March’s Branch Meeting was held at the Canary Social Club on 13 March 2018 with 40 members attending.
The usual formalities were observed with a minute’s silence for those that have crossed the bar, followed by reports from:
Chairman
The Chairman started by commenting that shipmates would all probably be aware by now that Jean Hogben ‘crossed the bar’ last Friday morning. Jean was for many years a very active member of the Branch and it is only in the last year or so that ill health prevented her from attending meetings. The Chairman continued by remarking that he was sure that all present would join him in offering their sympathies to Fred and he was aware that Fred would like as many as possible of you to attend Jean’s funeral at 1530 on Friday 13 April 2018 at St. Faiths, so if you can please do.
Reported that he has recently been involved with a company called Sim-Fly, based at Old Buckenham Airfield, and has negotiated a flight simulator experience, plus a guided tour of the St. George’s Distillery, all for £12.50. for the Branch. Starting at 10.00 on a Sunday 15 April, participants can experience flying several varieties of aircraft or engage in aerial combat between a Spitfire and a Messerschmitt or even try a land a Spitfire on an Aircraft Carrier! At 12.30 the party (up to 12) make their way to the Distillery for a tour and tasting and if they wish, enjoy a meal in the restaurant (not included in the price but all prices are very reasonable). The Chairman will need to confirm numbers no later than the Branch meeting on the 10th April. Numbers are limited to 12 but if a larger number than that are interested then a further visit will be arranged.
The Chairman gave his thanks to Nev for organising a most successful and enjoyable Lunch at Bawburgh Golf Club at the end of February, the setting was first class, helped by the fine weather, and the carvery was excellent. He understands that the Golf Club also has a very good breakfast menu and perhaps we could keep the venue on the ‘back burner’ should we be looking for somewhere else to go in the future.
Secretary
Reminded all present that new Data Protection Act Regulations will come into effect from May this year, and the details are contained in the last Branch Minutes. However, we still have the list for Shipmates to give consent in sharing their personal details and it is requested that anyone that hasn’t yet signed it does so this evening.
Applications are invited from Full or Life members or Associate members who have been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to become a member of the Standing Orders Committee. The Committee meets three times a year and review Conference motions and manages delivery of Conference procedures on the day. All expenses are covered when attending meetings. Full details are in this month’s Semaphore.
Finally, a reminder that the HMS Invincible Memorial Service will take at St Mary’s Church in Happisburgh this Saturday at 1200. Would be nice to see a good turnout please.
Membership Secretary
Thanked the Chairman and Secretary for their kind words; commenting that it had been some 20 years ago that he had been seconded onto the Committee by the late S/M Esme Ketteridge as Vice-Chairman, during that time he has seen many highs and a few lows. He continued that he is now looking for an invitation to a table as he doesn’t have to sit on his own anymore.
Welfare Secretary
We have been approached by SSAFA to see if one any of our membership could spare the time to visit an ex-RN vet who served in WW2 and participated in the Malta Conveys. The gentleman is question lives in Brooke. I have the details if anyone could make a visit.
Social Secretary
Provided an update on forthcoming events:
Forthcoming Events
17th Mar – HMS Invincible Memorial – 1200 at Happisburgh Church – Followed by Lunch at Smallsticks Café. Followed by a Tour of the Life boat station. List for this event has closed. On Thursday morning The Social Secretary and Mrs T squared away the Memorial Stone and made it presentable for this Sunday.
23rd Mar – Brewery Tour at St Andrews Brewhouse – Names for this event to S/M Phil Coates
7th Apr – Breakfast Club – 1000 at Townhouse Hotel
10th Apr – Branch Meeting – Fishery Protection Presentation by Gregg Emmott
15th Apr – Sunday Visit – Old Buckenham Airfield and St George’s Distillery – Sunday Visit to the Flight Simulator at Old Buckenham Airfield and a visit to St George’s Distillery. 1000 at Simulator followed by 1230 Distillery tour and tasting, cost for both is £12.50. Lunch at the distillery is optional, at extra cost.
5th May – Run Ashore – 1400 at The Woolpack – We will be meeting at 1430 to watch the Army v Navy rugby match
Divisions at Holbrook – S/M Reg McGuire asked all present to show their interest at attending Divisions at Holbrook School. The visit will also include Divisions and a Church Service and a look around. Approximately 12 people indicated an interest, so arrangements will be made to plan a visit.
Visit to HMS QE in May – Visit day will be Saturday the 19th starting at 0930 at the Dockyard main gate. A more detailed programme will come from the ship in due course. Dress on the day as required. Numbers have been limited to 32, we have 2 spare places ATM. After this we will run a reserve list. Can you all ensure you have filled in the ID part of the list which is on the top table. Make sure you take the same ID with you in May.
Tour of RNA HQ In Semaphore Tower – Mike Wilkinson has reported that there is a tour of RNA HQ in Semaphore Tower on the Friday before our visit to HMS QNLZ; starting at 1100. Anyone who may be interested in this please contact Nigel Huxtable on 023 9272 3737 to get your names on the list.
Armed Forces Fete – On 27th May at Longwater Lane Sports Field there will be an Armed Forces Fete all day. The Branch will have a stand there promoting the RNA throughout the day.
Any Other Business
S/M Mike Massen – On behalf of the Kirkpatrick family, thanked all that attended the funeral. S/M Mike Mizen asked if a new date had been organised for the Sea Cadets award and was advised that a date in early April is being planned.
S/M Nev Townsend – Gave an update on RAF Marham and events being organised with the RN Unit there
