Cyber crime, pensions, newsletters and iPads were all on the agenda at the inaugural CONA Conference in Portsmouth.
Some 40 organisers and delegates gathered at the Royal Maritime Club to discuss a wide range of issues under the umbrella of the Conference of Naval Associations.
After a welcome from CONA chairman (and RNA National President) Admiral John McAnally and General Secretary Capt Paul Quinn, delegates were given a series of presentations, including an introduction to the Association of ex-Services Drop-In Centres (ASDIC) by chairman Peter Mosse, a former Type 21 frigate CO.
The next presentation was by CONA president and Naval Secretary Rear Admiral Mike Bath, which was followed by a session on fuel poverty by Rebecca Jones, project development co-ordinator at National Energy Action (NEA).
The afternoon was set aside for a series of interactive Q&A sessions at various tables around the ballroom, with subject matter including the Forces Pension Society, Project Semaphore (the RNA’s iPads for Veterans scheme), developing your RNA branch, branch communications, the Veterans Welfare Service and cyber crime.
The 30-plus delegates moved on from each table/presentation after 30 minutes, picking up tips from subject matter experts and sharing knowledge and experiences.
Delegate Gareth Peaston, of the Merchant Navy Association, who travelled from Ferndown in Dorset, said he felt the conference was very worthwhile in terms of networking.
He said he had an interesting talk with Peter Mosse, and he was also “hugely interested” in fuel poverty and NEA.
“I have been involved in CONA since it formed and you learn something every time you attend which you can take back to your association and spread the word,” said Gareth.
“Long may it continue!”
During the event, two cheques were presented to the RNA by Harold Burke, Sales Director of the UK Holiday Group – one for £1,775 which represented sponsorship support for the annual conference in Dublin earlier this year, the other for almost £820 which was a donation with respect to sales generated for the holiday group over the past year.
