HomeRNA 10 Area. News Page.
16.02.2010
Farewell to the 'Tiffies'
The last of the rank known as Artificer ended on Friday February 12th with a passing out parade at HMS Sultan in Gosport for the last group of RN Artificers. The 'tiffies' will now fall under the description of engineering technicians -- ME for marine engineers and WE for weapons engineers
08.02.10
Anchor Standard Stands now available.
Crosby Branch are taking orders for the Anchor Standard Stand.
The stand is approx 24 inches (60cm) high and made out of powder coated steel. The cost is a minimum donation of £25.00
For further details or to order; please apply to
S/m D. Tollerton.
Crosby Branch.
2 Hornby Road, Bootle,
L20 5BJ
27.01. 2010
No RN Presence in Caribbean to assist in Haiti Earthquake
Two ships withdrawn from the Caribbean due to budget constraints were
not replaced, preventing the Royal Navy from providing disaster relief in the
immediate aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, according to a report in The
Times.
The Ministry of Defence has said it had to withdraw the RFA Fort
George, which was ordered back to Britain in October 2009, and HMS Iron Duke,
which returned in December, without replacing them in order to remain within
budget.
A Royal Navy frigate is usually deployed in the Caribbean from
June to December along with a Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel, providing support to
British overseas territories during the hurricane season. The Navy has
previously maintained a rolling deployment of RFA vessels in the Caribbean to
provide disaster relief.
The Royal Navy website states that the two ships' deployment formed "part of the UK Government's continued support in developing the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief programme for British Overseas Territories as well as continuing regional engagement with the Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean.'
The withdrawal is said to mark the first time that the Royal Navy has had a significant gap in cover in the Caribbean since the 17th century.
27.01.2010
Deadline approches for nominations for National Council Member
Branches in this Area are reminded that nominations for the post of National Council Member to represent this Area of the Association must reach Headquarters on, or before February 10th 2010. Nomination Forms for this post were included in the October, November, and December 2009 Circular Letter to Branches issued by HQ's to all branch Secretaries.
27.01.2010
Deputy General Secretary's Post Abolished
Following recent Headquarters Staffing difficulties because of the illness of the Deputy General Secretary, a staff re-organisation and redistribution of duties has become essential. Mrs Michelle Bainbridge (wife of a serving Warrant Officer) has joined the staff as Book-keeper. Mrs Sheila Tarabella moves to the newly created post of Assistant General Secretary (Administration). The post of Deputy General Secretary has been dis-established. The Royal Naval Association is in the process of recruiting a successor to the current General Secretary.
12. 01 2010
Shipmate Frank Ward Deputy General Secretary
We regret to announce that the Deputy General Secretary S/m Frank Ward crossed the bar on December 26th 2009. He was 56. His funeral will take place at the Holy rood Church Stubbington Hant's at 1300 on Thursday January14th. We offer our sincere condolences from the shipmates of No.10 Area to Commander Ward's family durig this sad time.
08.01.2010
Navy set to lift ban on females serving in submarines?
Women may be allowed to serve on submarines for the first time in the Royal Navy’s history under plans being drawn up by defence chiefs. The change would follow more than a decade of pressure from senior Labour figures for full equal opportunities for women in the armed forces.
A review of the ban on women on submarines was ordered last year, to run alongside a separate review into whether women should be permitted to serve as frontline infantry. Both are expected to conclude within weeks, with the decisions to be announced to parliament later this month.
Defence chiefs will veto moves to allow women to serve as frontline infantry, but a change to the submarine ban is seen as a potential sop to ministers. Such a change was rejected by naval chiefs eight years ago and could still be derailed by opposition from senior officers.
The original refusal was justified on the basis of the cramped living conditions on board and concerns over the dangers posed by fumes inside the submarine to a foetus if a woman is pregnant. Continuing pressure from ministers has led to a rethink, however. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) source said: “It looks likely that women will be allowed to serve on submarines.” The source said the proposal was contained in a draft of the review, but added: “There are people in the navy opposed to women on submarines so there is a chance it might not make the final cut.” The new Astute attack submarines could easily be adapted to accommodate women and the MoD said last week that in the design of the new Trident nuclear boats, “consideration will be given to the possibility of women serving in future”. The Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Australian and Canadian navies already allow women on submarines. defence chiefs have said they no longer see any reason for subs to remain all-male.
15.12.2009
Decisions taken by National Council at their meeting in Portsmouth on December 5th.
At their meeting in Portsmouth on December 5th 2009 the National Council arrived at the following decisions;
1. The National Council noted that action in connection was the retirement of the Deputy General Secretary (Commander F S Ward) was complete.
2. The National Council noted the report of the Association’s Accountant in relation to the forecast of out-turn for the third financial quarter of the year.
3. The National Council noted the temporary delegations of National Council Authority (Rules 7(b), 7(d), 7(e) and 7(f) extended to the Area Committee of 12 Area and endorsed the actions taken on its behalf by the Association Management Committee.
4. The National Council directed that following the settling in period, the Terms of Reference for the Association Management Committee (AMC) and the Finance and Administration Committee (FAC) be reviewed4 the Spring of 2010.
5. The National Council endorsed the actions taken by the Association Management Committee in relation to the possible replacement of the Standard of the Woking Branch of the Association.
6. The National Council noted with pleasure the success achieved by the Saltash and Liskeard Branches in the mentoring programme in place in HMS RALEIGH, and directed that efforts be made to extend the programme to other Training Establishments notably BRNC, HMS SULTAN and HMS COLLINGWOOD.
7. The National Council considered an appeal by a member of the Ramsgate Branch against his expulsion from the Association and (together with the issue of a number of letters of warning, encouragement and thanks) decided to reduce the penalty to suspension for six months.
8. The National Council decided to authorise the refund of reasonable receipted travelling expenses for Delegates to Conference 2010, from their homes to the point of embarkation in the United Kingdom
9. The National Council considered and approved the Budget Proposals for 2010 made by the Honorary National Treasurer.
10. The National Council directed the General Secretary to take soundings from the Naval Base Commander, Portsmouth in relation to the Association’s lease of offices in Semaphore Tower HM Naval Base, Portsmouth and to obtain up to date information on development plans.
11. The National Council noted and welcomed an approach from the New South Wales Branch of the Association to offer welcoming and mentoring assistance to ex-naval emigrants arriving in Australia, and invited the Overseas Correspondent (S/M Murray 2 Area) and the General Secretary to examine the proposal to establish whether it could be implemented on a wider basis.
12. The National Council considered and rejected a proposal to provide an Identifying Insignia for the National Vice Chairman.
13. The National Council approved the proposals for the recruitment of a replacement General Secretary and appointed a Recruitment Board consisting of the National President, National Chairman, National Vice Chairman, S/M McGuinness (6 Area) and S/M Halder (11 Area) — this Board has been authorised to engage (if considered necessary and on a temporary basis) a Human Resources specialist.
14. The National Council considered a proposal to place a Royal Naval Association Memorial in the National Arboretum, and directed the Association Management Committee to investigate the matter further.
03.12.2009
HMS Dauntless leaves the Clyde
A new £600 million Royal Navy warship has left the Clyde for the last time. Workers from the BAE Systems yards at Govan and Scotstoun in Glasgow turned out to wave off Dauntless a type 45 destroyer.
Shipyard workers from the two yards have spent the last five years building the warship, which is now due to be officially handed over to the Navy next week. Dauntless left the Clyde for Portsmouth - which will be the vessel's home port.
30.112009
Good sales for 2010 RNA Diary
The 2010 Diary has been well received with over 3,500 sold to date, with further sales expected before the years end. The 2011 Diary will be sold as an insert to the existing cover and information booklet and unsold covers from this year will be held as stock for next year. By spreading the overall cost of the diary over 2 years, the cost can be held at £4 for the 2011 edition
30.11.2009
National Standard Bearers Competition bound for Plymouth?
With little enthusiasm from the Areas for the National Standard Bearerʼs Competition to be held in France prior to Conference next year, the preferred choices so far are Chatham and Plymouth.
It has emerged, that Plymouth is favourite to host the competition next year as the last two competitions had been held in Chatham, albeit very successfully. A suggested date is 17 April 2010.
30.11.2009
Packed house for Crosby branch Grand 'SODS' Opera.
It was practically standing room only on Friday evening (27.November) at the Comrades club in Crosby when shipmates from numerous branches in the area turned out to see a full evening of entertainment organised by members of the branch. Several members of the Merchant Navy wee also entertained and a thououghly pleasent evening was enjoyed by all.
30. 11. 2009
Liverpool club ceases trading
The Liverpool RNA Club ceased trading as of midnight on Sunday 15 November. It is understood, there had been an enquiry from a commercial operator who was interested in leasing the premises to run a private club, but there has been no further progress to date. Headquarters has received many letters, telephone calls and even a petition urging a stop to the planned closure, but this was a decision for the Liverpool Club committee, not RNA Headquarters.
30.11.2009
Revised forecast for Carrier Programme
HMS Invincible will be retired in 2010, Ark Royal in 2014, and Illustrious in 2016 – HMS Queen Elizabeth will enter service at the end of 2015, with the Prince of Wales to follow in 2018.
At least that’s the current timetable according to Quentin Davies, the British minister for defense equipment and support. The Queen Elizabeth will turn up just in time to keep the UK’s carrier strike capability afloat – and will initially operate the Harrier GR9 until the F-35 enters service.
Davies maintains: The Government remains fully committed to the manufacture of two Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers. The carriers are a core component of the overall Carrier Strike Program and a cornerstone of future defense policy.” There remains of course the issue of a general election, with the Strategic Defense Review to follow, along with the more mundane challenges of adhering to a carrier schedule that already has been delayed on several occasions.
Source : aviationweek
17.10.2009
Northwich Branch to Close.
The Northwich Branch has announced its decision to decommission after many years with the Association. They will meet for the last time at their headquarters in Northwich on November 9th.
26.09.2009
Decisions taken by the National Council at September 12th meeting in Portsmouth.
At their meeting in Portsmouth on September 12th 2009 the National Council arrived at the following decisions;
1. The National Council noted the Report of the General Secretary into alleged inaccuracies in the election prospectus of the candidate achieving election in the Scottish Area National Council Election and accepted the resignation from the Association of the successful candidate. The National Council accepted that the second placed candidate (S/M G C Cooper) should be acknowledged as the National Council member for the Scottish Area and that the Scottish Area Committee should now be requested to select a Deputy National Council member to replace S/M Cooper.
2. The National Council held elections for the posts of
National Chairman and National Vice Chairman of the Association. S/M David
White MBE MSM (NCM 4 Area) was re-elected as National Chairman. S/M C Dovey
(NCM 8 Area) was re-elected as National vice Chairman.
3. The National Council held elections for the Finance and
Administration Committee and also for the Association Management Committee. The
National Chairman will chair the Finance and Administration Committee the
members of which will be S/Ms VP G Hayhoe MBE, P Reed (NCM 3 Area), R
McGuinness (NCM 6 Area), S Simmons (NCM 10 Area) and T Halder (NCM 11 Area).
The National Vice Chairman will chair the Association Management Committee the
members of which will be S/Ms M Foley (NCM 1 Area), D P Harries (NCM 7 Area), K
Crawford (NCM 9 Area), I Hunter (NCM 12 Area) and G C Cooper (Scottish Area).
S/Ms Murray (NCM 2 Area) and King (NCM 5 Area) did not stand for election.
4. The National Council noted with regret the current
indisposition of the Deputy General Secretary and directed the General
Secretary to forward an expression of their best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The National Council noted the concerns expressed by The National President and
General Secretary in relation to the fragility of the Headquarters Management
Structure brought about by the illness of the Deputy General Secretary, and
agreed a recruitment scenario for the relief of the General Secretary who will
now proceed to pre-retirement leave on
5. The National Council noted the wish of S/M G Hayhoe MBE to relinquish his post as Overseas Corresponding Representative. S/M Murray (NCM 2 Area) was elected to serve in this capacity in place of S/M Hayhoe.
6. ITEM REMOVED
7. The National Council approved an addition to the Bye-Laws of the Association, viz:
“B12(b) A Special Meeting of the Branch must be convened at the request of the National Council or on receipt of a written request from not less than one fifth or 12 in number of the Branch Members, whichever is the least. Such a meeting shall be held not more than 14 days after the request has been received. At least 7 days notice shall be given by the Branch Secretary to each member, together with an indication of the nature of the business for which the meeting has been convened.
Existing Branch Bye-Law B.12 is to be re-numbered B12(a)”
22.09.2009
Naval Regional Officer moving on'
Commodore J E V Madgwick OBE, RN the current Naval Regional Officer, Northern England, has announced he will be moving from his current post in late October this year. During his time as Naval Regional Commander, Commodore Madgwick has overseen over 1500 warships to visit the north of England. His successor, Captain Baum RN a native of Nuneaton in Warwickshire joined the RN in 1979 as a University Cadet. Early in his career, he volunteered for submarines serving in various 'boats' such as Oracle and Swiftsure.
His current appointment is Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Underwater in Navy Command HQ's.
Captain Baum becomes Naval Regional Officer Northern England on October 28th 2009 when he will be promoted to the rank of Commodore.
21. 09. 2009
Peel Branch to disband?
The Peel (Isle of Man) branch has voted to disband their branch due to falling membership, and poor attendance at their branch meetings. The branch, having previously circulated its 20 remaining members decided at their meeting on September 10th, by 13 votes to 2 to decommission the branch at the years end.
12.09.2009
National Council Member and Deputy National Council Member Announced.
RNA 10 Area today announced the appointment of their National Council Member and Deputy National Council Member. S/m Stirling Simmonds (Crosby Branch) will take the post of National Council Member, and S/m Charles Hutton (Trafford Branch) will take the post of Deputy national Council Member. These changes are due to the recent death of S/m Ron Fielding.
06.09.2009
Life Membership awarded by Buxton and High Peak Branch.
Buxton and High Peak Branch awarded Live Membership of the Association to S/m Robert Wilkinson in recognition of his committed and loyal support of the Branch
The ceremony was held at the Glossop Cricket club on September 3rd and the award was made to S/m Wilkinson by the Area Secretary S/m Charles Hutton.
Further pictures from the ceremony can be viewed in the gallery pages.
29.08.2009
Area Conference Minutes now available.
The minutes of the area conference held in Liverpool on 25th July 2009 are now available to download.
25.08.2009
S/m Ron Fielding.
The Officers of No.10 Area committee regret to
inform all shipmates of the sudden death of Shipmate Ron Fielding,
National Council Member for the Area, and also Chairman of the Salford
branch on August 25th He was 67.
S/m Ron was well known throughout the Area and beyond for his unstinting work for the Royal Naval Association.
Ron was born in Blackpool in 1942 where his mother had been evacuated during the war, although he spent most of his childhood in Salford. As a young boy, he was a choir boy in St Philip's church Salford, he was also an enthusiastic boy scout. He entered the Navy in 1959 as Stoker Mechanic, transfering to diving duties during his service.
Some time after leaving the service, he joined the newly formed Salford branch as a founder member.He became their Chairman in 2007 having alsso held the posts of Treasurer and latterley temporary Secretary. He was also the branch Standard Bearer. Ron was also elected as Area Standard Bearer in 2005 and has carried the Area Standard at many functions and parades, both within No.10 Area and throughout the UK.
On Saturday last, Ron and his wife Freda traveled to Portsmouth for Ron to attend a National Council Finance committee meeting as Vice Chairman. Whilst there, Ron and Freda celebrated their 39th Wedding anniversary. Although feeling unwell whilst in Portsmouth, Ron returned home on Monday where his condition rapidly deteriorated and he sadly passed away in hospital.
We extend to Freda and Family our deepest sympathy at this sad time.
Details of Ron's service career can be found here.
04. 07. 2009
Decisions taken by the National Council at June 12th meeting in Londonderry.
At their meeting in Londonderry on June 12th 2009 prior to the annual national conference, the National Council arrived at the following decisions;
-
The National Council noted with concern the indisposition of the Deputy
General Secretary, and sent its best wishes for his return to good
health.
-
The National Council approved the establishment of a body to undertake
a revision of the Rules of the Association for consideration by
National Council. The Group will consist (initially) of the Chairman of
the Standing Orders Committee, The Chairman of the Association
Management Committee and the National Council Member for No. 12 Area.
-
The National Council noted with thanks, the report of the National
Council Group tasked with Observing the re-run of the Area 2 Elections.
-
The National Council directed the Accountant to treat the proceeds of
the sale of the premises at 82 Chelsea Manor Street as a
“designated” fund and instructed the General
Secretary to place the sum involved in a separate deposit account.
-
The National Council decided (as a temporary measure for the current
year only) to distribute all Gift Aid Income in excess of
£10,000 to Areas, on an 80/20 (Area/Headquarters) basis by
means of thirteen equal shares.
-
The National Council noted the report of the Standing Orders Committee
regarding Branch Motions, Rejected Motions and Motions of Urgency for
the Annual Conference 2009, debated its stance on each issue and
nominated National Council speakers to the various Motions.
-
The National Council noted the verbal report of the General Secretary.
-
The National Council considered a report by the General Secretary on
Charity Law in Northern Ireland as it pertains to The Royal Naval
Association, and directed the General Secretary to undertake further
investigative work on the subject.
-
The National Council voted an expression of its thanks and best wishes
to S/M Michael Hesketh (NCM Scottish Area) who is standing down for
reasons of ill-health.
The National Council decided not to extend an invitation to The Royal Air Forces Association to participate in The Royal Naval Association Biennial Parade in Whitehall on 13th September 2009.
I have received a pamphlet from David Devaudan. Having reviewed this Hutton Web Design has decided to remove the items as they could cause offence. Hutton Web Design apologises for any distress that may have been caused to Mr Devaudan.
01.07.2009
S/m Charles Crute Crosses the Bar.
Shipmate Charles Crute long serving Chairman of the South Liverpool branch sadly crossed the bar on Sunday June 28th aged circa 84. Charles was a tireless worker on behalf of his branch and fought their corner on the many ocassions at Area and National conference. His funeral is expected to take place at St Georges church Everton, Liverpool on Thursday July 9th at 1215 followed by commital at Anfield Cremartorium.
28.06.2009
RN Narrow Boat Hire
Shipmates and branch members may be interested to know that the RN has 3 narrow boats based at Southam (Warwickshire) There are three 8-berth boats and they come highly recommended. These boats are half the normal hire costs to serving/ex serving personnel. For further information, or to hire these boats please contact:-
Leisure and Amenities Fund
HMS Nelson
Portsmouth
PO1 3HH
Phone 023 9282 4050
The boats are berthed at Calcutt Boats,
Napton Junction,
Nr Southam,
Warwickshire.
27.06.2009
Crisis Talks in effort to save Liverpool club
Shipmates from the Liverpool branch, and club officials met with the Chairman of the Administration & Management Committee of the Association together with officers of the Area committee on Friday June 26th at the Bowring Park premises. The meeting was called in an effort to solve the crisis at the club which is currently suffering severe trading difficulties. It is understood that a meeting of all branch members is to be convened as soon as possible to decide the future of the club
16.06.2009
It's Plymouth in 2011
Although only a dissapointing 83 delegates attended this year's annual national conference in Londonderry, it was, nevertheless, a highly successful affair.With only one branch motion to discuss and this, concerned only the 2011 conference venue proposed by the Isle of Sheppey branch; an early finish to the meeting was anticipated. An emergency motion allowed the Plymouth branch to bid to bring the 2011 meeting to their city, and it was they who were successful by an overwhelming majority -- the Isle of Sheppey motion to hold the conferecne at the Mill Rythe holiday centre on Hayling Island Hant's fell by the wayside, with a number of delegates speaking against the motion.
Two further motions of urgency, one concerning the election of NCM's and the other defining their role in representing their Areas, were rejected by the Standing Orders Committee; although the respective branches were invited to re-submit them at a future conference.
With the time remaining, National Council invited the delegates to take part in a 'Open Forum' to discuss ways of furthering the best interests of the Association and this produced a lively debate with some excellant contributions from several delegates. All in all a good conference and the weekend went well, when for the first time in many years most of the delegates were together under one roof in a superier hotel in the heart of the city
08.06.2009
National Council reports loss of 1430 members for 2008
In its annual report prior to national conference on June 13th the National Council regrets to report the loss of 1430 voting members for 2008. 8 branches closed during the year.An operating loss of £110,599 was recorded for the period in question. The Association now has 23,160 members including Associates, and 413 branches. Although Council claim to have 58,030 members if the 34,870 serving members are included, this is a difficult issue to reconcile as the so called serving members are not required to pay subscriptions to the Association, and more to the point were not consulted about their wishes to belong to the RNA, and more importantly, many are unaware of the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year which brought this about.