Ahoy Shipmates,
Hopefully this Chat will get into the July edition given I have been in Sick Bay since 1 June having undergone my right hip replacement, so I am now still in recovery mode finding it uncomfortable to sit at the Boss’s computer. So, to catch up with activities over the past couple of months.
As mentioned in the June edition, sadly, the former Chaplain of the Fleet Rev Martyn Gough Crossed the Bar, a great loss to all that knew him. Amazingly, on the several occasions I met him he always remembered my name. Such a wonderful man.
The month of May proved to be a busy month for me, preceded in mid-April by attending the Riders Branch 5th Anniversary in Leicester at the Leicester Senior Servicemen’s Club, which was well attended by over 100 Shipmates – a venue well worth a visit if you are in Leicester.
The weekend of 12–14 May found me visiting RNA Londonderry Branch to take part in the Battle of the Atlantic 80th Anniversary Commemorations with representations from the Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy and veterans, the German Ambassador to Ireland, supported by RNA Londonderry Branch and the local community – a busy but well-organised weekend.
Arriving home on the 15th, I was off the following morning to the National Arboretum to represent the RNA at the Royal British Legion’s 60th Anniversary Commemoration Service of the ending of National Service.
National Conference Weekend: It certainly was a busy weekend and I thank all those who attended and supported the weekend. A BZ goes to the No 10 Area organising committee and Central Office Staff who made it a success. Preceding the conference business, the RNA was granted the Freedom of Liverpool by the Lord Mayor who was in attendance, which was accepted by our National President Vice Admiral Duncan Potts. This was the second such honour bestowed on the Association within twelve months and indeed the history of the Association. We were most fortunate to have as our three speakers the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key, who gave us an update on the Royal Navy, Dr Jann Witt, the German Naval Historian who spoke about the U-Boats in the Battle of the Atlantic, and Vice Admiral (Ret’d) Michael Gretton, who spoke about Atlantic Convoy ONS5 in which his late father Commander Peter Gretton (later Vice Admiral) took part. Pending an immediate hip operation a few days later, I was unable to take part in the one-mile march from the City Centre to the Drumhead Service on the Sunday which was a quite moving ceremony, but I applaud all Standard Bearers and Shipmates that took part – you all looked very smart and did the Association proud.
Branch News: So far this year we have had two new Branches commission in No 7 Area (South Wales & Gloucester) – Torfaen in January followed by Caerphilly on 10 June. There is a possibility of two more coming through the pipeline in South Wales. Stop Press news is that the former Stoke-on-Trent Branch (No 8 Area) may possibly recommission. Time for all Area Committees and Shipmates to take note that Jack and Jenny are out there in those towns and cities just waiting to get together and possibly form a Branch. Shipmates, keep your ears to the ground, spread the word and Area Committees might consider advertising in local newspapers and village magazines, which is mainly free.
In April I carried out a casual inspection of Branch Year End Balance Sheets for the year end 31 December 2021 and was concerned to learn that a substantial number of Branches had neither paid the £5 Standards Fund Fee, nor had Public Liability Insurance (PLI) or indeed both. Failure to pay into the Standard Fund means a Branch cannot make a claim against the Fund. More concerning is that the lack of PLI exposes a Branch to a possible claim for damages/compensation against the Branch and not the RNA. Whilst Central Office is looking into the possibility of PLI cover for all Branches under a blanket policy, I must stress the current situation Branches face by not having PLI.
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Branch & Club Support Fund: This exists to support as stated, Clubs and Branches for specific purposes grants and loans. However, failure by a Branch to submit its Annual Year End Balance Sheet for the preceding year to Central Office by the 30th April in accordance with Branch Bye-Law B19 (c) will prohibit a Branch or Club being eligible for assistance from this fund.
A polite reminder from last month: A large number Year Books have been returned to Central Office, mainly because S/Ms appear to have moved and may not have informed their Branch Secretary or Central Office (if HQ Roll Members). If you have moved, please advise one of those mentioned above.
Trying to sit at the Boss’s computer recovering from my recent operation is most uncomfortable so I will call Time, so that is it, Shipmates, for now. To all serving Shipmates including Reservists, and your families keep safe. For those at sea, God Speed, and a safe return.
Yours aye,
Keith Ridley
