ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION (RNWA)
COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS MEETING
HELD 1900 THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2024
Present
Colin Hughes (CH) President
Pat Prior QVRM (PP) Vice President & Treasurer
Lyn Gannon (LG) Secretary
Don McGeorge (DM) Membership Secretary
Jim Donaldson (JD) Committee Member
Tony Mason (TM) Committee Member
David Spicer (DS) Committee Member
Tony Webber (TW) Committee Member
Mick Watt Member
Penny Wallis Member
Committee Apologies
Ian McHugh Serving Member
Member Apologies
Bill Whaley, Steve Hamblin, Alf Parr, Peter Danks, Bob Gelder, Mick Goldthorpe, Dave Case, David Scott, Dave Hunter, Brian Wead, Kathryn Simmons, Gillian Orchard, Bob Millard, Greta Grindell and Ian Freegard.
POST MEETING NOTE – Apologies received after the meeting from Neil and Steph Durrance.
Crossed the Bar
Dave Mullett, Barry Norris, Pam Miles, Ellen Worthy and Daphne Jones.
Minutes of the last meeting 9 September 2024
The minutes of the last meeting were approved – proposed by TM, seconded by PP.
Matters Arising from 16 July 2024
IM to produce a paper outlining the options for a Writers Memorial at DLA, Worthy Down – CH had liaised and produced the following:
At the Committee meeting on 21 Nov last, it was decided to go ahead with the Tree, bench, plaque etc, Grateful if you could let us know the total cost so that we can give you the go ahead. We have decided that the plaque should be worded as follows:-
“Erected by The Royal Naval Writers’ Association
In memory of all those Writers and former Writers
who gave their lives in the service of their country since the formation of the Branch in 1867.”
Could the cost be shown for the Tree, Bench, Plaque, engraving and Timeline boards (if you have them).
It would be good to proceed so that we can arrange a date for commissioning the site which I leave to you so you can arrange it to fit in with DSLA events.
Treasurers Report
PP reported that the current balance is £5916.71 – includes ring fenced funds for Arboretum and benches. Assets held are sweatshirts and Pin badges.
Update on Reunion Dinner
LG advised she had received many messages saying how much attendees had enjoyed the dinner. Having a professional photographer was also appreciated, as was the raffle – BZ to TM and DS.
The venue has been booked for Friday 10 October 2025 and LG will be arranging discounted accommodation and menu choices shortly.
Update on the Cenotaph Marching Contingent
LG said that 18 of the 20 volunteers marched and everyone had felt incredibly proud to march for the RNWA. She said she will be applying for spaces for next year and is hoping to book a venue to have post marching drinks if that is what attendees wished.
DM provided the following report:
Membership Report 21 November 2024
New Members Since Last Meeting (11):
Peter Amsdon CPOWtr
Wendy Borman Ex CPOWtr
Samantha Coxall Ex PO(Logs)(W)
Christine Ewins Ex POWWtr
Marina Habbershaw Ex LWWtr(G)
Lorraine Ireland Ex POWWtr
Alison Macrae Ex POWtr
Richard Moore Ex LWtr
John Newton Ex CPOWtr
Hannah Schofield LH(Logs)(W)
Christina Unwin Ex POWWtr
Totals in membership:
After allowance for those that have lapsed/resigned or CtB since October 2023:
Date: Oct 23 Nov 24
Honorary Life 3 3
Life 29 27
Members 218 295
Totals: 250 325
Standing Orders:
As at time of writing, there are some 145 Standing Orders in operation – representing approximately 49.2% of the total paying membership – last report 43.0%. By year end, I estimate that the 50% mark will have been passed…………!
Merchandise
DM said that he would be putting an advert out for sweatshirts and polo shirts, to sell the stock we have.
LG suggested a scarf – ladies would wear them more than a sweatshirt and could perhaps be purchased for the Cenotaph. She agreed to research this item.
Any Other Business
CH gave an update on the temporary benches on Clarence Esplanade – ours have been moved to the compound whilst the work is completed on the seafront. He agreed to check on the status of the new benches and report back.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 1930.
The date of the next meeting is Thursday 16 January 2025.