Visit by CO of HMS Glasgow

March At our branch meeting on Thursday 17th Commander Phillip Burgess the Commanding officer of the new HMS Glasgow attended along with 4 members of his crew. The evening went well and the lamp was swinging to and fro with many a singing ginger consumed.

Not Forgotten Association Xmas Lunch

January On the 26th eight of our members were invited by the Not Forgotten Association to a delayed Christmas Lunch at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow. We played the usual games and a raffle was held and raised over £400. Our association presented Rosie with a cheque for their funds. The entertainment was provided by Anna and Loyde and had the company up dancing.

Awareness Day

On the 10th December S/m's Kenn McKinnon and Brian Mackenzie held an awareness day at Morrisons Store at Auchenlee. Although it was a chilly day and a bit windy when the automatic doors opened it didn't deter us and we raised £341.35 for our branch. As we have not had one since the Covid outbreak back in March 2020. Overall a good day.

The Tall Ship

The Chairman of the Trustees of The Clyde Maritime Trust Mr Colin Botfield invited the City of Glasgow RNA chairman Kenn McKinnon and Vice Chairman Alex Thomas onboard the Glenlee to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the ship. The Lord Provost Philip Bratt was present and gave a speech. They had a special whiskey made for the occasion and snifter glasses engraved with the ship and dates. At the end of the evening we were given a momentum of the occasion. A box containing two miniatures and an engraved glass.

HMS Lancaster Visit

On the 3rd October HMS Lancaster invited members of the RNA on board for a tour of the ship. Five members from our branch attended along with three members from the Forth Valley Branch. Kenn McKinnon the chairman of the Glasgow branch presented the ship with a bottle of Pussers rum and a branch plaque.

Memorial Garden

October On 1st of October four of our members attended the opening of a Memorial Garden at Rugby Park Kilmarnock. The service was conducted by the Reverend James McNay. Raymond Montgomerie gave an explanation of how the memorial garden came about and thanked all those involved. The deputy Lord Lieutenant Matt Smith gave a small speech. After the ceremony we retired to have lunch in the boardroom. Thanks to Brian for carrying the standard and to Kenn McKinnon, Anne cox and Eddy Pollar for attending.

Briggs Dirk At the National Conference the City of Glasgow Branch was awarded the Briggs Dirk for most recruit gained over the year. This was presented at our first branch meeting after Covid 19 pandemic. S/m Stephen Elliot the chairman of the Edinburgh Branch and National Council Member for Scotland presented it to Chairman Kenn McKinnon and Area Chairman Brian MacKenzie. S/m Stephen also presented our chairman with a silver Quaich to commemorate our branches 25th anniversary (this should have been in March 2021). Many thanks to the Edinburgh Branch for their gift. Photos by Dave Cutler

NFA BBQ

On 14th September S/m's Kenn McKinnon, Brian Mackenzie and Anne Cox and Karen and Stephen from the Edinburgh branch attended the Not Forgotten Association Bar B Que at the Carrdross Estate in Stirlingshire. The entertainment was excellent and we played the Kings and Queens game. There was a raffle and guess how many jelly beans in a jar. Many thanks to Rosie and her staff for giving us a great day.

VE/D Day

JUNE On Saturday 5th a commemorative service was held at Knightswood War Memorial to commemorate VE Day and The D Day landings. S/m Brian MacKenzie carried our standard and S/m Kenn McKinnon laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch. Also in attendance was S/m Eddy Pollar.

100th Birthday

May 2021 City of Glasgow RNA member Vic Combes celebrated his milestone birthday with a surprise  garden party.  Vic enjoyed celebrating his birthday with the chairman of the branch Kenn McKinnon and the Scottish Area Chairman Brian MacKenzie along with family and friends.  Vic was born in Sussex and joined the Royal Navy in 1939 aged 18. He served in Malta during the Siege of Malta and received serious injuries to his arm, legs and face. Vic proudly marched in the annual Armed Forces Day Parade and the Remembrance Parade in Glasgow and is a keen member and supporter of the Glasgow branch of the RNA.