Royal Naval Writers’ Association Newsletter – October 2020
The World’s Oldest Military Association – Est. 1887 – www.rnwa.co.uk
Foreword from The President
Fellow Scribes,
Well, here we are still doing our bit to battle Covid19 which we all hoped would be over by now with normality returning. Perhaps this is the new normal, but enough of doom and gloom lets count our blessings. I hope you enjoyed the wonderful summer we had and are still experiencing in some parts of the country. I am sure that many of you like me have made the most of the weather and have dug in and got all the maintenance and gardening jobs done.
It was nice to help celebrate the birthday of Denis Bartlett BEM, the RNWA’s oldest member, and more on Denis later in the newsletter. 100 years old!
Having canceled the Annual Reunion Dinner and therefore by default the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Les our
Secretary has been investigating alternative ways to hold an AGM i.e. a meeting whereby any member in the World may attend ‘online and in person’ all be it ‘virtually’.
I leave it to the Secretary to set out all the details of the system and how you as individuals can participate. Others and I were impressed when taking part in a trial held on 29 September when 6 of us were able to link up and discuss the system and its possible uses.
Please read the article carefully and find the time to take part. It is good to make use of modern technology made possible by the internet.
The capacity of this system is awesome. Hope to see many of you at the ‘trial run’ Tuesday 3rd November at 1900 or even better still at the AGM being held at 19:00 Thursday 26th November or at both!?
As we fast approach the season of goodwill perhaps “bubbles” will revert to more basic things like champagne or buck’s fizz, hopefully shared with loved ones.
Finally, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year, stay well, and let us hope 2021 is better than 2020!
Colin Hughes
RNWA President
3 Barnes Lane
Sarisbury Green
Southampton Hants.
SO31 7DA
Tel. 01489 573101
E: colin_hughes1@sky.com
Membership
As of 1st October 2020:-
. 3 Honorary Members . 35 Life Members 230 Members
268 Total
Of the above, records indicate that 27 were or are due to pay in 2020 their membership so please pay to Lloyds Bank 30-96-26 (Oldham) A/C No. 34521468 and notify amount and date paid to Membership Secretary:-
Oldest RNWA Member Denis Bartlett BEM
Denis joined as a Writer in September 1939, outbreak of World War 2 and joined the RNWA in 1944. On the 21/09/2020 he celebrated his 100th Birthday. On behalf of the RNWA he was presented with a special bottle of ‘Pussers’ rum with an inscribed message. To read his incredible RN story 1939 – 1966 with pictures…
Please use the following link Denis Bartlett BEM
RNWA Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Virtual
As mentioned, the RNWA will be using a new form of communication i.e. a media platform called “Google Hangouts” which will enable you to join in the conversations and future meetings via the use of your PC, Laptop, & Mobile from anywhere in the UK / World.
Google Hangouts makes it easy to connect with people via talk, text, or video, and the app allows you to create groups that can be connected again and again.
It also stores your past chats so you can pick up the text conversation any time and can refer to past messages as convenient
The only criteria is that you have or set-up a ‘Google Account’. Tip: You do not need a Gmail Account to create a Google Account, as you can use your non-Gmail email address to create one instead. Sounds complicated but is not, us ‘oldies are not savvy tech minded’ but if I can do it, anyone can!
Please use the following link to set up an account, setting up a Google account.
Check-out the website and all is explained on how to join in a few mins.
Basically, it works by me having created a virtual meeting room and I am inviting you to join me! So, on that note when set-up feel free to drop me an email and we can individually test at a pre-determined time and future date. A full test will be held as previously mentioned with the AGM taking place 26/11/2020.
Please indicate by email asap if it is your intention to ‘virtually attend’ so I can ensure you receive Agenda & Finances etc.
If you wish to be selected for the Committee (you can now join remotely) or have any topics for the AGM under AOB, please forward them to me by 03/11/2020.
Treasurer’s Report
As of 30th September ’20.
£6,210.09……includes
(£1.506.50) – NMA
(£ 886.00) – Dinner’21
(£ 715.00) – Donations
£500 from G Kershaw Est
(£ 861.08) – Profit GN
NB: £200 deposit for ’20 c/f to 2021 Reunion Dnr.
Les Heyhoe BCAv
Newsletter Editor & Producer RNWA Secretary & Membership
Email: les@heyhoe.com
Tel. 023 9235 7181 or 07494 150563