text:
Royal Naval Writers' Association
Formed in 1887 - The Oldest Military Association
THE MEETING OF THE ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) SCHEDULED FOR 19:00 THURSDAY 19TH MARCH 2020 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB
CANCELLED – DUE TO COVID-19
In lieu of meeting, correspondence, emails, messages and telephone calls have taken place:-
President (CH)
Prior BEM QVRM
Treasurer (PP)
Heyhoe BCAv
Secretary (LH)
Mytom-Hart BEM
Committee (GMH)
Moncur
Committee (MM)
Committee (TW)
Committee (LG)
Member (DK)
Life Member (ND)
No comments or feedback received so assumed the minutes of the 16th January 2020 are taken as read.
Life member Jim Donaldson advised LH via email 13/03/20 that he had recently discovered from the widow of RNWA member Ralph Henderson of Gillingham that sadly Ralph had 'Crossed the Bar' aged 74 on the 28th September 2019.
Dickie as he was known was promoted SD from Chief Writer around 1977 and the majority of his Officer service was in HMS Pembroke (Writers Training Officer), SO (Pay) then SO(Cash) when he was promoted Lieutenant. He took early retirement in 1983 when Pembroke closed.
He also served in MCM1 (HMS Nurton), 800 Squadron (Lossiemouth and Eagle), Cochrane, Centurion, HQ Baltap and HMS Matapan.
Normally a minute's silence would have been held in Ralph's memory at the meeting so his memory and name will be honoured and remembered at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 9th October 2020.
Treasurer's Report
i. £5,564.59 as at a.m. 18/03/20 (see below for payments made included in i.).
ii. The following sum is held as 'restricted funds' for the NMA totalling £1,456.50 i.e. donated in 2018 £850.00 and 2019 of £606.50
iii. £835.00 received for advance payment of Reunion Dinner – 09/10/2020
iv. £1,514.00 received (*see 5. AOB iii.) for Grand National draw 04/04/20
v. £890.00 received for membership contributions from 2019, 2020 plus years
vi. Audit of Accounts for 01/01 to 31/12/19 completed (see website/attached)
i. Membership as at 18/03/20 comprises of the following:-
279 Members in total – 3 Honourary, 36 Life & 240 Members
Members in total – 3 Honourary, 36 Life & 240 Members
ii. The RNWA database currently indicates that 25 member's contributions remain outstanding for 2019 (a reduction of 21 since January and the issue of the February Newsletter upon enclosing a reminder). 34 membership contributions remain due in 2020.
iii. New members since 16/01/20:-
Sarah Jane Adams (nee Moss) of Chichester – February 2020
Malcom Norman of Weymouth – February 2020
Rebecca Fyans (nee Aitken) of Southsea – March 2020
Note: Becky (Rebecca) is a Leading Writer currently serving at NCHQ Whale Island, Portsmouth.
LH contacted Becky to ask if she would like to become a RNWA member having seen an article about her recently in February in 'The News', Portsmouth's local newspaper. Becky, Page 26, as well as LH page 25, were both chosen as being 'One of Fifty Inspirational People that Portsmouth and the surrounding area' are proud of. Please see the emag. link for the write-up:-
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/12-year-old-pompey-star-and-d-day-veteran-50-inspirational-people-make-you-proud-portsmouth-area-2004325
i. RNWA 133rd Reunion Dinner Friday 9th October 2020 at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. To-date, 28 had confirmed their attendance, who are:-
Aldous / D. Alger / M. Atkinson / R. Carr / B. Carrington / Chris & Carol Cole P. Danks / R. Dickson / D. & N. Hill / N. Howden / C. Hughes / R. & A. Lewis / P. Magill / T. Mason / D. McGeorge / B. McCloughlin / J. Miller / C. Meyers / T. Rafferty / D. Rawlings / D. Shaw / M. Stephens / D. Turner / G. Walby and K. Williams
ii. If as a result of Covid-19 not being resolved then the deposit of £200 could potentially be lost if the venue / event is cancelled, subject to the T&c's.
iii. Covid-19 has meant that the Grand National 04/04/20 has been cancelled.
It has been proposed and seconded that the following action will take place:-
A. Announced via the RNWA's website, email contacts, mail & calls that a Grand Draw will be held (details to be decided nearer the time subject to Covid-19 update) on Friday 1st
B. All those that have paid and returned their stubs will be entered into the draw unless they provide written confirmation that they wish for the sum paid to be returned. They will be given until Monday 27th April to apply.
C. Subject to % of request for refund and return of money (the prize money being adjusted accordingly) tickets will be drawn and prize payment made to the first winning ticket of £250, 2nd £75, 3rd £50 & 4th £25 and with a further 12 tickets (average of horses crossing the post) drawn each receiving £10.
As a precautionary measure, the 21st May meeting has also been cancelled with the next scheduled meeting to be held at the RNA 19:00 16th July 2020
Les Heyhoe BCAv
RNWA Secretary & Membership
RNWA-Audited-Accounts-311219
RNWA Grand National Draw 2020
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING HELD THURSDAY
16th JANUARY 2020 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:00
Present:-
Apologies:-
Member (KS)
The meeting opened by 'Wishing all those present a Happy & Healthy New Year' 2020.
The minutes of the 21st November 2019 were taken as read.
A minute's silence was held in remembrance of the following who since the last meeting it has been reported that they had 'Crossed the Bar':-
Life Member – Roland 'Nick' Carter of Waterlooville Hants. RIP – 10/11/2019
Life Member – Frank Hookham of Clayton-Le-Dale Lancs. RIP – 07/12/2019
Member – Gordon Kershaw of Alicante, Spain. RIP – 19/12/2019
CH, PP, GMH, MM & Phil Allen MBE attended the service of former RNWA President Nick Carter with a prolific 'send-off' and recognition of bugler and four standards present i.e. RNWA, Royal British Legion & Royal Naval Association (Waterlooville) & Submariner's standard.
i. £3,129.43 (see below for payments made included in i.).
ii. The following sum is held as 'restricted funds' for the NMA of £832.31.
iii. A payment of £200.00 as a deposit for the 09/10/20 has been made for the Reunion Dinner being held at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea.
iv. £60.00 payment made for renewal of membership Royal Maritime Club 2020
i. No New Members since last meeting 21/11/19.
ii. Further to the minutes of the 21/11/19 Membership 4. iii and in accordance with RNWA Rules & Regulations 5b. & 6. the following personnel will be notified that effective immediately their RNWA membership has 'lapsed' as membership was due in 2018 and remains unpaid (listed in Surname Alphabetical order) according to RNWA database records:-
Anthony Beddow BEM of Gillingham
Amy Pryde of Blairgowrie
Phil Carlick of Coed Ely
Porth Jamie Reid of Blackpool
Henrietta Goodrum of Locks Heath
Michael Seaward of Torquay
Megan Johnson of Shoeburyness
Denise Shepherd of Gosport
Teresa Johnson of Carlisle
Michael Thompson of Lee-on-the-Solent
Frederica McCarthy of BuryΩ
Norman Prior of Ashton
iii. 282 Members in total – 3 Honourary, 35 Life & 244 Members.
iv. The RNWA database currently indicates that 46 member's contributions remain outstanding for 2019 but this will be cross checked in January's compilation of figures for production of audit scheduled to be completed by the next meeting. Of those outstanding, a 'reminder slip' will be attached to their RNWA February 2020 Newsletter scheduled to be despatched mid-February.
5. Any Other Business
i. National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) – An update was provided by CH and further information and details would be published via the February 2020 RNWA newsletter.
ii. RNWA 133rd Reunion Dinner Friday 9th October 2020 at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. The menu and application to attend had been promulgated via the RNWA's website and one application had been received already. A reminder that the cost is RNWA members would have a subsidised meal at a cost of £35.00 per ticket and non-members & guests at £45.00 per ticket.
iii. Initially, the GOH was to remain as the 2SL however no confirmation had yet been received by LH, so a follow-up telephone call and email / letter was to be sent prior to the issue of the February 2020 .
iv. A meeting was being held on the 23/01/20 regarding the premises of the Royal Naval Association and the way forward and CH (as a RNA member) would be able to provide more details at the next meeting in March.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 20:15.
Please note for future reference the 2020 scheduled meetings are to be held at (see vi. above) 19:00 / 7pm at The Royal Naval Association, Gosport & Fareham Branch, 66 Fareham Road, Gosport, Hants., PO13 0AG Tel: 01329 310060 (Reminder ALL members are welcome!):-
Always the 3rd Thursdays of the month, every 2 months commencing January:-
Note: Grand National Saturday 4th April 2020 at 17:15 / 5.15pm, so an Extra Ordinary Meeting will be held at the address of LH (112 St Vincent Road Gosport Hants. PO12 4RF) on Tuesday 31st March at 19:00 / 7pm to finalize 'Grand National Draw' Tickets.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Friday 9th October at 17:30 The Royal Beach Hotel, St Helen's Parade, Southsea, PO4 0RN.
21st NOVEMBER 2019 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:00
Colin Hughes
Pat Prior BEM QVRM
George Mytom-Hart BEM
Tony Webber
Lyn Gannon
Dave Kelly
Phil 'Darby'Allen MBE
Member (PA)
Kathryn Simmons
Mike Moncur
'Dixie' Dickson
Member (DD)
The President welcomed the largest gathering of attendees for years (outside of the AGM) reiterating that meetings are not just for Committee members but for all members as well.
The minutes of the 19th September were taken as read.
None known or reported.
i. £3,274.45 – net £2,442.14 (see ii, below).
ii. Included in i. is the sum of 'restricted funds' held for the NMA of £832.31.
iii. An additional payment of £175.00 had been forwarded to the Webmaster to pay for advance services up to and including the date of August 2022.
iv. £20.00 had also been paid out to the local council for 2020 raffle registration.
v. A payment of £10.00 had been received which was paid into the dysfunctional account which has now to be closed – action: PP December 2019.
i. New Member: Norman Davies of Southsea (re-joined November 2019 with missing contributions paid in full, therefore eligible for Life Membership with immediate effect.
ii. Life Membership (defined as 50 years of membership contributions paid – not necessarily consecutively) due for members in 2020 to the following:- Keith Williams of Waltham Abbey (March) / Richard Coupe OBE of Wellington Somerset (April) / David Turner of Altringham (May) / David Hill & Nancy Hill of Plymouth (June) / Robert Carr of Gosport (August). All will by January 2020, be receiving complimentary invitations to the RNWA Reunion Dinner 09/10/20.
iv. 12 Member's contributions remain outstanding from 2018 and are potentially eligible to 'lapse' in January 2020 in accordance with the RNWA Rules & Regulations 5b. & 6.
v. The RNWA database currently indicates that 47 member's contributions remain outstanding for 2019 but this will be cross checked in December 2019 and an update provided in January's scheduled meeting.
i. National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) – An update request would be forwarded by CH beginning of January 2020 and subject to a response reported and advised at the next scheduled meeting of 16th January 2020.
ii. 132nd Reunion Dinner Friday 11th October 2019 at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea – 'Feedback' (see attached pie chart for additional information'). Varying topics from individuals and their responses were discussed, ranging from name labels, entertainment, report of non-members demise, seating, sound equipment, speeches, Guests of Honour etc. which would be considered for the future. From the feedback, those who attended at the meeting endorsed and concurred with the majority who reported they were particularly pleased with the food and service, rating it either excellent or very good. A total of 96 attendees for 2019.
iii. TW proposed a 'Vote of Thanks' to LH and his wife Lyn, seconded by DK, and endorsed by all those present for their organisation and liaison in ensuring a considered successful 132nd Reunion Dinner.
iv. Following the comments and feedback of ii., all present were unanimous in agreeing to a payment of £200.00 deposit to the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea to secure the booking at the same venue for the 133rd Reunion Dinner on Friday 9th October 2020 – Action: LH & PP.
a. A new menu had been obtained by LH which was approved to be served.
b. The wine selection per table would be one bottle of red, one white & Prosecco
c. RNWA members would have a subsidised meal at a cost of £35.00 per ticket and non-members & guests at £45.00 per ticket (includes a. & b. as above, port and tea/coffee).
d. Initially, the GOH was to remain as the 2SL (subject to confirmation of availability by 15th January 2020). Action – LH
v. Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
This topic was discussed and reviewed separately in view of various comments and feedback received following the AGM held 11th October 2019. After much debate, discussion and opinions expressed the following was agreed (note:- in no specific order of reference):-
a. The AGM minutes of the previous year would be emailed to attendees at least 10 working days prior to the next AGM 09/10/20 (even though they are available to view via the RNWA's website effective October 2019) on or before 25/09/20. . Action: LH
b. At the same time as v.a., personnel will be requested to submit any items for discussion by 02/10/20 (a week before the AGM), following the AGM meeting under the heading of 'Any Other Business' (AOB – see c. below). Items & topics for proposals and discussion may be submitted throughout the year via The Chairman or Secretary. Action: LH
c. NO AOB will be discussed at the AGMs.
d. Election / Re-election of Officials – An invitation for new committee members to join will be sent at the same time as the AGM minutes (also mentioned in the preceding Newsletter and placed a month in advance via the website) and members invited to propose, second and endorse those in office who wish to remain 'in post'. Action: LH
e. Treasurer's reporting – The financial year of the RNWA was to remain as 1st January to 31st The 'Income & Expenditure' sheet (published on the website to view after audit in January) would accompany the AGM minutes. Action: PP / LH
f. Membership – No AGM change. Enough information is regularly provided at the regular committee 2 monthly meetings and minuted (therefore available to view online) as well as being published and updated within the periodic Newsletters (again, this being placed on the website to view). An updated figure of membership as at the AGM will therefore only be provided.
vi. CH received a letter dated the 21/11/19 from the Royal Naval Association that unfortunately it finds itself in a financially precarious position regarding its membership and premises (Gosport & Fareham), so unless drastic steps are taken then it might, in 2020, have to close? That said, the RNWA would have to relocate to a future venue for its meetings. Where and when known, updates will be provided by CH (who is a member of this RNA Branch) as to the future of our meeting location for 2020.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Friday 9th October (Time / Location to be confirmed) at The Royal Beach Hotel, St Helen's Parade, Southsea, PO4 0RN.
RNWA 11th OCTOBER 2019 REUNION DINNER "FEEDBACK"
A TOTAL OF 96 ATTENDED OF WHICH 60 WERE MEMBERS (63%) WITH 19 (32%) GIVING FEEDBACK 8 MEMBERS BOOKED ACCOMMODATION WITH THE ROYAL BEACH HOTEL OF WHICH 4 (50%) PROVIDED "FEEDBACK"
(A brief example, and by no means all of them and in no order or preference regarding feedback topic, positive & negative)
"If it ain't broke then don't fix it!"
"Seating for members will always be a problem but the provision of a larger room did allow people to meet other friendsbetween courses and afterwards".
"As you say the new web master and the pics taken are really first class. The speeches and presentations are necessary andcould always be improved but they are already first class".
"Les – Brilliant night thanks for all your organisation. Only suggestion, name badges and perhaps name those who have passedaway who were NOT members of the Association. I'm sure many present would have known, say Tony Izzard, and would havebeen interested that he is no longer with us. Have every intention of attending next year. Forgot to mention, great photos".
"Meal Service Staff – I thought these were Excellent!".
"GOH – They always seem to forget when most of the people at the dinner served there was a decent sized Navy, and no-one is impressed with what they have to say about the current state of affairs. It would be better if it was more branch appropriate rather than the Navy in general which we can all read about in the press or on-line".
"When you have serving members as guests, you could have put one on each table so that everyone got a bit of up to date information straight from the horse's mouth, not a criticism just a suggestion!".
"Les – Thank you very much for your time and effort into a great evening. This was my first time at the dinner after years of prevaricating! I thoroughly enjoyed this all-to-brief event catching up with oppos, past and present. Maybe I was lucky, but I knew every guest on my table suggesting your judgement is very knowledgeable! I am looking forward to attending next year along with more Centurion colleagues that Neil and I were doing a recce for".
"Overall it was a good night thanks to you and yours' organisation; thank you. My main feedback is that I would prefer UJC due to cost and travel time. My main concern is Portsmouth. It adds 3 hours and about £30 to my travel time and cost".
"I am hard of hearing and always struggle to hear speeches. Les Yours ok".
"Accommodation was good price but drinks expensive".
"Vegetables too hard for my liking".
"A thoroughly enjoyable evening. Good food, good wine and good company!"
"Key card had to be recharged twice to be able to use it – very inconvenient when on 4th floor and needing assistance!"
"This is only my second time of attending and although it is nice to sit with those you know it would be more beneficial for future socializing if the seating was more mixed up so eventually you would get to know more people. I know you say 'go and mingle' after the meal, but it is very difficult to start up a conversation with a group of people you don't know.
"I really appreciate all your hard work. It was a fabulous evening. You may want to consider a more sparkly waistcoat for next year! Loved it. Thanks again and look forward to next year".
"Not particularly impressed with Guest of Honour's speech".
"Although the room and bathroom were a little dated, they were spotlessly clean. Good facilities and all staff I met were extremely friendly and helpful. Our table particularly commented on the quality of the red wine and the serving staff were extremely polite and efficient".
"For some reason having a slight problem receiving emails!!!"
"The food was fantastic, and the waiting staff were very good. There appeared to be a difference in price from the main bar to the restaurant bar".
"I am struggling to maintain the momentum of Service personnel attending. I personally feel we need to cater for our younger members".
Download minutes (2019 AGM)
Download RNWA 2019 dinner feedback.
11 October 2019 (AGM)
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2019 IN THE INVINCIBLE ROOM OF THE
BEST WESTERN ROYAL BEACH HOTEL SOUTHSEA AT 18:30
Colin Hughes President (CH)
Les Heyhoe BCAv Secretary (LH)
Mike Moncur Committee (MM)
Tony Webber Committee (TW)
Roger Aldous Member (RA)
Phil "Darby" Allen MBE Member (PH)
Tony Coates Member (TC)
Chris Cole Member (CC)
Peter Danks Member (PC)
Richard Dickson Member (RD)
Lyn Gannon Member (LG)
Dave Kelly Member (DK)
Tony Mason MSM Member (TM)
Peter Nicholls Member (PN)
Kathryn Simmons Member (KS)
David Spicer Member (DS)
Jed Stone OBE Member (JS)
Note:- Names recorded from those members that 'Signed In' so any omissions due to not making themselves known.
Pat Prior BEM QVRM Treasurer (PP)
George Mytom-Hart BEM Committee (GMH)
Dave Abdy Member (DA)
Arthur Horne Member (AH)
The minutes of the 19th September * were taken as read.
None were known or reported since the last issued Newsletter (June 2019) and CH reminded all present that a minute's silence was held in respect of those 'Crossing the Bar' prior to any RNWA Committee meeting, as is customary practice. Whilst names are always published in the Newsletters, members were once again reminded of the following:-
Stella Brown QSM – 03/01/2019
Grahame Boyett – 18/01/2019
Bob Muir – 05/02/2019
David McQuitty – 11/02/2019
Sir J. Miles Huntington-Whiteley VRD – 19/02/2019
Douglas 'Jimmy' Jewell – 15/03/2019
In view of PP's apologies, the following information was provided as at 5th October 2019 with the balance of the account = £3760.05.
This amount is after deduction for the main invoice received in respect of the 132nd Reunion Dinner for £3,803.70 (further expenditure to follow).
PP advised that an amount of £1,446.50 had been 'reserved to be treated as restricted funds' for the sole purpose of the proposed RNWA National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). This meant the net account balance for general purpose and operational use stood at £2,313.55
LH advised that the membership as at 5th October 2019 was as follows:-
Honourary Members: 3 3
Life Members: 30 32
Members: 252 248
Total Membership 285 283
Membership information and figures are regularly produced and updated to members upon production and inclusion in the newsletters.
Election / Re-election of Committee
i. Proposed by RD and Seconded by PH, the President CH, Secretary LH & Treasurer PP, together with Committee members GMH, MM & TW were re-elected into their existing roles.
ii. A vote of thanks and gratitude was given by RD and supported by all.
iii. LH proposed Lyn Gannon (LG) to become a new member of the Committee and after a brief introduction this was seconded by PH and unanimously accepted with LG being welcomed as a Committee member.
i. NMA – The President advised that a hold had been put on everything in respect of plaques, trees and association or club dedications. An email from Marta Richards, NMA Office Administrator dated 1st October 2019 had confirmed this with the comment of "I have forwarded your information to our Fundraising team who will be in touch when the new dedication projects are in place". CH said he would review and diary to follow-up in February 2020 and quarterly thereafter.
ii. AGM – Together, PD & JS raised some concerns and issues with the style and format that the agenda had taken and wished for it to be reviewed, as in their opinion, it did not fulfil certain criteria or meet with their expectations. * The reading of the minutes as an example and AOB. That said, a discussion pursued whereupon there were clearly differences of opinion amongst the forum. Feedback would be requested after the Reunion Dinner and taken for discussion and reviewed at the next Committee meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 18:50
Reminder: You do not have to wait for the AGM to submit AOB.
The next RNWA Committee meeting (note this is and always has been 'open to non-Committee members to attend') will be at the RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch at 19:00 Thursday 21st November 2019.
19th SEPTEMBER 2019 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:00
'Dixie' Dickson Member (DD)
The minutes of the 18th July 2019 were taken as read.
Deaths Good news – None known or reported.
As at today, 19th September 2019 the amount held was £7,139.75.00 which includes an erroneous amount of £200.00 received today via Tiffany's of Fareham. LH inadvertently provided the incorrect banking details to them for a charity function he was organising, so payment was required to be transferred to the DRUNK 2009 a/c by PP to correct the error by LH.
Included in i. is the sum of £2,617.20 received for the 11th October 2019 Reunion Dinner and the 'restricted funds' held for the NMA of £832.31. Actual cost for the dinner will not be known until 07/10/2019.
New Members: August 2019 – AB2 Mark Cook (Writer of the Year – Complimentary) of Gosport / PO Wtr Natalie Maunder-Parkes of Plymouth / Miss Michelle D. Evans of Ilchester / Richard (Sidney) Eddy of Kardinya, Australia / * Gordon Wilkinson (aka Gordon Peters) of Surbiton / September 2019 Peter Rolston of Liverpool / Colin Halligan of Kinlough, Ireland / Gary Bower of Gosport / CPO Wtr. Dhana Morris of Gosport / WO1 Wtr. Kevin Fudge of Fishbourne – * Gordon is the RNWA's oldest known member and holds the record for joining the Royal Navy as a Writer in 1944; aka as Gordon Peters, a past TV celebrity – see attached Wikipedia write-up. Bill Walsh remains as the member to hold the record for joining the RNWA 27th November 1946 (dob: 29/12/1927)
285 Members in total – 3 Honourary, 30 Life & 252 Members.
iii. The increase in membership during the past few weeks were credited to WO1 Emma Day MBE and her sterling efforts of recruitment combined with encouragement to attend this year's Reunion Dinner; the Committee in Emma's absence commended her, and may the campaigning continue.
132nd Reunion Dinner Friday 11th October 2019 at the Royal Beach Hotel
As at today, there were 90 attendees which was at one stage 95 but due to illness 3 have had to withdraw and 1 + guest unable to attend due to service commitment – see b below.
A letter dated 27th July 2019 had been received from AB2 Wtr Mark Cook, Winner of the RNWA Trophy advising that due to being temporarily seconded to HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH from August – December 2019 regrettably he and his guest would not now be able to attend.
NMA – CH reported that he would liaise and email, with hopefully a written response in time to report and advise at the AGM.
The next meeting is scheduled to be the Annual General Meeting to be held at The Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea, at 18:20 for 18:30 – 18:55 in the Endeavour Room Friday 11th October 2019.
Advance apologies:- Pat Prior BEM QVRM – (PP).
RNWA Secretary
& Membership
Gordon Peters
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia
Gordon Peter Wilkinson, known professionally as Gordon Peters (born 29 November 1926 in Durham), is a British television actor.
Peters starred in a BBC TV comedy series in 1973 called The Gordon Peters Show. It was a situation comedy in which he played a character with his own name. The series was cancelled after one season.
As a child, Peters sang in the choir of Durham Cathedral. He later enrolled at Durham Commercial College to learn bookkeeping. He worked as a junior clerk before volunteering for the Royal Navy.
Peters has had many roles in other television shows over the years, including Oh Brother!, two episodes of Hi-de-Hi!, four episodes of Dad's Army, two episodes of Are You Being Served?, one episode of Grace & Favour (also called Are You Being Served? Again! in the United States). He played Victor and Margaret Meldrews' family friend Ronnie in three episodes of the long-running BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave during the 1990s,[1] five episodes of Never the Twain. Moreover he featured in one episode of Little Britain, as a booking clerk in an episode of the BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances and in one episode of HBO's Tales from the Crypt.
He voiced the narrator and the Mr. Men in some of the episodes of Mr. Men and Little Miss.
Downdload minutes
18th JULY 2019 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:00
The minutes of the 16th May 2019 were taken as read.
As at today, 18th July 2019 the amount held was £6734.79.
Included in i. is the sum of £1,520.00 received for the 11th October 2019 Reunion Dinner and the 'restricted funds' held for the NMA of £832.31.
New Members: Michael Hughes MBE of Curdridge, Hants. / Kathryn Simmons (nee redhead) of Gosport, Hants. / Thomas Keddy of Waterlooville, Hants. / Lyn Gannon of Fareham, Hants. / Derek Cooper of Hartlip, Kent /
iii. Two resignations had been received – one was from Paddy Erskine of Cosham, Hants. due to ill health. LH thanked Paddy for her past support, especially on attending the Reunion Dinners and wished her future good health.
4iv. of the minutes of 16th May announced that in the June newsletter the RNWA would seek to find out about the 'Old & Bold' and some good responses had subsequently been received by LH (members have been given to the end of August to respond and supply details):-
Name DOB Joined RN Joined RNWA
Frank White 18/08/1927 09/01/1945 March 2016
Bill Walsh 29/12/1927 16/07/1946 27th November 1946
50 'Wtr' Car stickers had been purchased at a total discounted cost of £75.00 inc. p&p and would be used as a gift to members of the Association who attended the October Reunion Dinner. .
CH had liaised with DMLS Wtr LTO WO1 Wtr Emma Day MBE (RNWA Member) and established that heritage items had in the majority of instances been dispersed amongst various establishment UPO's; only a few items were available such as uniforms but the RNWA had no facility to store or house them. The Committee were of the opinion that an inventory should be obtained and passed to them for future reference in case the relevant site, location and UPO were considering disposing of such items in the future and the RNWA should be given the opportunity to ascertain if they should hold the historical artefacts? Action: CH
iii. On the school moving from HMS RALEIGH to the new college at DCLPA, Worthy Down CH will liaise to hold a RNWA Committee meeting there with the possibility of having a look around.
LH had contacted the outer office and PA of the Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Nicholas Hine CB, inviting him and his partner Zoe to be the Guests of Honour. Regrettably they are unable to attend, however his representative Rear Admiral (promoted May 2019) Phil Hally MBE, ACNS People Transformation & Navy Transformation Director and his wife Joanna have confirmed their attendance.
As at 18th July, there were 52 attendees with the expectation of further interest following the promotion of the venue via the June Newsletter – note the closing date of 20/09/19, no exception due to the ordering of food and seating plan.
A letter dated 12th July 2019 had been received from AB2 Wtr Mark Cook, Winner of the RNWA Trophy thanking CH for his attendance at the Awards Ceremony and winner's gift, together with confirmation that he will be joining us at the Reunion Dinner. Mark as winner also receives 2 years complimentary membership to the RNWA – see attached letter for info..
The next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Gosport & Fareham RNA Club at 19:00 Thursday 19th September 2019 (finalised figures for the Reunion Dinner, apart from 24 hours, will be known by this date) – please forward any apologies in advance of the meeting.
Download minutes
16th MAY 2019 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:00
Apologies:- Nil
AOB 4ii. was carried forward (Action: PP) from the minutes of Thursday 21st March 2019 and were therefore taken as read.
Deaths None to report or known.
As at 16th May 2019 the balance held was £5,9920.20, however there remained two outstanding Grand National winning payment cheques of £10 each. Also see item iii. below.
Of this sum are amounts held and received for the Dinner and NMA.
iii. 14th May an 'Out' entry on the latest statement showed an amount of £10 for cheque No. 000052 – the last cheque no. issued was for 000032 so was this a banking error? PP would liaise with the bank and investigate.
New Members: Mary McIntyre (nee Phillips) of Buckie, Banffshire / Andy Langston of Gosport, Hants / Andrew Griffiths of Gosport, Hants / Don McGeorge of Bourne, Lincs.
iii. 56 Members are female i.e. 21% – 2 years ago it was as low as 10% – let's push for 2019 to make it above 25%!?
In the June Newsletter the questions will be asked as to a. Who is our oldest (by age) member and b. the oldest i.e. year of entry on joining the RN? These questions are being asked in case the RNWA records or database are inaccurate and not up to date and to add a bit of involvement with members.
DK purchased a 'Wtr' Car sticker – see back page for image – from ebay which appeared to be effective however it was noted that the 'Crown' was not that of the RN but appeared to be an 'Army Crown'. LH would contact the seller to ascertain if this could be corrected in order that consideration might be given to purchase by RNWA members for future use. Also see immediate response from seller with the good news that it will be revised and updated.
An email had been received 16th May from member WO1 Wtr Emma Day who is the DMLS Wtr LTO asking if the RNWA would be interested in obtaining a small number of heritage items as next term the school is moving to the new college at DCLPA, Worthy Down. Subject to Emma's response of items and photographs, CH would respond accordingly.
iii. 132nd Reunion Dinner Friday 11th October 2019 at the Royal Beach Hotel
LH had contacted the outer office and PA of the Second Sea Lord (appointed 26th April 2019) Vice Admiral Nicholas Hine CB, inviting him and his partner Zoe to be the Guests of Honour with a RSVP of 7th June in order that this information could be promulgated by mid-June's Newsletter.
As at 16th May, there were 38 attendees with further promotion of the venue to be published via the June Newsletter – closing date of 20/09/19.
An overpayment of £7.20 had been received from G.A. Baldwin 8th May'19 and PP was requested to refund via bank transfer (amount 'paid for port').
Newsletter – Content and articles were to include Grand National results, update regarding the NMA (not reported or minuted separately but available via Newsletter) and request for Website Volunteer.
It was agreed for CH to obtain a £125 voucher for the 'Writer of the Year' Awards Ceremony being held at DMLS on 4th July 2019 and to recoup reasonable expenses incurred as the RNWA representative. It was suggested by DK and considered a good idea that perhaps CH could mention that if it were at all possible at a future date upon moving to DCLPA if a RNWA Committee meeting could be held there, giving the 'new and the old' the opportunity to mingle, meet and find out about the new location and RNWA.
Grand National – Monies received, after considering full expenditure i.e. postage & printing, stationery etc., the net amount received would be split between supporting iii. & v. and the NMA to receive 1/3rd of the net amount.
AOB 5.i
The next meeting is scheduled to be held at the Gosport & Fareham RNA Club at 19:00 Thursday 18th July 2019 – please forward any apologies in advance of the meeting.
21ST MARCH 2019 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 1915
The minutes of Thursday 17th January 2019 were taken as read.
In accordance with custom, a minute's silence was held in honour of
the following members who crossed the bar as follows:-
Grahame Boyett 18th Jan 2019
Bob Muir 5th Feb 19
David McQuitty 11th Feb19
Miles Huntington-Whiteley 19th Feb 2019
Douglas Jewell 15th Mar 2019
As at 21st March 2019 the balance held was £4433.02. Final figures for the Grand National Draw and donations for the National Memorial Arboretum will be available at the next meeting.
Grand National Draw. CH reported that there was a steady stream of
ticket stubs and payments both by cheque and online being received. The
Draw will take place on 2nd April 2019 at CH residence.
CH raised the question of producing Condolence cards which would
be useful when dealing with NOK especially when notification of a
member's demise was received well after the event. The committee agreed
to let PP investigate getting some produced by an online printing Company.
DK raised the subject of Writer car stickers and agreed to investigate.
Post meeting update: DK reported that they were available on EBay at a cost of £2.20. After much computer search time the sticker has been found and a link is now available. For further discussion.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 19.45
Date of next meeting: 19:00 Thursday 16th May 2019 at RNA Gosport.
Colin Hughes, President
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING HELD THURSDAY 17th JANUARY 2019 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:15
PatPrior BEM QVRM Treasurer (PP)
The minutes of Wednesday 14th November 2018 were taken as read.
2. Deaths
As was customary, a minute's silence was held in honour and respect of Mrs Stella Brown QSM of New Zealand who 'Crossed the Bar' on 3rd January 2019. Stella during her lifetime had been a strong supporter of the RNWA and took every opportunity when visiting the UK to attend the committee meetings; she will be missed!
3. Treasurer's Report
As at 17/01/19 a total balanceof £3,410.06 was held. An independent examination of the RNWA accounts had been completed by Peter Nicholls (PN) on the 17/01/19 for the period 01/01/18 to 31/01/18. A signed statement of assets and liabilitiesisattached for which the committeeappreciated PN's involvement and neutral assessment. PN recommended for the future that a breakdown of 'Miscellaneous Expenditure' was listed with amount(s) and an explanation regarding the amounts involved –action: PP.
In accordance with the RNWA Rules & Guidelines i.e. Subscription 5b. and Removal of Membership 6., the following were removed as members (there could be several bona-fide reasons e.g. change of address and unable to be advised or contacted, deceased and not advised by NOK etc.). Those listed are entitled to re-join at a future date and it might be that the records of the RNWA are incorrect which why if any member has contact or dealings with any individual it is requested, they ask them to contact the Membership Secretary asap for possible reinstatement:-
Kennedy Borthwick
Christopher Boyd
Laura Chisholm<
Carnwath
Daniel Crane
Dulcie Edwards<
Andrew Hayes
Catchgate
Lucy Millings
Elizabeth Wingate
Database records indicate that there are currently 26 members that were due to pay their membership contribution during 2018; these members will again be reminded with a note to be included with their March 2019 Newsletter.
Honourary Members: 3
Life Members:32
Total Membership 271
New members submitted and accepted were:-
Mrs. Debra Mills (nee Marchant) of Havant (December 2018) and John Rowse of Wellington, New Zealand (Dec'2018).
A disturbing fact that since 2002 i.e. in 17 years, a total of 425 members have been removed from membership due to not renewing, their missing contact details, resignationor other unknown reasons. There were no known Life Memberships to be awarded in 2019 and everyone was asked to view and feedback thoughts and comments regarding the renewal of the Life Membership Certificates.
i. National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Staffordshire. Marta Richards of NMA had contacted CH with the following message "unfortunately all applications for new plaques and tree dedications have been suspended. This is due to the fact that we are running low on available trees at this time, partly due to last year's prolonged hot and dry spell, which extended well into the summer. Please contact Lindsey Walker, Grounds Administrator email: lwalker@thenma.org.uk at the end of April 2019 when we are hoping to resume this service"– T: 01283 245100 Action: CH.
ii. To-date, thanks to member's generosity, the total donations for the NMA was £850.
iii. Grand National Saturday 6thApril 2019 – All were unanimous in supporting the motion to increase the prize cash amounts to:- 1stPlace = £250, 2nd Place = £75, 3rd Place = £50 & 4th Place = £25 i.e. a total Prize Place Amount of £400.00 An amount of £10 as a consolation prize was to remain for those horses with jockeys, other than the four places previously mentioned, to cross the finishing post. It was agreed that an order was to be placed by LH for the printing of the books totalling 900 which were to accompany the March 2019 newsletter.
iv. Friday 11th October 2019 RNWA132nd Reunion Dinner – Application form and details were to accompany the March 2019 Newsletter but, in the mean time, full details were to be made available to view on the website – Action: LH.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20:25.
Date of next meeting: 19:00 Thursday 21st March 2019 at the RNA, Gosport.
Signed: Les Heyhoe BCAv
Les Heyhoe BCAv RNWA Secretary & Membership
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2018 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA CLUB AT 19:10
DaveKelly Member (DK)
The minutes of the AGM were taken as read with additional discussion and annotations made regarding 6 i & ii.
Thankfully none have been reported or have been made aware to the committee since the AGM held on the 12th October 2018.
As at 05/11/18 a total balanceof £3,572.82 was held; as at date of production and issue of minutes a further £100.00 had been paid in so the total stood at £3.672.82 on 15/11/18*.
No change in membership since publication of figures provided for AGM i.e.:-
Subject to members 'Crossing the Bar', the proposal and intention is to try and strive for at least an additional 17 members between now and Dec' 2019 to increase the membership to 300+ CH would arrange for the new approved enrolment/membership form to be placed on the RNWA's website via the webmaster – main change is the deletion of password criteria and introduction of online payment method.
5. Election/Re-Election of Committee
In view of the absence of TW & MM at the AGM, TW was advised that in their absence they had been re-elected – by cc to MM, advised accordingly also.
i. National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Staffordshire. It was discussed and reiterated that 'the majority were in favour of a separate future dedication to be held and not linked to the Reunion Dinner'as discussed and agreed at the AGM and annotated accordingly in the AGM minutes of the 12th October 2018 – all of whom attended the Reunion Dinner were forwarded a copy of the minutes, therefore the subject was closed and not open to interpretation or reconsideration.
ii. At the AGM and the request for financial support and sponsorship of the RNWA NMA memorial plaque, in addition to the recent £100 A J Parsons legacy, subsequent support had generously been received from the following:- Brian Murphy £100.00 (25/10), Norman Howden £100.00 (5/11), I & F Coombes £50.00 (5/11) & Colin Hughes £100.00 (15/11*) – Total to-date £450.00 of £700.00 i.e. 64% of proposed Target.
iii. Grand National Saturday 6th April 2019 – 3 Books of GN Raffle tickets will be issued with the idea being that the additional book sale of £5.00 the proceeds of which will be put towards the NMA memorial plaque; to be inserted with March newsletter.
iv. Friday 11th October 2019 RNWA 132ndReunion Dinner – In view of the very favourable comments and feedback received the decision was made to again hold next year's RNWA Reunion Dinner at The Royal Beach Hotel, St Helen's Parade, Southsea, Hants., PO4 0RN. The decision was also made promptly prior to the AGM's minuted dates as a result of the hotel requiring a £200.00 deposit by the 6th December 2018 – agreed and PP to arrange. In view of the potential for hopefully more attendees (86 in 2018) in 2019 the dinner will be in The Ark Royal dining room suite – 'aboveground' from the reception area with a larger capacity. Cost of the dinner was to remain as agreed at £30 per RNWA member and non-members & guests at £40.00 per person (actual cost of dinner £33.50 per head with house wine in additionat £17.95 per bottle and toasting port at £3.60 per glass) – so the dinner could be subsidized up to £1,000 worst case scenario – all were in agreement to proceed and supported the proposal.
A 3-course dinner with new selected option menus, including coffee:-
Starters-
A. Leek & potato soup served with croutons.
B. Duck & orange pate Served with red onion marmalade and Ciabatta.
C. Char grilled chicken Caesar saladFinished with parmesan shaving.
D. Home cured salmon Served with citrus mayonnaise.
Main Course-
E. Pan fried breast of chicken Finished with a mushroom & tarragon sauce.
F. Four hour Braised blade of beef Finished with a red wine & thyme sauce.
G. Sea bream fillet Served with a cream herb sauce.
H. Mediterranean vegetable & mozzarella wellington Served with a Provençale sauce.
Dessert-
J. White & Dark chocolate mousse Served with a vanilla sauce.
K. Strawberry meringue nest Filled with Chantilly cream.
L. Amoretti filled profiteroles Finished with a warm chocolate sauce.
M. Bakewell Tart Served with custard.
Accommodation– available at discounted room rates of £65.00 a singleroom and £95.00 a double room, quoting RNWA 111019, direct via booking with the hotelat T: 023 9273 1281 Email: enquiries@royalbeachhotel.co.uk/www.royalbeachhotel.co.uk
v. 2019 Meeting Dates –19:00 at The RNA Fareham & Gosport Branch, 66 Fareham Road, Gosport, Hants., PO13 0AG (T: 01329 310060), unless otherwise advised:-
Thursday 21st March
Tuesday 2nd April – Draw for Grand National -Secretary's Address
Thursday 19th September
Friday11th October – Annual General Meeting at Reunion Dinner
Thursday 21st November
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:15
Date of next meeting:- 17thJanuary 2019 – please forward apologies if unable to attend. Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year for 2019
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) FRIDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2018 AT THE ROYAL BEACH HOTEL, SOUTHSEA, AT 18:30
Barry White Member (BW)
Tony Mason Member (TM)
Peter Nicholls MBE Member (PN)
Mike Coombes OBE Member (MC)
Bill Whaley Member (BW)
Peter Danks Member (PD)
Brian Murphy Member (BM)
Geoffrey Briggs Member (GB)
Alan Baldwin Member (AB)
Sir Miles Huntington-Whiteley VRD* Member (MHW)
Michael Moss Member (MM)
Brian Peck Member (BP)
The minutes of the 20th September 2018 were taken as read and agreed.
None were reported since the 20th September. The President CH was to list in his dinner speech all those that had 'crossed the bar' since the last AGM which would also be published in full in the next RNWA newsletter.
As at 11/10/18 a total balance held was £3,344.79 after consideringthe Reunion Dinner total cost of £3,581.50 of which £2,700.00 had been received, therefore the event had been subsidised by £881.50. This was less than the net profit received from the Grand National.
Membership as at the date of the AGM comprised of:-
Note: Serving RNWA Member WO1 Emma Day MBE has recently been appointed to the Writer School as WO1 Wtr Training, so it is hopeful with Emma's influence 2019 should see an increase of 'new and younger members'.
A unanimous vote of thanks was received from the floor in respect of the past 12 months for the work and support the RNWA Committee had achieved on behalf of its members. LH put to those present if anyone wished to volunteer to be part of the RNWA Committee with no uptake. That said, JS proposed the re-election of all those currently in a position on the RNWA Committee which was seconded by CC to which the floor endorsed.
i. It was put to those present and it was agreed that the RNWA should proceed in the placing of a tribute by means of a tree being planted and a plaque (design, shape wording etc. to be discussed further in the future) placed in the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Staffordshire. It was to be dedicated to all those Writers who had lost their lives in conflict from the RNWA's formation in 1867.
The total cost for implementation would be approximately £700.00 with a 3-5 year maintance cost currently of £60 -£70. All present at the AGM were in favour of costings.
A letter dated 20/09/2018 had recently been received from the solicitors of Lt. Albert John Parsons RN (Rtd) RIP 10/10/2017 leaving a legacy of a £100.00 donationto the RNWA. This sum would be used as the initial payment to achieve the total required for the dedication plaque and plot, together with reaching out to members asking for any donations and by selling that extra book for the Grand National in March/April 2019 with the money generated to assist in funding(to be mentioned in the December 2018 newsletter).
The RNWA Committee agreed to liaise with some members present regarding the plaque itself with the suggestion of a glass engraved item? The majority were in favour of a separate future dedication to be held and not linked to the Reunion Dinner.
ii. 2019 Reunion Dinner – As has always been tradition, held the 2nd Friday in October. Next year's diary date is Friday 11th October. The venue and location will be discussed and decided at the January 2019 committee meeting, considering the comments and feedback regarding this year's venue discussed at the November committee meeting. The decision made, venue and location will be announced in the March 2019 newsletter.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 19:05.
Date of next meeting: Note alteration of day i.e. Wednesday at 19:00 14th November 2018 at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch. Please forward apologies if unable to attend.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING THURSDAY 20THSEPTEMBER2018AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA AT 19:10
Tony Webber Committee (TW
David Kelly Member (DK)
David McQuitty Member (DM)
The minutes of the 19th July 2018 were taken as read and agreed.
As is customary when a member 'Crosses the Bar', a minute's silence was held in respect of Mervyn A. Mortimore MVO – RIP 31/08/2018. As advised and made aware by the family, no service was held, therefore no RNWA representation was made.
As at 20/09/18 a total balance held was £6,294.44 however this comprised of £2,2520.00 received in payment for the 131st Reunion Dinner being held Friday 12thOctober 2018.
Membership as at the date of the meeting comprised of:-
Life Members: 30
Total Membership 283i.
New members September – Eric Thorp of Corfe, Dorset / Gerald I. Williams of Knaresborough, N. Yorks. / Peter White of Derriford, Devon / Wtr. Rebecca Young of RNAS Culdrose.
i. RNWA 131st Reunion Dinner Friday 12thOctober 2018 at the Royal Beach Hotel – the final close off date is the day following the meeting (no exceptions) and to date 84 were attending. Due to ill health and personal reasons, 3 who had previously requested to attend have had to withdraw i.e. Messrs Sir Miles Huntington-Whiteley VRD (£30.00 no refund required as advised to use money to subsidise RH Chelsea Pensioners attending)and Andy & Christine Baldwin (refund of £70.00 made). A list of all those attending will be placed on the website for information/interest.
ii. LH proposed, and it was a greed that a place was set at the Dinner for 'Absent Friends' and a few words said and spoken / menu to be updated–Action: LH / CH.
iii. An AGM Agenda will be issued via the website and in place at least 7 days prior to the event for all attending the dinner to see and notification placed requesting that AOB items are with the RNWA Secretary by Thursday 4th October 2018.
iii. GDPR forms continued to be returned after the close-off date but now as sufficient time had passed, a comment and note would be placed on the website and mentioned again in the next newsletter stating all forms of media would be used unless advised.
iv. The cost for a tree and plaque to be placed in the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) on behalf of all the Writers who have fell in conflict from the RNWA's formation in 1867 is approximately £700. Prior to proceeding, a viewing of the area was discussed however PP would send through some RBL photos held as an example recently published in newsletters and magazines. This was to be discussed at the AGM for a proposed date of Spring/ Summer2019.
v. Post meeting, a letter from the solicitors Kingswell Berney Ltd handling the estate of former Life Member Lt. Albert John Parsons RN (Rtd) who 'Crossed the Bar 10/10/17' has left the legacy of £100.00. Subject to the outcome of the discussions and agreement of the AGM it is proposed that this sum Is put towards 5iv.
Date of next meeting, after the AGM and RNWA Reunion Dinner, 19:00 Thursday 15thNovember 2018 at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch. Please forward apologies if unable to attend.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING THURSDAY 19th JULY 2018 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA AT 19:10
The minutes of the 17th May 2018 were taken as read and agreed.
As is customary whenamember 'Crosses the Bar', aminute's silence was held in respect of John Kinghorn of Gosport – RIP 31/05/2018.
i. In accordance with 3. iof the 17th May minutes, PP closed the HSBC account in June which held a total of £25.84, transferring it to the present Lloyds current account.
ii. PP advised that there remained one uncashed cheque for £10.00 out standing from the April 2018 Grand National.
iii. As previously stated, the current balance appears extraordinary healthy, but this is due to the income received for the future October Reunion Dinner. Therefore, taking i. & ii. into account, the total balance held was £5.923.76.
i. New member – May Robert Wallace of Holme, Carnforth.
i. CH attended the HMS RALEIGH Logistics Award Ceremony on the 12th July 2018 hosted by Commander Suzi Nielsen RN, Commandant Defence Maritime Logistics School, to present The RNWA Trophy to Wtr Rebecca Young (UPORNAS Culdrose). More about Rebecca's achievement and citation together with the ceremony will be able to be viewed on the website. CH was to receive reimbursement for attending the ceremony and the purchase of the prize (£125), totalling £184.66 – Action: PP & LH.
ii. A payment request for the printing of the March newsletter and purchase of ink cartridges was requested to be paid to LH for £120.00 & £30.00 respectively which was agreed – Action: PP & CH.
iii. 131st RNWA Reunion Dinner – Friday 12th October. 58 names to-date had been received with a final reminder to be issued in the August 2018 Newsletter.
iv. A reasonable response had been received in respect of the issue of GDPR forms issued to the 281 members, but it was of concern that 92 i.e.32% had yet to respond and provide an answer. Strictly speaking this means that these members should not be contacted by any form of media by the RNWA. That said, these members will be forwarded a newsletter with a FINAL GDPR reminder with a cut-off date of 21st September2 018 (same cut-off datef or the Reunion Dinner). The out come could have an adverse effect on the total number of members and will be discussed at the next RNWA meeting.
v. Further to Nigel Coy's email of the 16th May, CH investigated the potential for a tree and plaque to be placed in the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) on be half of all the Writers who have fell inconflict from the RNWA's formation in 1867. Without going into to finer detail the initial cost would be approximately £700. Prior to proceeding, it would be put to members via the RNWA August news letter and discussed and ratified at the AGM for a proposed date of Spring 2019. In the mean time, LH agreed to try to visit the NMA to establish a suitable placement for the tree and plaque and exact details etc.
Date of next meeting, 19:00 Thursday 20th September 2018 at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING THURSDAY 17th MAY 2018 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA AT 19:00
No minutes of the 15th March 2018 were available.
There were no known members deaths since the last produced minutes of the 18th January 2018.
i. It was agreed that in the absence of PP the existing current account held with HSBC was to be closed by the end of May/June and only the Lloyds Bank account was to be in operation.
ii. On viewing the on-line account statement, LH established that the amount held in the Lloyds RNWA account stood at £5,822.82. A high figure taking into account sums received totalling £1,645.00 for payments & donationsto attend the RNWA Reunion Dinner in October 2018.
Membership as at the date of the meeting comprised of: –
Total Membership 28
1i.New members–March Gerry Fanning of Rostrevor, Australia, Robert Millard of Watford, April Gladys Harding of Chelmsford, May Naomi Harvey of Lee-on-the-Solent, Mike & Pauline Davies of Winchester.
i. CH will be attending the HMS RALEIGH Logistics Award Ceremony on the 12th July 2018 with yet again the winner of the 'Writer of the Year' being a female. CH will make the necessary purchase of a gift voucher for the agreed value and reclaim.
ii. Life Membership Certificates were to be reviewed over the coming year, but it was agreed to make use of those held in stock which should last for a few more years.
iii. The March 2018 Newsletter was missing from the website, so LH was requested to rectify; this was important as it advised members of the 'new Lloyds a/c details'.
iv. 131st RNWA Reunion Dinner –Friday 12th October. 50 names to-date had been received with a final reminder proposed to be issued in the August 2018 Newsletter.
v. Regrettably LH had received notification that 2SL was unable to attend as the GOH for the Reunion Dinner, however 2SL had appointed a replacement and Rear Admiral Chris Gardner CBE (our current CNLO), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Ships) and SRO for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship Programme, will be attending accompanied by his wife.
NB: R/Adm. Gardner has attended as our GOH in recent years when held at the UJC.
vi. GDPR forms would be issued in due course and the response made known at the next meeting.
vii. LH had received an email 16th May from Nigel Coy who recently visited the National Memorial Arboretum and asked if the committee could investigate the possibility of a plaque or the planting of a tree or something in its simplest form recognising the RNWA? –Action CH.
Date of next meeting, 19:00 Thursday 19th July 2018 at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITRS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING THURSDAY 18th JANUARY 2017 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA AT 19:00
Dave KellyMember (DK)
The minutes of the 16th November 2017 were taken as read (all minutes are displayed and are available via the RNWA's website); to ensure no delays on the future progress of meetings, minutes should be read prior to attending, however a paper copy will be presented and made available by LH on every occasion.
i. No 'Crossing of the Bar' by members was known since the last meeting and that was a very good way to start the New Year of 2018; hopefully it would remain that way and everyone was wished good health for the coming months, especially staying clear of 'the Australian Flu'.
ii. Nancy & David Hill of Honicknowle had represented the RNWA at Treswithian Downs Crematorium on Thursday 28th December 2017 at the funeral of RNWA member Donald McGeorge (26/8/31 – 13/12/17).
i. PP provided a statement of accounts as at 18th January 2018 showing a carried forward balance of £3,429.94. However, the actual balance due because of an unpresented cheque and cheques still to be cashed, means that a true figure was in fact £3,354.94
ii. On Thursday 11th January 2018, PP advised that an independent Examination of Accounts for the period 01/01/17 to 31/12/17 was completed in the presence of CH & PP by RNWA member Peter Nicolls MBE of Havant; accounting was accepted as correct and is summarised for perusal in the attached 'Examination Statement'.
New members for the months of December 2017 – Keith Oliver of Clanfield and January 2018 – Gillian Orchard of Bridgwater.
ii. In accordance with RNWA Rule 6., removal of membership as 1+ year in arrears, it was sanctioned that the following personnel's membership was lapsed effective January 2018 which will also be shown on the relevant section of the RNWA's website: Karen Dowden of Truro / Paula Moon of Chard / Linda Small of Winchester & Janice Wylie of Morton Wirral.
iii. Mike Coombes OBE of Blackheath and Andrew Whitfield of Hamble will both become Life Members of the Association in 2018 (June & September respectively) and letters of invitation to receive their Life Certificates at the 2018 Reunion Dinner had been issued on the 10th January. Both have subsequently replied to CH confirming their intention to attend.
i. As per 5i. of the minutes of the 16/11/17 no further comments were received regarding the Revised Rules & Guidelines, so they were now effective and in force.
ii. 131st Reunion Dinner 2018 – Friday 12thOctober. LH had approached the office of the 2SL and the appointment of a new 2SL would be announced earlier in 2018. Upon appointment, it will be made known of 2SL's availability to attend as Guest of Honour.
iii. Arrangements were being made by LH for the article and link to be made available via the RNWA's website about the story of L/Wtr. George H Bainborough. iv. CH & PP had obtained the following information and details for members and their families in respect of 'Crossing The Bar":-
White Ensigns
ARNO HQ has White Ensigns suitable for ceremonial occasions including funerals. These can be provided free (except for P & P) to ARNO members and for a nominal £10 charge to non-members subject to a refundable £50 deposit.Committal of Ashes Portsmouth, Devonport and Clyde Naval Bases provide this service, subject to weather conditions, on a regular basis. These are provided free of charge with the exception of casks which must also be biodegradable. A limited number of family/friends are also able to attend. Contact telephone numbers are: Portsmouth: 0239 2723 000, Devonport: 0175 2555 427, Clyde: 0143 6674 321 x 615.
Bugler Any veteran, who has served for 22 years or has a campaign medal, irrespective of rank, is entitled to the services of a bugler, free of charge, at their funeral. This is subject to operational commitments/availability. Queries should be directed in the first instance to:-
RM School of Music 0239 2547 553
NAVYRMBAND-HQBSRMAENGCOORD@mod.uk
Veterans Bereavement Support Services. The Veterans Bereavement Support Service is a bespoke FREEservice for families needing assistance with bereavement and support including advice on funeral care 365 days a year from their national office in Romsey. Further information is available on their website www.veteransbereveamentsupport.co.ukor telephone 0238150066 (if the lines are busy, please leave a message which will be responded to asap. The office number is also diverted to their out of hours service during the week and at weekends.
The above is to be placed under a separate sub section on the RNWA's website – LH.
v. In addition to 3ii. it was decided and agreed that the RNWA Standard, Block & Gavel were to be classed as a fixed Asset, together with the RNWA Tablecloth at £10. It was the responsibility and the accountability of CH to ensure these items were under his own personal house insurance as CH was the custodian. CH advised and confirmed they were to be listed under his policy and had checked with his insurers, The RNWA 'Wtr. Lapel Pins' were not considered to be an Asset, but LH would continue to maintain a record of stock received and used.
vi. Difficulty over the past few months and the unwillingness of staff by HSBC and the unavailability to have more than one online person as a signatory, led CH & PP and the recommendation of the Examiner of Accounts to propose to the Committee a transfer of funds to a more amenable on-line bank account i.e. the changing from HSBC to Lloyds bank where they have the provision to provide the RNWA with a more suitable account. All were in favour of the moving of the RNWA's bank account from HSBC to Lloyds and was to be implemented by PP as soon as possible and set-up in place prior to mid-March; the date when most of the cheques for the year will be incoming and required to be banked in respect of payment for Grand National 2018 tickets.It is hoped to publish details of the new RNWA Sort code and Account number for online payment by members in the March newsletter.
vii. It was agreed for LH to proceed in obtaining the printing and production of the Saturday 14th April Grand National 2018 tickets, with the draw being held at the home of LH at 19:00 on Tuesday 10th April and with a closing date of Monday 9th April. Prize money was to remain as £200 for winner, £60 for runner-up, £40 3rd place and £20 for 4thplace – £10 to be paid for every other horse with jockey to pass the winning post.
viii. Newsletter December 2017 – 2nd page dates of RNWA Committee meetings it should read 15th November 2018 and not 18th October.
Date of next meeting, 19:00 Thursday 15th March 2018 at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING THURSDAY 16THNOVEMBER 2017 AT THE GOSPORT & FAREHAM RNA AT 19:10
The minutes of the AGM 13th October 2017 were taken as read.
The President (CH) reported during his Reunion Dinner speech on the 13/10/17 of those members that had 'Crossed the Bar' since the last AGM, but the following are after the last minutes of the 21/09/17 (those recently departed will be recorded in the next newsletter – December 2017): –
Geoff Luton – 30/09/2017
AlanPrice – 01/10/2017
Kenneth Dunstan – 02/10/2017
Albert 'John' Parsons – 10/10/2017
In the absence of PP, a temporary copy statement had been obtained by LH and the balance shown was £6,844.35. A true balance however was £4,463.10 (less £2,381.25) as cheque payment No.100459 for the Reunion Dinner at the UJC London had still to be processed. Additional expenditures were also due to be paid out i.e. £105.00 to CH for printing of the menu cards and £41.00 for draw prize & heads and tails rum bottles and other expenses, such as payment of the order of 50 new RNWA pins costing approx. £300+. Total and finalised cost for the Reunion Dinner will be known and provided by PP at the next scheduled New Year meeting 18/1/18. Work in progress is underway by PP with a view of 'Online Banking' and discussion for later in the New Year of 'online membership' but a process had to be established.
Membership as at the date of the meeting comprisedof:-
New members for the months of October/November 2017 (in no orderof month or alphabetical name/location):-
Wtr. McKayla Gullis of Port Solent / Trevor Dixon of Dartmouth / Ms. Janice McColl of London / Stuart Sexton of Heysham / Michael Blatchford BEM of Coventry / Mark Whitty of Fareham / Wtr. Emily Riley of Bridlington /Wtr. Rebecca Young of Hayle /
Wtr. Jake Lacey of Kirby / Wtr. Joshua Jackaman of Rhyl / Wtr. Karl Horrocks of Crosby / Wtr. Martyn Glover of Walsall.
A note of thanks and recognition was recorded by the Committee for the past few years that Stephen Kendrick (working for Babcocks) had been instrumental in coercing and recruiting new members from his place of work at DMLS at HMS RALEIGH; CH also 'phoned and thanked him for his services as he had now retired, hence the 7 new Wtrs recruited as a last effort before his retirement. Unfortunately, Mr Kendrick is not being replaced so the RNWA is relying on the DMLS WO1 Wtr, CPO Wtr & PO Wtr (all recent 2017 members) to promote the Associationto the newly trained Writer recruits.
i. CH advised that the Revised Rules & Guidelines as agreed by the Committee had been published on the website and members informed via the July 2017 Newsletterbut as mentioned at the AGM very little feedback had been received. Therefore, additional time will be given and announced in the December newsletter for them to be viewed and any comments made by the end of 2017 otherwise they will come into force. Member Pete Nicholls (PN) has been the only person to comment so far regarding the 'Audit Form' and the terminology of Audit. CH had discussed with PN the offering of his services to complete an independent examination of accounts as at 31/12/17 and arrangements were to be made via CH, PN & PP and ideally asap after this date, but prior to the next scheduled New Year's meeting of 18/01/2018.
ii. 131st Reunion Dinner 2018 –Friday 12th October. LH had reviewed various locations, costs and venues locally within the Portsmouth area and had concludedand proposed that the reunion dinner should beheld at the Royal Beach Hotel (previously held there in 2013 & 2014) St Helens Parade, Southsea PO4 ORN. After discussion regarding the alternatives and 'pros & cons' it was agreed to go ahead, for LH to sign the contract and a deposit of £200.00 paid by the 20/11/17 (PP/CH to arrange via details from LH). An announcement would be made in the December 2017 Newsletter but in the meantime full details and an application form would be made available via the website. Cost of meal to members £30.00 and non-members/guests £40.00.
iii. UJC Reunion Dinner 13/10/17 –Favourable feedback had been received by LH from a variety of sources which had been most welcome regarding the organisation, venue, food & wine, 1SL as speaker etc. CH agreed to write to UJC (LH to provide contact details) to thank them for their hospitality.
iv. A letter had been received from Mrs Shergold, widow of former Life Member, which was passed to CH to investigate and action with the cooperation of GMH.
v. CH advised of an article reported in the Daily Mail on the 24/10/17 which may be of interest to the Committee and RNWA members about Writer George H Bainborough who served at HMS TAMAR in Hong Kong 1939-1941 but more significantly his story as a POW and surviving the sinking of the Lisbon Maru 02/10/1942. More information will hopefully be forthcoming, and a link and his story told via the RNWA's website.
Date of next meeting, Thursday 18thJanuary 2018at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch.
Merry Christmas & A Happy & Healthy New Year for 2018!
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING HELD THURSDAY 21STSEPTEMBER 2017 AT THE RNA GOSPORT & FAREHAM BRANCH AT 19:00
George Mytom-Hart BEM Member (GMH)
DavidMc Quitty Member(DM)
The minutes of the 20thJuly 2017 were taken as read.
The following members were reported as 'Crossing theBar'
George T. Hemmings-RIP 12th September 2017*
Michael Colborne LVO-RIP 21st September 2017
* Funeral being held at Havant Crematorium Monday 25thSeptember and the RNWA will be represented by CH & GMH who will be in attendance.
All present observed a minute'ssilence as a mark of respect for the above.
In the absence of the Treasurer, LH had obtained a recent bank statement dated 19 Sept.'17 @ 16:42 which showed a credit balance of £6,704.03 (the balance brought forward as at 31/07/19 was £6,319.03). LH advised that additional payments had been received during 19/09 to 21/09/19 in respect of the Reunion Dinner but they were via Bank Transfer and had yet to be confirmed. How much had been received in total for the Reunion Dinner would be reported at the next scheduled meeting.
It was encouraging to note that combined with the recent support and enthusiasm of Service personnel, namely DMLS at HMS RALEIGH and the Royal Naval Writers Face Book page (not the RNWA), an influx of applications for membership had been received combined with the request to attend the 130th Reunion Dinner, so new members are (in no order of preference and month joining since the last meeting): –
WO1Wtr. Lee Morgan – HMS Queen Elizabeth
CPOWtr. Mark Penfold – AFCO Cardiff
CPOWtr. David Britchard – HMS Queen Elizabeth POWtr.
David Bouskill – DMLS HMS Raleigh
WilliamMcIntosh MBE of High Overtoun
Frank Cooper MBE of Frinton-On-Sea
Mrs Jackie Watson of Stubbington
Nick Johnstone of Stubbington
Bill Paterson of Fareham
In August, CH travelled to Boulogne in France to retrospectively present the Life Membership Certificate to Geoff Luton who is in hospital and unfortunately is not in good health.
Dated the 6th September 2017, LH read out a letter from David Scott of Cromer, Norfolk, who conveyed his apologies but due to a prior commitment was unable to attend the 2017 Reunion Dinner to receive his Life Membership certificate. Arrangements by LH, GMH & PP were therefore to be made to despatch David his certificate via Royal Mail. LH to provide membership details to GMH in order for this year's life Membership certificates to be produced.
It was agreed that membership expenses relevant to the RNWA incurred by LH in the recent and forthcoming weeks e.g. July Newsletter, postage, printing, ink cartridges etc. (£289.68) could be claimed via PP and a subsequent meeting (26/09/17) was to be held between LH, CH & PPto discuss the accounts.
i. The Revised Rules & Guidelines as agreed by the Committee had been published on the website and members informed via the July 2017 Newsletter.
ii. To-date the only feedback and comments made about i. above were received from member Pete Nicholls regarding the 'Audit Form' whereupon Pete advised that this term was no longer used and for business purposes should be replaced by 'Examination of Accounts'. The Committee has agreed and changed the rules accordingly and the form to consider his feedback. The revised RNWA Rules & Guidelines will therefore be ratified at the 2017 AGM taking place on 13thOctober 2017 and the website updated accordingly upon confirmation.
iii. Reunion Dinner at the UJC 13/10/17 – LH was very pleased to advise that numbers had significantly improved and had more than doubled since the last meeting and a total of 87 were now attending. This would include a number of Service personnel requested to attend in uniform to make the Guest of Honour more than welcome in the First Sea Lord's presence also in uniform ('Mess Undress with medals').
a. LH upon liaison with PP had made a refund of £60.00 to Alan & Isabel Hawkin who regrettably for personal reasons were now unable to attend the Reunion Dinner.
b. A subsequent request via email had also been received from Jim Donaldson advising that one of his guests, a Bill Howie (email 16/08/17 to JD) was unable to attend as his wife is due to have surgery. It was agreed that JD could receive a refund due to the fact that the closing date had not yet been reached and food/payment has yet to be made. Any request after the closing date of Friday 22nd September would not be considered for refund, regrettably for what ever reason.
c. Various ideas and suggestions were considered regarding the 131st Reunion Dinner in 2018 and all agreed that it would return and be held in Portsmouth subject to availability of venue and cost. A place suggested for consideration was the Royal Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club, 17 Pembroke Road, Portsmouth PO1 2NT (see http://www.rnc-rayc.co.uk/) which appears to have excellent facilities and would be a different venue from previous occasions of HMS NELSON, The Royal Maritime Club (formerly The Home Club) and Best Western Royal Beach hotel – Action LH/CH and discuss at the AGM 13/10/17.
Date of next meeting, 19:00 Thursday 16thNovember 2017 at RNA Gosport & Fareham Branch.
Minutes issued 26/09/17
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING HELD THURSDAY 20THJULY2017 AT THE RNA GOSPORT & FAREHAM BRANCH AT 19:00
Colin HughesPresident (CH)
Pat Prior BEM QVRM Treasurer (GMH)
George Mytom-Hart BEM Member (PP)
Minutes of the 18thMay were not circulated so a verbal update was provided (now available).
No known or reported 'Crossings of the Bar' –that's what we like to see and hear!
PP -As at 28th June 2017 – £9,138.43; a substantial increase due to Reunion Dinner payments.
The following new membershave joined:-
Nickie Sheils of Harwich / David McQuitty of Fareham / WO1 Jennifer Morton of PlymouthGail Swift of Saltash / Ivor Campbell of Epsom / David Ramsey of Rosyth (Back dated to March' 17) Tracey Kennedy of Saltash.
i. LH to check website as update request of 1st July not yet actioned re Guidelines & Rules?
ii. Including GOHs, Reunion Dinner figure stood at 57 so hopefully 60 + by time of closing date.
iii. It was approved for Geoff Luton to receive his Life Membership certificate of 2016 by CH. iv. LH welcomed DM ('Paddy') as a new member and on joining the meeting.
Date of next meeting at the RNA Gosport & Fareham Club at 19:00:- Thursday 21st September 2017*
*The day before the closing date for the Reunion Dinner so final figures should be known?
23rd July 2017
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) MEETING HELD THURSDAY 18TH MAY 2017 AT THE RNA GOSPORT & FAREHAM BRANCH AT 19:00
Colin Hughes President(CH)
George Mytom-Hart BEM Treasurer (GMH)
Pat Prior Committee (PP)
Dave Kelly Member (DK
No prior minutes of the 16th March were produced so a verbal update was provided.
The RNWA were advised of the 'Crossing of the Bar' of non-member Ted Hastings.
As at 15th May 2017 the account stood at £5771.05 having paid £500.00 for the UJC Reunion deposit.
Judi Bushell of Fareham / David Jones of Plymouth / Celia Myers of Pease-St-John / Lt Jane Pizza of Chichester / Doreen Shaw of Pease-St-John and Alan White of Belgium
i. The revised Guidelines & Rules of the Association were to be replaced and promulgated via web.
ii. The Newsletter would be published and produced in July and was to mention i. for feedback.
iii. PP would formally take-over as Treasurer 1st July 2017 upon completion of audit/handover.
iv. The President on behalf of the Committee & Members thanked GMH for his past 9 years support.
v. 42 requests had been received for the Reunion Dinner 13th Oct so notification was to be reissued.
Date of next meeting at the RNA Gosport & Fareham Club at 19:00:- Thursday 20thJuly 2017
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) RE-SCHEDULED MEETING THURSDAY 19th JANUARY 2017 HELD AT THE RNA GOSPORT & FAREHAM BRANCH AT 19:15
Colin Hughes Chairperson (CH)
Les Heyhoe Secretary (LH)
Philip Allen MBE (PW)
Richard Dickson (RD)
No prior minutesavailable.
CH advised of the 'Crossing of the Bar' of Life Member Fred Davenport who sadly passed away in QA Hospital on Saturday 14/01/17. A Requiem Mass, followed by crematorium and wake at HMS Excellent is scheduled to be held on Friday 3/2/17. Awaiting full details and confirmation to be promulgated. CH would approach n-o-k to ascertain if they wished for PW to parade the RNWA's standard.
An email had been received via Bill McIntosh (ex-WOWtr and ex-RNWA member lapsed 2001) that a colleague and close friend ex-Wtr Paul Newbury had 'crossed the bar'. On checking Paul was not a member of the RNWA.
As a mark of respect, as is usual standard practise, prior to continuing the meeting, all stood for one minute's silence in their memory.
As at today, the account balance stood at £3,905.22 – A payment of £60.00 had been paid for annual country membership for the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth, together with payment for the local councils Lottery Act (for Grand National draw activity). No payments i.e. deposit had been paid out for the Reunion Dinner of the 13thOctober 2017.
To ensure membership names are officially recorded for historical and posterity purposes, membership proposed and seconded were as follows:-
PamelaGarner – Putnoe, Bedford.
Denise Shepherd – Gosport, Hants.
Richard Perkins – Greenhithe, Kent.
Membership contributions as at 31/12/16 comprised of the following statistics:-
3 Honary members & 33 Life members (no payments due) .
3 Outstanding 2015 – If contributions not received by end of Jan'17 – Lapse.
16 Outstanding 2016
52 Outstanding 2017 –
Total members as at today 253
Discussion and implementation of a 'common renewal date' to be reviewed for January 2020.
5. ReunionDinner
i. 130th Reunion Dinner to be held at the UJC, London, Friday 13thOctober 2017–a deposit to be made by GMH of £500.00 and forwarded for the attention of Yacine Gueye, Events UJC Sandell Street, London, SE1 8UJ.
ii. LH has approached the office of 1SL & CNS, Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC RN and Lady Elizabeth tobethe dinner's Guests of Honour via 1SL's PA POWtr Jane Levleyrequesting a response by 14/02/17 –required for the purpose of the issue of the March 2017 newsletter.
iii. In addition to ii. it was agreed for LH to approach The UJC Presidentof the Committee, Vice Admiral Sir Fabian Malbon KBE (Exec) and wife Lady Sue to also be the RNWA's complimentary guests.
iv. The 3-course menu was decided (based on details supplied for 2016) of Scottish Salmon & Dill Pate, Roast Breast of Chicken and Black Forrest Gateau. 2016 cost was £20.00 and if a slight increase in cost, this was to be expected and accepted.
v. All were unanimous, irrespective of any price increase, to retain the cost of the dinner at £25.00 for RNWA members and £35.00 for non-members, bearing in mind the total subsidy of the 2016 dinner was approximately £600.00 For 2017 the subsidy could be greater due to hopefully greater numbers attending but this was acceptable. No special gifts were to be arranged or ordered only on very special anniversaries, the next being the 150th in 2037.
6. AnyOtherBusiness
A. The 2017 Grand National is scheduled to take place on Saturday 5.15pm 8th April. LH to arrange and order draw tickets from Speedyprint of Gosport 600 books (253 members x 2 plus 104 for additional requests) for issue with March Newsletter. Draw tickets to be returned to LH by 4th April 2017 (EO meeting for GN draw to be held atSecretary's home address 7pm).
B. The audit of accounts for 2016/17took place on Tuesday 10th January 2017 – see attached signed and approved Auditfor the period 22/11/16 to 10/01/17.
C. Life Membership was discussed of member Geoff Luton as submitted on his behalf by CH. It was agreed that due to the uncertainty of the full records of contributions in respect of Geoff's contributions but records held indicated and confirmed him joining September 1958, that effective September 2017 he would become a Life Member. LH to advise and update Geoff accordingly and invite him to receive his certificate at the 130thReunion Dinner at the UJC.
D. The RNWA 130thDirectory was to only include contact details and in larger print; the 1SL had been invited by LH to write a foreword and provide a picture for the inside cover. The cut-off date for contact details / updates was the end of Jan whereupon the data and info would be passed to Betaprint by LH and passed onto PA to obtain a quote for printing and production.
E. CH had provided suggested and proposed updates and amendments to the 'Rules & Guidelines' of the RNWA displayed on the website that were currently out of date and required urgent attention. Therefore, please provide your suggested inclusions (in blue), amendments (in blue) and deletions (in red) to CH by the end of February 2017. CH to circulate and to be discussed and reviewed at next meeting.
Date of next meeting Thursday 16th March 2017–Apologies given in advance by TW.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) RE-SCHEDULED MEETING THURSDAY 28th JULY 2016 HELD AT THE RNA GOSPORT & FAREHAM BRANCH AT 19:15
Tony Webber Member (TW)
LH had been informed by widow Maureen Wood that her husband, Life Member John Wood of Portchester had 'Crossed the Bar' on the 25th July 2016. The Committee held one minute's silence in memory of John. All were welcome to attend John's funeral at The Portchester Crematorium, South Chapel at 1.45pm on Monday 8th August 2016.
As at today, the account balance stood at £5,632.38 including £980.00 received in respect of the Reunion Dinner for the 14th October 2016.
Due to promotions via LH's efforts and support from members and various media, 2016 membership was on the increase. To ensure membership names are officially recorded for historical and posterity purposes, membership proposed and seconded are recorded as below for the respective bi-monthly meetings held in:-
Cdre Doug Lewis CBE (Cdre RtdRN) of Barnes, London.
John Hart CBE (Cdre Rtd RN) of Arundel, West Sussex.
David Marsh (Lt Cdr Rtd RN) of Wroxton, Banbury.
David Maule BEM (WO Wtr Rtd) of Torquay, Devon.
Michael Seaward (CPO Wtr Rtd) of Torquay, Devon.
Peter Easton (L/Wtr Rtd) of Ramsgate, Kent.
Neil Hitchcock (L/Wtr Rtd) of New Milton, Hampshire.
Paul Johns (WO1LogPers Rtd) of Swindon, Wiltshire.
Andrew Arnold (Lt Cdr Rtd RN) of Ottawa, Canada.
Gerald Beard MBE (Lt Cdr Rtd RN) of Monmouth.
John Cotter (CPO Wtr Rtd) of Qawra, Malta.
Michael Harper (CPO Wtr Rtd) living in Malawi.
Jonathan Richardson (L/Wtr Rtd) of New Milton.
Frank White (Wtr Rtd) of Marsh Chapel, Lincolnshire.
Henrietta Goodrum (Wtr -Serving) of Locksheath, Hampshire.
Frederica McCarthy (Wtr –Serving) of Bury, Manchester.
5. ReunionDinneri. J. Donaldson's Life Certificate remained in the possession of the President from 2014 as he was unable to attend the dinner on the 9thOctober 2015. Subsequent to the meeting LH confirms that JD will be attending the 2016 Dinner as a complimentary guest to receive his certificateso arrangements to be made for framing and payment by CH/GMH.
ii. It was agreed for the reimbursement of £60.00 (paid invoice to be supplied to Treasurer) to be paid to LH in respect of preparation printing costs.
iii. LH was to approach The News to try to send a personal complimentary invitation to the Grand Daughter/Great Grand Daughter of Petty Officer (Writer) Albert Symonds who was serving in the Town Class Light Cruiser HMS Southampton during the Battle of Jutland (WW1), as this was the 100th Commemorative year; the 15-page journal of Albert had recently been received and placed on the RNWA's website.
iv. As at today, there are 41 attendees with the hope that it will exceed 50 by the closing date of Friday 23rd September 2016.
A. CH had recently attended the HMS RALEIGH Awards presentation day (hence why the meeting had been rescheduled by a week) presenting the 'Writer of the Year' Trophy (for the period January to December 2015) to Wtr Tessa Farrow now serving on board HMS ALBION.
Post Script: "A letter of thanks for the RNWA gift voucher from Logs (Wtr) Tessa Farrow was received by the President onFriday morning, 29thJuly 2016".
There being no further business the meeting closed at 2015
Date of next meeting Thursday 15th September 2016 –Apologies given in advance by MM
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) RE-SCHEDULED MEETING THURSDAY 14TH JANUARY 2016 HELD AT THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION BRANCH GOSPORT 7PM
The minutes of the 23rd November 2015 were taken as read.
No reported deaths for the latter part of 2015 and 2016; hopefully it will remain that way.
As at today, the account balance stood at £4535.85
Welcome to the following new members effective December 2015:-
i. DavidKelly of Fareham
ii. Kennedy Borthwick of Sheffield
iii. LauraChisholm of Carnwath
iv. LucyMillingsof Plymouth
Thanks to member Stephen Kendrick, ii. to iv. new members above were 'recruited' as new to the Writer Branch i.e. existing Royal Navy serving personnel.
5. Re-Union Dinner 2016
i. A cheque for £300.00 was requested for the Gascoigne Suite room hire and bar for the 129th RNWA Re-Union Dinner at the Union Jack Club (UJC), Sandell Street, Waterloo, London SE1 8UJ on Friday 14th October 2016.
ii. An announcement page was presented and approved for placement on the website and issue with the February 2016 newsletter.
i. The newly designed 'Writer' lapel pins had been received and would be incorporated with the February 2016 newsletter. £5.00 for mislaid/lost or subsequent requests for more pins.
ii. In accordance with Membership Rule 5 (1) & 6, the following members are twelve months or more in arrears (according to the database) and will be advised by LH that membership has ceased: D. Bridge. T. Casey, B. Cox-Dacre, T. Elliott, N. Gent, S. Gott, C. Malik, S. Monaghan, D. Shaw, and A. Watts.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.45pm –next mtg. Thurs. 17/3/16
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) RE-SCHEDULED MEETING MONDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2015 HELD AT THE TREASURER'S HOME ADDRESS AT 7.3O PM
George Mytom-Hart BEM Treasurer (GMH)LesHeyhoe Secretary (LH)
Philip Allen MBE Member (PA)
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Friday 16th October 2015 were taken as read.
Mrs Veronica Cummins (nee brown) '46 –'49 & '50 –'53 of Gosport, Hants.
5. Re-Union Dinner2016
i. Following enquiries by LH as a result of the agreement at the AGM to pursue achange of venue, it was endorsed by the Committee to hold the 129th RNWA Re-Union Dinner at the Union Jack Club (UJC), Sandell Street, Waterloo, London SE1 8UJ on Friday 14th October 2016.
ii. Menu choice one was selected and it was agreed that members would be subsidised costing them £25.00 and non-members/guests £35.00. The subsidiary and cost remaining the same as in the past two years and even at London prices!
iii. Full details to be placed initially via the RNWA's website and announced in the association's scheduled January/February 2016 Newsletter.
i.An invoice had been received for the refurbishment of the RNWA's bench located in Southsea which was £203.94. However due to the generosity of a few members who had donated money towards the pending cost, the bench has been paid for but specifically by Mr Paul Rowe with a generous donation of £200.
ii. Newly designed 'Writer' lapel pins have been orderedby CH (300)which willbe issued to all members with the forthcoming newsletter. By coincidence, acheque was received only this week from the executor of a member and the cheque received is to be utilised to cover the cost of this expenditure. Full details to be announced via the forthcoming newsletter.
ROYAL NAVAL WRITERS' ASSOCIATION (RNWA) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FRIDAY 16th OCTOBER 2015 HELD AT THE ROYAL BEACH HOTEL SOUTHSEA AT 6.45PM
Anne Williams Member
Paddy Erskine Member
Jed Stone Member
Peter Danks Member
Geoff Briggs Member
John Ballinger Member
Brian Peck Member
No minutes were presented or agreed but were available to view via the website.
2015 -P. Brannen / H. Marchant / J F J Rowe 2014 -J. Baker / F. Curran / D. Doole / J. Dolman / A. Liddle / B. Quance
3. Treasurer's
Report As at today, the account balance stood at £4171.36 in comparison to 2014 AGM of £3832.01, the difference of £339.31 including a generous donation by P F Rowe towards the refurbishment of the RNWA's bench located at Southsea seafront.
With fewer deaths and lapsed members combined with new members, membership is approximately 220.
5. Re-UnionDinner 2016
It was put to those present to consider a venue change and all were in agreement to propose to hold the 129th RNWA Re-Union Dinner at the Union Jack Club (UJC), Sandell Street, Waterloo, London SE1 8UJ on Friday 14thOctober 2016. LH would make suitable enquiries to costings etc. and the Committee would make the final decision at their next meeting in November 2015.
RNWA stocks of ties were now depleted and the Committee agreed for a lapel pin to be used as a complimentary gift toall new joiners and issued to all existing paid up and Life members. Various designs and suggestions were presented by CH and an agreed version was established.
There being no further business the meeting concluded to enjoy the Reunion Dinner.
15t January 2015
Minutes of the Meeting of the Royal Naval Writers' Association (RNWA) held at the RNA Gosport Branch at 19:15 Thursday 15th January 2015
George MytomHart BEM Treasurer (GMH)
Les Heyhoe Secretary/Membership (LH)
Philip Allen MBE Committee (PA)
Absent: Roland Carter Committee (RC)
The minutes of the meeting held on the 20th November 2014 were taken as read.
No member's deaths were reported – good health for the New Year to all members, let's keep it that way.
GMH advised the committee that as at the date of the meeting funds held were £3,224.02 MM & PA had recently completed the annual accounts audit and all was very satisfactory. BZ to GMH.
No new members but enquiries had been made so hopefully these will result in new membersduring the next couple of months. The following remain as outstanding 2014 contributions due:-
Doreen Shaw Reminder letters issued 17/2/15 & 22/12/14
Alun Watts As above
Trevor Elliott As above
Nicola Gent As above
Stacey Monaghan As above
Constance Malik As above
Barrie Cox Dacre As above
Derek H Bridge As above
Terry Casey As above
Stephen Gott Reminder letters issued 17/2/15 & 22/12/14
Final reminder of copy letter 17/2/15 to be issued with March Newsletter and if no payment received then no further communications will be posted and lapsed membership in January 2016.
Reunion Dinner 2015 – CH would contact RNHQ and ascertain a potential Guest of Honour.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:15 – Next Meeting 19/03/2015 @ 19:00 Advance apologies: Les Heyhoe (LH)
Les Heyhoe RNWA Secretary / MembershipEmail: les@heyhoe.com / 02392 35718109/03/15
Minutes of the Meeting of the Royal Naval Writers' Association (RNWA) held at the RNA Gosport Branchat 19:15 Thursday 20th November 2014
Absent:- RolandCarterCommittee(RC)
The minutes of the meeting held on the 18th September 2014 were taken as read.
No member's deaths were reported.
GM Hadvised the committee that as at the date of the meeting funds held were £3,547.01 Payment had been made of £250.00 forthe deposit of the2015 ReunionDinner, £15 annual membership for the Federation Naval Association, £60 annual membership of the Royal Maritime Club Portsmouth and £20 to renew the Lotteries Licence held with Fareham Borough council to enable the 2015 GrandNational draw.
As a result of LH advertising the RNWA via the Face Book group page of' Royal Navy Writers' applications have been received, with hopefully more to follow. The 'Dauntless Association' (ex-WRNS) and The WRN's Association had also been contacted and articles promoting the RNWA and encouraging ex-WRNWtrs to join, would be publicized via the irrespective news letters in the New Year. New members proposed by LH and seconded by CH and accepted as members are:-
Mrs Karen Dowden (nee Francis – ex – WRNWtr Pay) of Truro, Cornwall.
Mrs Janice Wylie (nee McGowan – ex – POWRN) of Moreton, Wirral, Merseyside.
Mr Terry Pizzey (ex – POWtr) of Stubbington, Hampshire.
Mr Thomas Richardson (Lt.Cdr. RN Rtd.) of Helston, Cornwall.
i. ReunionDinner2015 – LH would provide a PA system for speeches as the hotel required £200 to hire one. The menu as advised to the committee (Hotel- Davina Jones letter of 24th October) was accepted. Cost per head by the hotel is £36 (£35 in 2014) however it was agreed that to encourage new members to attend the RNWA was prepared to 'take a loss/subsidise the venue' by a bigger margin than in 2014, there fore the cost per ticket would be £25 RNWA Members (£30 in 2014) and £35 for Guests (same as in 2014 but £1 cheaper than cost price i.e. subsidy). The details would be promulgated via the website. It was decided that subject to favourable rates and terms and conditions, the 129th Reunion Dinner would be held in London, the Union Jack Club on Friday 14th October 2016 (to be confirmed mid-2015).
ii. Grand National for 2015 takes place on Saturday 11th April; agreed to order 250 books* – LH
iii. Newsletters issue in December & February 2015, enclosing Grand National tickets* – CH/LH
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:15 – Next Meeting 15/1/15 @ 19:00
Les Heyhoe RNWA Secretary/Membership Email:les@heyhoe.com/02392357181
Minutes of the Meeting of the Royal Naval Writers' Association (RNWA) held at the RNA Gosport Branch at 19:00 Thursday 18th September 2014
Absent:-
Roland Carter Committee (RC
The minutes of the meeting held on an unscheduled date of the 15th July 2014 were taken as read.
A minutes silence was held for those reported since the last meeting to have 'Crossed the Bar':-Frank Curran (RIP 01/05/14) David Doole (RIP 12/07/14) Dennis Le Marquand (RIP 06/09/14)
GMH advised the committee that as at the date of the meeting funds held were £6,167.00 which included £2,030.00 for the forthcoming Reunion Dinner.
Brothers Brian (Ex-WOWtr) & Peter (Ex-POWtr) Wead were proposed and accepted as members. Mike Evans was to become a Life Member in 2014 but was unable to attend the Reunion Dinner.
i.Writer of the Year –No form of correspondence or acknowledgment had been received from Wtr K Murphy regarding her gift of a £125 voucher, free invitation to join the RNWA and as a complimentary guest to the Reunion Dinner. CH would contact and advise the Cmdt. DMLS.
ii. Reunion Dinner 10/10/14 –Cdre Adrian Aplin MBE RN A/COS Logs Fleet HQ confirmed his attendance as Guest of Honour. Final attendees are 63. It was agreed that an additional 2 . bottles of wine (£272) courtesy of the RNWA would be placed on each of the 8 tables. The Annual General Meeting was agreed to be held at 18:00 in the Victory Bar and LH would arrangefor a note to be issued to guests upon arrival informing them. It was agreed to hold the 2015 Reunion Dinner on Friday 9th October and a deposit would be made on the night upon final payment for the 2014 dinner (GMH).
iii. RNWA Website – CH had been contacted by Jeremy Hurst (prior where abouts unknown) regarding his role as Webmaster. Circumstances and views were discussed and it was agreed that whilst Jeremy had completed a satisfactory job the role had now passed onto Chris Locke and a payment made so his service would continue to be used. Jeremy would be reinstated as a Honorary Life Member due to his past valuable contribution to the RNWA.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:05 – Next Meeting Thurs 20/11 @ 19:00
Les Heyhoe
RNWA Secretary/Membership
Email: les@heyhoe.com/ 02392 357181