock of RNWA business style cards, to be provided to the Writer Squadron staff at DSLA to sign-post the Association and in the hope that a few of the current serving cohort might join us.
It was heartwarming to see a gathering (collective noun unclear…a worship?) of illustrious scribblers at Saltash (in a pub, of course!) in early September, organised by our very own grandee, Vince Hawkins MSM. Who do you recognise?! Don’t hesitate to send us news of your local meet-ups.
Roll-up, roll-up – I am in a position to make a special offer on our Sweatshirts, now £20 and Polo shirts at £15, perfect wear for getting together with fellow Scribes and Shipmates. Message Pat Prior at rnwa.treasurer@gmail.com for size details.
I look forwards to seeing many of you at the Reunion Dinner – fingers crossed, the suit still fits!
FROM LYN GANNON – SECRETARY
Our Annual Reunion Dinner is almost here, 57 of us joining for dinner, fun and dit spinning.
Attendees are:
Lyn Gannon, Brenda Ryan, David Spicer, Lesley Tomkins, Tony Mason, David Rawlings, Pat Prior, Jane Ballard, Beverley Carrington, Jed Stone, Norman Howden, Penny Wallis, Celia Myers, Phil Halliday, Andy Arnold, Sue Walters, Lorraine Ireland, Anne & Ron Miller, Pete Nicholls, Barbara Mason, Carole Higham, Steve & Lindsey Cleaver, Mike & Margaret Moncur, Gill Walby, Dave Allsopp, Rob Allsopp, Kathryn Simmons, Gail Foster, Mark Yates, Ian Freegard, Captain Peter Viney (GOH), Margaret Taylor, Christine Ewins, Mick Harper, Patrick & Shirley Magill, Colin Hughes, Trevor Rafferty (Chelsea Pensioner guest), Steve Hamblin, Sarah Adams, Vince Hawkins, Mick Blatchford, Darrell Barber, Elaine Binks, Len Hutton, Richard Dickson, John & Karleen Miller, Tony and Myrna Coates, Mark & Carol Whitty, Dave Heath, Martyn Cornish.
For those driving to the hotel and parking, please remember to put your car details into the machine at the check in kiosk, only free parking for 4 hours. If no registration number is input, you will get a fine. If you are just being dropped off, it’s not a problem. If you are going to require a taxi home, the kiosk attendant has direct access to a local taxi company and will arrange a taxi for you. If you don’t want to do self-check in for your room, again, the kiosk attendant (available 24/7) will check you in.
The AGM will take place at 1815, please come along to hear all our latest news. It will take place in the private bar area, where our dinner is being held.
Don’t forget cash for raffle tickets, and a raffle prize if you are able. Two £1 coins will be needed to play Heads or Tails, and if you are not wearing your Writers badge, that’s another £2 fine.
Future Meeting dates – @ 1830 on the following dates – 17 November 26, 19 January 27, 16 March 27, 18 May 27, 13 July 27 and 14 September 27. Latest minutes here
FROM BRENDA RYAN – MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Newsletter Membership Report:
Currently we are standing at a total membership of 298, as our membership ages we are decreasing in numbers so please encourage any scribes past or present to join us!
There are a few annual subscriptions still outstanding, you will have received an email reminder of this but please check the renewals list on the website.
If these fees are not received after being three months overdue, we will have to assume that you wish to lapse your membership but if you could confirm this to me by email it would be really appreciated.
I am now retired, I do go away a fair bit so if you don’t hear from me immediately, please bear with me, I promise I will get back to you as soon as I am able. I would say, if you have not heard back from me within 3 weeks, then please do not hesitate to contact me on bnr1@btinternet.com.
Memory Lane …….Did you know that, on 18 October 1909, the Admiralty opened the
Warrant Rank for Writers, Cooks and Stewards (accordingly, the name of our
Association was changed to “The Warrant Writers and Writers Club and Benevolent Association RN” in 1910), followed just over 34 years later by the Accountant Branch being retitled ‘Supply and Secretariat Branch’ in 1944.
COURTESY OF JOHN GLOVER
You will be fascinated, I’m sure, to read the story of 1st Writer RNVR George Major, here – 1st Writer George Major RNVR
