HEADQUARTERS ROLL NEWSLETTER November 2011 1 Dear Shipmate Member, Welcome to the Autumn newsletter, it is packed with great info and news about the RNA, I hope you enjoy it and something catches your eye. I would like to open with a thank you and well done for the many ways in which RNA branches and HQ Roll members led their local communities during Remembrance week. It was marvellous to see so many positive reports and so many shipmates turn out. I was particularly proud of the RNA contingent at the Cenotaph parade which had many HQ members; it got good coverage on the BBC. The National Vice President, Keith Crawford laid the wreath on behalf of the RNA. The Biennial Parade went very well with a moving speech by the First Sea Lord and a very good turnout from our shipmates in the Irish Naval Association. We had almost 500 on parade and 62 Standards. Everyone enjoyed a buffet and party in the Civil Service club afterwards, the Irish won the singing we won the drinking! You will be pleased to hear that the Shipmates campaign is off and running, with our new AGS, Andy, visiting the resettlement offices to ensure that all Service leavers are aware of the help and support that the RNA can provide, we are getting the first of their resettlement addresses now. Any HQ role member who would like to help a naval redundees please give me a ring. I hope you agree that our poster is very eye-catching. I am also thrilled to report that the mentoring of Phase 2 trainees by RNA members in HMS COLLINGWOOD has got off to a great start, we have volunteers to fill commitments until May, but would welcome anyone who would like to come and spin some dits with some keen and lively young sailors here in Portsmouth, even submariners and waffoos are welcome! The idea is to give the young sailors an idea of the traditions and history of the Navy – the first session had to teach the lads what ‘handsomely and roundly meant!! Our Member-get-Member campaign has been in full swing, I hope you have recruited your member. If you want any more posters or joining forms give the HQ a shout. The Conference Booking form will be on the website in January, all HQ roll members are entitled to attend as observers. If you want to attend or know more about the events planned give the HQ a ring. In his Chairman’s Dit, Chris Dovey mentions Open Days for 2012, we intend to run at least 3 of these days in 2012, we are delighted to see HQ Roll members here. The day includes an MOD boat around the dockyard, with the new Type 45 destroyers often to be seen. If you are interested give Nigel or Andy a ring or e-mail. If the news and info in the newsletter has inspired you to want to be more involved in a nearby RNA branch, why not contact the Branch Secretary and ask to come along to the meeting. You are fully entitled to attend (but not to vote), but courteous to contact the Sec first. Details of branches and contact details are in the new website, www.royal-naval-association.co.uk under 2 ‘branches’. If you want to down load the branch circular or newsletter go to the ‘downloads’ section; when prompted for the code, type in ‘shipmate’. If you are feeling a little lonely this Christmas and don’t want to, or can’t get to a meeting, why not consider joining the virtual branch. It is a jolly phone call once a fortnight with like-minded shipmates – all completely free of charge. You can even attend a special carol service on the phone if you are quick, details in the Newsletter. I would like to close by wishing you all a Happy Christmas and Great New Year from all in the HQ staff. Best Christmas wishes from Semaphore Tower Paul Quinn General Secretary ______________________________________________________________________________________ Chairman's Chat As we come to the end of a very full year I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Shipmates a very Happy Christmas and a Successful and Prosperous Voyage through the New Year. I would also like to thank all those Areas and Delegates who have made Keith and me so welcome on our visits to meet and interact with you. We didn't quite manage to fit in all 13 Areas and we look forward to completing a full house with visits to Scotland and Ireland in early 2012. In 2011 we have had over 100 visitors to our first three Open Days at Semaphore Tower. As well as making them welcome in our excellent HQ facilities the GS has also managed to organise a boat trip around the Dockyard for them all at no cost to them or the RNA, and even provided fine weather and a tot of rum too. We plan to continue these popular events next year as we had to turn away as many as we accepted because of the demand. I want to take this opportunity to thank our HQ Staff on your behalf for not only making these open days so successful but for their hard work, loyalty and cheerfulness in dealing with all the work we place upon them over the year. They are just a small team but we would struggle to find better. It is always a pleasure for me to go into the Office, and I wish them a well-deserved and enjoyable Christmas break on your behalf. We had a successful Conference in Plymouth and look forward to a similar event on Tyneside next year. Our membership decline has slowed up this year, which is very encouraging, and hopefully the initiatives we have started in 2011 will move into full flow in 2012 and stem the decline still further. We have a lot of work to do and I, Keith and the whole National Council will be doing our utmost to give you the RNA you deserve. In my visits to the Areas it has been obvious that there is overwhelming support for and belief in our great Association. I look forward to sharing with you all the opportunity to keep it at the forefront of the widespread Naval community. I treasure the times I have spent with many of you this year and hope for many more in 2012. I send you all my very best wishes, and sincerest appreciation for the support and encouragement I have received from you during my first full year as your National Chairman. Chris 3 Contents DAILY ORDERS 1. Thank You- Open Day 2. Senior Citizens-Aids Carriers 3. Royal Marines Band –CD’s 4. Online Donations 5. Can you help Find ? 6. Under Payment of State Pension 7. Combat Stress – Mental Health 8. IHG Weekend Stays - 35% off 9. Donations Received 10. Book Reviews – Late Christmas Presents 11. Battle of the Atlantic Statue 12. Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) Medal 13. Christmas Carol Services - Relayed into people’s homes 14. Premier Bathrooms 15. Fantastic offer – Carnival Cruising 16. Conference 2012 17. Virtual branch 18. Guess Where? 19. RN Boy Seaman WW11 Memorial 20. SSBN- Gold or Silver Patrol pin 21. Royal Marines Museum-Licensed for Civil Ceremonies 22. The Royal Navy Day By Day, (book offer) 23. WRNS-BT 70th Anniversary Commemorative Book 24. Bell Presentation – Royal Wotton Bassett 25. HMS Falmouth- Ships Bell- Can you help? 26. Scenes of Battle Tours 27. 1953 Coronation Fleet Review- Documentary 28. Little known Tit-bit of Naval History Shortcast Longcast Ship’s Office Swinging the Lamp For the notice-board (included loose-leaf): 1. Latest Slops Price List and Order Form 2. 2012 Diaries 3. 2012 Christmas cards 4. Premier bathing 5. Summon The Heroes 4 Glossary of terms NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NatCh National Chairman NatVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary Asap As soon as possible Throughout indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts: Accounts 023 9272 3823 [email protected] FAX 023 9272 3371 Assistant General Secretary (Membership & Slops) 023 9272 3747 [email protected] Events/Marketing/Comms 023 9272 3823 [email protected] General Secretary 023 9272 2983 [email protected] _________________________________________________________________ Joining Routine – Andy Christie Andy Christie is the new AGS. He has just completed 36 years service serving for 24 years as a rating in the Stores Branch and was selected Warrant Office before being commissioned 12 years ago as an SUY (SD) officer. The highlights of Andy’s career included action in the Falklands Campaign in HMS GLASGOW and somehow managing to ‘loaf’ for three years in HMS MALABAR Bermuda, as Andy said “Someone had to do it”. He is really looking forward to working in the HQ and has already got stuck into the Shipmates Campaign for starters. A season ticket holder, at top of the championship, Southampton FC, Andy lives with his wife and family in Lee on the Solent. RNA HQ Staff continue to attempt to build a library of e-mail addresses within the Association. It would be extremely helpful if you are able to communicate by e-mail would forward a short e- message to HQ to [email protected] 5 Daily Orders 1.P HQ Open Day - Thank Yous received Dorchester Branch; Please Covey our sincere thanks for a very enjoyable day Friday last to all the staff.