|
EDITORIAL
I should like to take
this opportunity to introduce myself. I served as an active member of
the RNR for some 21 years firstly as an NCSO, then as an INT. OFFICER
(PI) and finally as an INSTRUCTOR OFFICER working alongside Dougie
Colwell and Ian. I apologise to those members who have submitted
material for this edition but assure them that their offerings will be
included next time. I will endeavour to produce a regular newsletter
but cannot always guarantee that it will be 4 weeks from the last! If
you are aware of any member that does not receive the letter do please
let me know. The changeover of personnel may produce a few glitches as
Ian is a hard act to follow!
SIXTY-SECOND ANNUAL DINNER
The
Association held its sixty-second annual dinner at Lancing College on
17th April 2010.Thirty-four members and guests attended.
The college was chosen as an appropriate venue as it served as a
training establishment for RNVR officers during the Second World War.
Roedean School in Brighton fulfilled a similar role. It proved to be a
lively and enjoyable occasion. Our president, Vice Admiral Sir Peter
Woodhead, paid a well-deserved tribute to our retiring secretary,
Ian Wright, and presented him with an engraved glass
decanter from the association for the sterling service that Ian has
provided over the years. Sir Peter reminded us that Ian’s replacement
has proved to be most difficult and the wide range of his duties was
illustrated by the fact that it has taken several officers to replace
him. We are still two short!! Our principal guests for the evening
were Commodore Chris Steel ADC B.Sc C.Eng MIET FCMI Royal Navy and
his wife Lorraine. In his address as Commodore responsible for all
Maritime Reserves, (RNR and RM), he pointed out that it was the first
time that this role has been undertaken by a full-time serving
officer. As such, he is able to present all Reserve considerations
upfront on a regular basis as a result of a continual dialogue with
senior officers. Perhaps the only low spot of the evening was the
rather feeble rendering of ‘Sussex by the Sea’ but I feel that this
could be attributed to the technical problems of the ‘band’!!
JUNE VISIT TO CHATHAM
DOCKYARD
Our
visit this year will be on Wednesday 23rd June to the
Historic Dockyard at Chatham where there are many interesting
attractions including three historic warships, the ropery, Dockyard
Museum and a collection of lifeboats. Please note that a fair amount
of walking is involved in the dockyard, although it is understood that
the shuttle bus is available between the main attractions. The cost
will be £36 per person covering coach, Dockyard entry, introductory
guided tour on the coach and lunch at the Wheelwrights Restaurant (or
£28 without lunch). John Woods is able to provide further information
and applications should be sent to him together with payment by 31 May
2010 so that we can confirm bookings to the coach company and
Dockyard.
PROGRAMME FOR 2010
Visit to Chatham Dockyard Wed 23 June
Barbecue Sat 24 July
Guest lunch Sat 11 September
Trafalgar Night Sat 23 October
Lunch/lecture Sat 13 November
President’s Evening Fri 10 December
ARCHIVED MATERIAL
Ian
has reported to me that he has now deposited the following records
relating to Sussex Division RNR at the East Sussex Records Office
(Archives). If any member wishes to view these documents then details
of the procedure may be obtained from the Secretary
HMS Sussex Electrical Division scrapbook
HMS Sussex Wardroom AGM Minutes 20 Jan 1975 to 8 Feb 1993
HMS Sussex Wardroom Mess Committee Minutes 18 Feb 1960 to 3
Oct 1974
HMS Sussex Wardroom Mess Committee Minutes 27 April 1987 to
21 Mar 1994
Sussex Division Wardroom Mess Committee Minutes 23 June 1939
to 14 Jan 1960
Sussex Division Wardroom Growl Book 21 Feb 1910 to 2 Feb 1989
RNVR Battery Newhaven Canteen Minute book Oct 1946 to 8 Jan
1951
HMS Curzon Visitors’ book 26 Aug 1949 to 5 Aug 1955
HMS Sussex Visitors’ book 6 July 1968 to 25 Feb 1991
Collection of Victorian post cards to members of 2nd
Brighton Corps
Royal Naval Battery.
Copy of HMS KING ALFRED 1939-1945 (Special 50th
Anniversary
Golden Jubilee edition) by Judy Middleton.
75th Anniversary of the RNR
Centenary of the RNR
COMMUNICATIONS
Many
members receive this newsletter by e-mail (hopefully!). If there are
those among us who would be prepared to do likewise and have not yet
submitted their e-mail addresses to the Membership Secretary, Lt Joe
Kirk RNR, it would be much appreciated if they did so, as this would
reduce expenditure in these straitened times.
TAIL
PIECE
Four
retired sailors were walking down the street. When they see a sign
‘Veterans’ Bar’ they go in. The bartender asks for their order and
they each ask for a pint of best bitter. He delivers the drinks and
says, ‘That will be £2.’
They can’t believe their good luck. They finish the drinks and order
another round, and the bartender says again, ‘That will be £2’ Their
curiosity is now aroused, so one asks the bartender, ‘How can you
afford to serve best bitter at 50p a pint?’
The bartender
replies ‘I guess you’ve seen the décor here. Well I am a retired CPO
and I’ve always wanted to own my own bar. Last year I had a
substantial win on the lottery, I had a marvellous career in the Navy
and decided to open this place for real veterans. Every drink costs
50p, wines, spirits you name it.
They noticed four guys at the end of the bar who have not ordered
anything.
They ask ‘What’s with them?’ The bartender says. ‘Oh those are retired
bootnecks, they’re waiting for happy hour.
Best
wishes
Bob
|
