February’s Branch Meeting was held at the Canary Social Club on 21 February 2017 with 33 members attending.
The usual formalities were observed with a minute’s silence for those that have crossed the bar, followed by reports from:
Chairman
Commented on the RMA’s forthcoming Dinner / Dance whilst asking the Branch to join him in wishing our oldest member, Vera Read, a very happy birthday as she celebrates her 104th birthday on the 5th March; confirming that the Branch will be sending her a bouquet of flowers and a card.
Secretary
Advised that Mike Massen has invited all Shipmates to the Sea Cadets Awards to be held as usual at St. Matthews Church on Thursday the 2nd March, seated by 19:15 please.
Members will have read about the Jutland Wood project in The Semaphore. I ordered an M & S card in 2015 and nominated the Woodlands Trust to receive a penny every time I used the card. I use the card even if I just buy a coffee in Marks and Spencer’s cafe. This is a free, simple way to ‘donate’ money to this fantastic Trust. Over £1,000,0000 has been raised so far.
Notice to all from Lt. Cdr Mark McCrea RN, Engagements Manager, QE Class First Entry Portsmouth Team:- The Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers are the biggest and most powerful warships ever constructed for the Royal Navy. The first of class, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is expected to enter Portsmouth for the first time during the summer of 2017. The RN/RM would like to hear from anyone who served on board the previous HMS Queen Elizabeth which was commissioned in 1913 and decommissioned in 1948. Please forward your name and service number to NAVYPOL-OECFEPENGAGEMENTS@mod.uk copied to NAVYPOL-OECFEPPM@mod.uk if you served on board or know of someone that did.
A two course carvery has been arranged for 18 June 2017 at Bawburgh Golf Club.
Welfare Secretary
Advised that Ray Self’s bench has now been sanded; many thanks to Pat and Barbara Whiley. Freddie Fitch wants to paint the engraving on the bench, once done the bench will be coated in a suitable preservative and arrangements made for it to be returned to the Forum
Social Secretary
Provided an update on forthcoming events:
Forthcoming Events
04th Mar – Run Ashore – 2000 at The Gibraltar Gardens.
07th Mar – Committee Meeting – 1930 at BVC
14th Mar – AGM and Branch Meeting – 1930 at Canary Social Club
18th Mar – HMS Invincible Memorial Service – 1200 at Happisburgh Church – Those intending to have a meal at the pub afterwards please let the pub know in advance. Hill House Inn 01692 650004
1st Apr – Breakfast Club – 1000 at The Village Inn, Little Melton
The Trafalgar Night Organiser advised that names are now being taken for Trafalgar Night on 21 October 2017 at Wensum Valley Golf Club.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
– Advice to all those Shipmates that had served with the Forces, to inform their Doctor of their previous service so that it may be appended to their medical records. This is part of the Military Covenant, meaning your medical requirements will receive a higher priority.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 14th March 2017 at 19:30.
