RNA 10 Area
Unity, Loyalty, Comradeship and Patriotism

 

06.01.08

Decisions Taken at the National Council Meeting Held on 08 December 2007.

The National Council met in London on December 8th. Listed below is a summary of the decisions taken at that meeting.

1. The National Council invited the NC Members for No. 8 Area and No.12 Area to review the temporary arrangement recently made for Overseas Branch Representation, and to make proposals for a permanent means of filling the appointment.

2. The National Council endorsed the recent work of the Relocation Working Group (RWG) and invited its Chairman to follow up an initial dialogue with naval authorities to explore the possibility of relocating to Portsmouth Naval Base.

3. The National Council considered a complaint laid against the General Secretary by the President of No. 10 Area and invited The Deputy National President and National Chairman to visit No: 10 Area to investigate the substance of the complaint.

4. The National Council decided to hold its next National Council Meeting ( March 2008) within the geography of No. 10 Area, probably in HMS Eaglet and to invite post meeting participation by No. 10 Area Officials.

5. The National Council considered candidates for the appointment of National Ceremonial Adviser and was pleased to re-elect S/M Alan Robinson to the post.

6. The National Council considered an application for a grant from The Victory Services Club but decided to delay final judgement on the matter until further investigations were carried out.

7. The National Council decided to make a grant of £1 5,000-00 from The Central Charities Fund to Help for Heroes (a registered charity working towards improving facilities for wounded Service men and women at the Joint Service Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court) and to recommend that Branches and Areas adopt this charity as the principal recipient of charitable donations for 2008.

8. The National Council endorsed The National Ceremonial Adviser’s proposal to mount the National Standard Bearers Competition for 2008 in HMS FORWARD (the RNR Training Centre in Birmingham.

9. The National Council considered a brief report from the General Secretary in regard to RNA Flag Days and invited S/M S Caulfield (National Communications and Public Relations Adviser) to investigate the matter with a view to reporting to the spring meeting of Council.

10. The National Council endorsed a proposal that HQ Staff leave which has been unable to be taken in 2007 should be carried forward to 2008.

11. The National council directed the General Secretary to prepare written guidance on the relationships between Branches, Areas and Headquarters which would establish coherent business processes.

10.01.08

National Council to meet at HMS Eaglet.

It has been confirmed, that the next meeting of the National Council will take place at HMS Eaglet(Liverpool) on March 29th.  It  is expected, that an invitation will be extended to officials from No.10 Area to meet members of the Council at the conclusion of their meeting to discuss several issues that have arisen recently.

12.01.08

Ellesmere Port branch disbands.

It is regretted that the Ellesemere Port branch has announced its closure effective from December 31st 2007. The branch, formed in the early 1970s had a fairly large membership during that period, and for a time operated its own club. However in recent years, it has suffered from falling membership, and this compounded with the death of their long serving Branch Secretary in December, has led the four remaining members to decide that the branch was no longer viable.

19.01.08

Hazel Grove Branch Annual Memorial Service

The Hazel Grove Branch will hold their annual memorial service and parade to commemorate the loss of the convoy rescue vessel SS Stockport on Sunday February 24th 2008. The salute will be taken by the No10 Area President, Commander H Harley RN(Rtd).

The order of Parade is as follows;
12:00 Muster at Hazel Grove Railway Station Car park
12:15 March to Norbury Parish church
12:30 Memorial Service
13:35 (approx) Parade reform and march back to Branch HQs Hazel Grove Conservative Club for refreshments.

29.01.08

   

Conference Lifts Threat of Subscriptions Freeze

Delegates attending the winter Area conference at Atherton on January 26th voted overwhemlingly to lift the Area committee's earlier recommendation to withold branch subscriptions to Headquarters following a dispute involving the tone of letters sent in reply by the General Secretary to several Branch Secretaries.

The Area committee sought an apology, which has now been received from the General Secretary and led to the lifting of the threat at Saturdays meeting.

29.01.08

Area Elects New Chairman

Shipmate David Tollerton Secretary of the Crosby branch  was elected as Area Chairman at the Area Annual General Meeting held at the Atherton Branch headquarters on Saturday January 26th.

Shipmate Tollerton emerged the winner of the earlier ballot involving three candidates by a single vote.

30.01.08

National Conference weekend conflicts with Blackpool Veterans Day

The date chosen for this year's National Veterans Day [June 27th] will conflict with the National Conference in Dundee when many of the RNA delegates will be travelling that day to attend the conference in Scotland. Many shipmates will be forced to choose which event to attend, with Blackpool offering many attractions throughout the week for those attending. For further information see the Home Page.

31.01.08

A personal statement by Dave Tollerton.

Shipmates, it was with great pleasure and hearty thanks I accepted the possition of Area 10 Chairman at the A.G.M. last Saturday.

There is nothing better than to have your peers put their trust in you and I hope I can deliver a lively thriving Area 10 whilst in my tenure as Chairman.

John Dixon was a formidable character and someone I liked very much personally, so I hope I can fill his shoes and take the area onward. The Area committee is hard working and I have to tell you shipmates we have good men in the right positions, our secretary is the main man and I will have to lean on his broad shoulders for a while. Our president as you know takes his appointment very seriously and is a staunch and loyal supporter of Area 10.

One thing I am keen to do is make the Area inclusive again, it is a big area so we need maybe to travel about it a bit more than we do and reach the more remote parts more often. We need everyone's input, north, south, east, and west.

We need you all at conferences and we need cohesion and a determintion to to use our strength to our advantage. I would like all secretaries and chairmen to contact me and put forward any thoughts they have to improve our area communications, perhaps we should meet somewhere central with all the branch chairmen and secretaries, I will be putting this to the committee at our next meeting.

Once again shipmates thank you for giving me this great opportunity, I am honoured by it.

YOURS “AYE” Dave Tollerton.

13.02.08

Visiting Ships  information to be restricted.

A recent directive from the MOD via the NRO has cut down the notice of intended visits from two months to one. Also, distribution of visit lists will in future be discontinued by the conventionial mail system. Future information on visits will only be given to those persons directly involved with the visits arrangements. It is unclear at present how this will affect the RNA.

22.02.08

Conference Minutes now available.

The minutes of the recent Area Conference held at Atherton are now available to download.

23. 02. 08

London Headquarters relocation to Portsmouth moves a step nearer.

Recent reports suggest that the Association have been offered a building in the Portsmouth dockyard complex for use as its new Headquarters.  It is rumored, the currently redundant semaphore tower will become the Association's new base at no charge, sometime later this year. 

28.02.08

RNA & RMA expected to join forces

Recent unconfirmed reports suggest that both associations are seeking closer ties in an effort to stem the continuing loss of members in both organisations.  It is understood discussions regarding the merger are at an advanced stage; with an announcement concerning their amalgamation possibly given at the Dundee National conference. It is thought, the recent initative by the Deputy National President's 'Memoradum of Understanding' may have been the incentive for both associations to start exoloratory talks.

02.03.08

Full 'House' For Area Reunion

This years Area Reunion in April at Blackpool promises to be one of the best attended in recent years. With over 245 shipmates packing into the Savoy hotel on Queens Promenade in the resort, the weekend  is expected to be a very busy period for the organisors of the event.

22.03.08

Skin Cancers and War Pensions.

The hazards of a suntan may be rather exaggerated, as witnessed by the hardy veterans of the Second World War, who spent lots of time stripped to the waist in the burning heat of the North African desert or fighting the Japanese in the Far East. However, as a group, they are particularly prone to rodent ulcers, otherwise known as basal cell cancers, on the exposed parts of their skin, which are relatively easy to treat with surgery or radio-therapy.

Plastic surgeon Hamish Laing, writing in the British Medical Journal, points out that those so affected should be aware that they may be entitled to an additional war pension. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Veteran's Agency (0800 169 2277).

22.03.08

New book published to commemmorate Zeebrugge Raid.

Paul Kendall has sent me details of his forthcoming book.

I have spent six years researching the Zeebrugge Raid and my book on the subject entitled 'The Zeebrugge Raid 1918: The Finest Feat of Arms' is being published by Spellmount in April 2008. This publication coincides with the 90th anniversary of the raid, which took place on 23rd April 1918, St George's Day. During the course of the research I have contacted many of the relatives of the men who took part in the raid and have unearthed unpublished photos and testimonies.

I know that the Zeebrugge Raid is an important event in the history of the Royal Navy, which is being commemorated this year, the 90th anniversary in April 2008. The book can be purchased from "The History Press" (tel 01453 883300), priced £25.00. ISBN is 978-1-86227-477-8

The purpose of my book is to:

Provide an account of the Zeebrugge Raid which took place on 23rd April 1918 to attempt to block the submarines at Bruges. These submarines were responsible for sinking a third of all allied merchant shipping during the First World War and there was a danger that the German submarine campaign could have starved Britain into submission resulting in defeat.

Explore the role of the German Flanders Flotilla based at Bruges, which passed through Zeebrugge to attack Allied shipping during the First World War.

Give an account of the German perspective of the raid. I also have many German photos of German personnel at Zeebrugge from a collection which I own.

The book features the personal testimonies of many of the participants, who took part in the operations, which have never been told before.

I have written biographical tributes and have included the photos of approximately 140 of the men who took part in the Zeebrugge Raid. This is the most important feature of the book, because I give an account of the fascinating lives of the men who raided Zeebrugge. Many of the sailors and Royal Marines that took part in the operation also participated in the Battles of Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland. Many of these men also took part in the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915 and in the Somme offensive in 1916. Some of the men that survived the Zeebrugge Raid also rejoined the services to fight in World War Two. For those that were deemed too old, they served in the Home Guard or the ARP. One example is Captain Chater, the adjutant of 4th Battalion RMLI. who took part in the actions at Antwerp 1914, Gallipoli 1915, Zeebrugge 1918 during World War One and in 1944 landed in Normandy on D Day. Lieutenant Cooke is another Zeebrugge raider who during World War Two lived under German occupation in Jersey an for over a year risked his life, when he sheltered an escaped Russian prisoner of war in his attic. Their involvement at Zeebrugge and their life stories make fascinating reading and enhance my book on these raids. I have made contact with many of the children and grandchildren of the men who took part in the raid who have provided photos and testimonies regarding the Zeebrugge raid.

I hope that my book pays homage to the men from the Royal Marines Light Infantry and Royal Navy who raided Zeebrugge and will ensure that they will not be forgotten. I hope that you find this information of interest.

04.04.08

Bolton Branch honours Atlantic rower.

A teenager who became the youngest person to row the Atlantic has been honoured by the Bolton branch of the Royal Naval Association. Rachel Flanders, aged 17, was one of a four-woman crew - the Atlantic Angels - who rowed the 3,000-mile journey from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the West Indies. The crew was taking part in the Woodvale Challenge Atlantic Rowing Race to raise cash for three cancer charities.

They completed the journey in 74 days, arriving in Antigua on February 14. The Bolton School pupil was invited to a special ceremony at the Bolton Sea Cadets Unit headquarters in Castle Street, The Haugh, on Wednesday evening. (02.04.08) Her parents, Richard and Louise, and 12-year-old brother Charles also attended. The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Barbara Ronson, presented her with a badge, headscarf and telescope, on behalf of the association.

Jan Thomas secretary of the association's Bolton branch, said: "We were delighted to host a ceremony in honour of Rachel. What she achieved was fantastic. She showed real determination and courage. It is only when you go to sea for a length of time that you understand what she has been through."

Rachel, from Heaton, said: "I had a lovely evening. I enjoyed meeting all the members of the association and sharing stories of being at sea with them. "I feel honoured that they wanted to make me a member of the Royal Naval Association."

07 04. 08

Rhyl branch  calls it a day.

The Rhyl branch decided at its March 1st meeting to decommission the branch due to falling numbers. Its Chairman, Shipmate Peter Conlon in announcing their decision, said it was no longer able to find the volunteers needed to fill the committee positions.  The remaining members of the branch will seek to join the Headquarters roll. 

08.04.08

Area Committee in talks with National Council

Members of  the No10 Area committee met up with the National Council at the conclusion of their meeting at HMS Eaglet on March 29th.

The get-together had been arranged to discuss several points of 'misunderstanding' which have arisen between this Area and Headquarters recently.Topics discussed included the proposed Headquarters move from London to Portsmouth, the content of the General Secretary's letters of reply to several members of this Area and the benefits if any, of the Association's continued membership of the International Maritime Confederation (IMC)

Although several matters remain unresolved, it was agreed that the frank discussions between the two parties have gone a long way to understanding each others points of view. 

10.04.08

Record of decisions at the National Council Meeting held on 29th March 2008.

1. The National Council approved the following motion:
“That the Trustees of the Royal Naval Association authorise the Relocation Working Group to negotiate the relocation of the Royal Naval Association Headquarters to Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base Portsmouth and accept the Draft Heads of Terms subject to any minor variations considered appropriate, and subject to legal and professional advice, and not to proceed further with the Upper Admiralty Library investigations without National Council approval.”

2. The National Council approved the following motion:
“That the Relocation Working Group be authorised by National Council to proceed with the sale of the lease of 82 Chelsea Manor Street, London SW3 5QJ (subject to contract) achieve the best price in the current market subject to professional advice, and meeting all legal obligations imposed on the Royal Naval Association and its Trustees.”

3. The National Council invited the General Secretary to extend his appointment until 31 March 2009.

4. The National Council approved the following motion:
“That a Recruitment Panel consisting of the National President, Deputy National President and three National Council Members chosen by ballot, and advised by the General Secretary, be established to recruit a Deputy General Secretary and General Secretary in a suitable timescale.” 5. The National Council approved the Association Accounts for 2007.

6. The National Council approved a salaries increase for Headquarters Staff of 3% p.a. commencing April 2008.

7. The National Council approved the following motion:
“That the redundancy payments recommended by the Finance and General Purposes Committee be paid and that Staff Salaries (determined according to a formula devised by the Accountant) be continued untll 31 December 2008.”

8. The National Council approved the following motion:
“That the proposed Budget for 2008 be approved for implementation, and that a Shadow Budget for 2009 be prepared for consideration at the National Council Meeting planned for 31 May 2008.”

22.04.08

Deputy National President to officially open the Area spring Conference.

Commordore A R Nance OBE, BSc the Association deputy President will officially open the No10 Area spring conference at the Savoy hotel in Blackpool on Saturday April 26th. Following a short address to the delegates, Shipmate Nance will take questions from the floor prior to his depature to fulfil a further engagement in the south of England.

19.05.08

Go ahead for new super carriers expected soon

Recent reports suggest that the Government is poised to announce within the next two weeks for work to commence on the building of the first of the two 65,000+tons new generation of super carriers, scheduled to replace the existing ageing Illustrious and Ark Royal.  The first of the new carriers, is expected to enter service by 2013.

20.05.08

Area Reunion voted a success.

The recent Area reunion weekend at the Savoy Hotel was voted one of the best reunions staged by the Area. With over 250 shipmates and their wives and friends, they enjoyed a relaxed and entertaining weekend. With artistes on the Saturday and Sunday evenings, the hotel pulled out all the stops to ensure everyone enjoyed their visit. Stars of the show on the Sunday lunchtime concert  was the Crosby Branch 'Sods' Opera party who kept us entertained throughout the afternoon. Along with frequent 'Tot' issues and a subsidised bar, most shipmates are looking forward to next years get -together. Those attending gave genorously to the "Help for Heroes" collections which were staged throughout our stay.

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