June’s Branch Meeting was held at the Canary Social Club on 12 June 2018 with 36 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 visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth was a great success and on behalf of the Branch the Chairman would like to thank Nev for organising such a great day out. The weather was perfect, everyone was on time, and the Royal Navy staff who guided us around were first class. The Chairman continued that he was amazed that we appear to be the first RNA Branch to visit the ship, especially when you consider the distance we had to travel. This visit has got to be the highlight of the year, if not the past decade, and the Chairman is delighted that it was so well attended. So apart from thanking Nev; the Chairman would like to thank all the other members who made the effort to travel to Portsmouth, the Chairman hope that, like me, you felt it was worth it.
The Chairman continued by saying thank you and well done to those who attended the Armed Forces Day at Costessey Park last Sunday week. This was an opportunity to advertise the RNA in our area and although the event was well attended it is always difficult to say what impact we had. Never the less, we were on display and played an active part with our stall and the parade that followed; so well done to all those who attended and thank you.
On the 6th June we had the D-Day commemoration at the City War Memorial, and the Chairman thanked all the members who attended, once again the RNA formed the largest contingent!
Finally, the funeral of Shipmate Bill Clodd took place at Earlham Crematorium on Thursday 7th June. Bill was a staunch member of this Branch for many years and a past Chairman. Unfortunately, like so many, ill health prevented him from attending in recent years.
By the time this report is submitted to the Branch meeting, we will have attended Geoff. Little’s funeral and, once again, it is hoped that we can muster a good turnout to pay our respects.
It is important that we honour those members who have crossed the bar and the Chairman requested that as many Shipmates as possible attend, even if you did not know the person being buried or cremated.
Secretary
Reported that he intends to commence the order for the Branch Badges at this evenings Meeting; the badges are £4, but the Branch will be subsiding half of the cost, meaning a cost to S/M’s of £2.
Advised all present that a Branch photo will be taken at the July Meeting.
Email from Mike Massen, thanking the S/M’s who turned out for the leaving parade on Sunday, it was nice to see all those who attended and thanks to all S/M’s for your continued support.
Membership Secretary
Reported that of the 28 forms that had to be sent out, 8 are still outstanding. Of those that have been completed, 5 have selected to not be included on the Branch Directory and 7 have selected to not be included on the website.
In regard to the email that was sent out asking everyone to reply who wished to carry on receiving emails from the Branch, 22 people are yet to reply. Another email has been sent out last Tuesday (5th); which had a cut off date of 10 June; after this anyone who has not responded will be removed from our email listing. It should be noted however, that any of these permissions can be changed at anytime.
I apologise for the continued bombardment of the subject over the last couple of months and thank you all for your patience as various forms and emails have been sent out. The reason for this communication is so that you may provide your authority for the Branch to retain your personal details and contact you with news from the Branch. At present the majority of members have submitted the forms or responded to the emails.
Quite rightly, it is not enough anymore, that any organisation can use your data willy-nilly and whilst it may be a pain giving your consent; without it we are legally unable to keep you updated with news from the Branch; including the distribution of Up Spirits, Branch Minutes, parades, social events or news of those members that have crossed the bar.
Welfare Secretary
May was a month which was unfortunately quite a busy one from a welfare perspective and saw two Shipmates cross the bar, and one hospitalised with a serious condition.
Firstly, there was S/M William Clodd, whose funeral took place on Thursday 7th June at Earlham crematorium. Unfortunately, the Welfare Officer was unable to make it, but there were representatives from the Branch in attendance as well as the Standard Bearer. The Welfare Officer has been in regular contact with Melanie, Bill’s daughter who is very grateful for the support and for the ensign for the coffin.
Secondly, at the end of May sadly Ex-S/M Geoff Little also crossed the bar following a long battle with illness. Again, the Welfare Officer was in touch with Pat who very much wanted RNA attendance, the Ensign and Standard at the funeral.
Some shipmates may have seen on Facebook a new group called Leave No Man Behind; this group is for all veterans, those making the transition to civilian life and those still serving, and it does exactly what is says – leaves no man behind. It is a forum to help people in the same area connect, arrange to meet up, spin dits, support one another etc. Just something to consider, you never know you may even connect with old shipmates!
Ok, that’s all from me, lets hope June is a quieter month, with warmer weather inbound.
Social Secretary
Provided an update on forthcoming events:
Forthcoming Events
24th Jun – Dunkirk Veterans and Armed Forces Service of Remembrance – 1030 – St Andrews Church
25th Jun – Flag Raising Ceremony – 1030 – City Hall – Start of Armed Forces Week
27th – 28th Jun – Royal Norfolk Show – Costessey Showground – A sunset ceremony will take place on the Thursday evening
30th Jun – Armed Forces Day – 1000-1600 – Forum
30th Jun – Run Ashore – 2000 – The Eagle – 33 Newmarket Rd, Norwich, NR2 2HN – This event has been moved to coincide with Armed Forces Day
1st Jul – Sunday Lunch – 1400 – Bawburgh Golf Club – Max of 30 people in the Conservatory.
26th Jul – Families Day – RAF Marham
17th Aug – Curry Night – Spice Lounge
Any Other Business
S/M Reg McGuire – Advised that the visit to the Royal Hospital School will take place on 30 September, with all attendees requested to be there for 1000. Divisions wil take place at 1100, and a number of other events are being investigated for the day.
