VJ Celebration

S/ms Kenn McKinnon and Brian MacKenzie attended at Knightswood Memorial on Saturday 22nd where a service to commemorate the Japanese surrender and the end of the Second World War. S/m Kenn laid a wreath and S/m Brian carried our standard. The Lord Provost Philip Braat also laid a wreath. The ceremony was conducted under the social distancing rules.

Chaplain gets rare honour

Chaplain gets rare honour S/m the Reverend David Eynon was commissioned by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to the rank of Chaplain. David is now chaplain for volunteers in the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, RAF Cadets and the Combined Cadet Force. This was an historic commission from Her Majesty the Queen. The commission recognises the immense contribution made by volunteer staff as leaders of the national uniformed youth organisations sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. S/m David is the Chaplain for TS Queen Elizabeth in Clydebank and serves the Clyde North region and the City of Glasgow RNA. This is the first Royal Commission of its kind created for 155 years.

75th VE Day Commemoration

Today S/m Brian MacKenzie had our standard in attendance at the 75th VE service at the war memorial in Torrance. Also in attendance carrying the Royal Scots standard was Sandy Burnie. S/m Brian conducted the service which was attended by 20 people who all observed the social distancing required at this time. There is a small video of this on Facebook under the Torrence Parish Church.

Keeping in touch

During the covid 19 pandemic we would like all members to try and stay in touch with each other either by telephoning, emailing or texting the Chairman Kenn McKinnon, the Vice Chairman Alec Thomas, the Secretary Brian MacKenzie of The Treasurer David Carlin. Our numbers are in the list of members which was handed out to you and hopefully you have kept. Let us know if you need help.

Edinburgh Branch 25th Anniversary

Three of our members S/m Brian MacKenzie, Kenneth & Anne McKinnon joined the Edinburgh Branch to celebrate it's 25th Anniversary on the weekend of 13th - 15th March. On the Friday They had a quiz night which the WRNS won. Saturday was the Scottish area AGM which was held in the RN & RM Club with a social at night. On Sunday a service was held in the Cannon Gate Church where S/m Stephen Elliot handed over a bell to the church for safe keeping. After the service we retired to the Scottish Veterans Residences for a buffet lunch and a tot of rum. At the reception I presented the Edinburgh Chairman Stephen Elliot with a Quich from our branch.

NFA Xmas Luncheon

On Monday 9th ten of our members were invited to join the Not Forgotten Association for Exmas Lunch in the Glasgow Marriott Hotel. We played the game of Kings and Queens and the winner received a bottle of port. A raffle was held and raised over £500 with an auction of a home made Christmas cake which raised £120 and it was donated to the Erskine Home. We were entertained by the Swingtime Sweethearts. A big thank you to the organiser of this event Rosie Thompson and her team.

Forth Valley RNA

On the 6th S/m's Brian and his good lady Irene, Anne Cox, Anne McKinnon and myself took up the kind invitation to join the Forth Valley RNA at their Christmas Social in the RBLS club in Grangemouth. The night went very well with plenty of singing gingers and an excellent buffet. They held a raffle which raised over £100 for a local charity. On Saturday 7th we attended the Scottish Area meeting which was also held in the RBLS club.

Children's Hospital Visit

On the 5th S/m's Kenn McKinnon and Brian Mackenzie visited the Sick Children's Hospital play group. Our chairman Kenn handed over a cheque for £420 for their funds and 50 selection boxes for the children in hospital over the Xmas period.

Faslane

On the 28th Brian Mackenzie, Scottish Area Chairman and Kenn McKinnon, City of Glasgow Chairman went to Faslane for discussions with Stephano Panucci WO1, Base Warrant Officer and Murray Anderson CPO, Visit Liaison Officer with regard to the RNA visiting and talking to the younger men who are about to leave the service and let them know how we could help them in civvy street. We also discussed way that we might get involved in various projects on both sides.

Ukkers Final

At our branch meeting we held the Ukkers final for 2019 which was won by S/m Eddy Pollar with S/m Alec Thomas coming a close second. Both received their respective trophies and commemorative glasses.