Sad day for the Wishaw RNA

After 27 years and with much regret the Wishaw branch of the RNA has ceased to be a functioning body as they have only three members left.

At a small service held at T.S. Enterprise, the local Sea Cadet Unit in Airdrie the last remaining members handed over their Standard to the cadet unit for safe keeping with hope that the branch can be rejuvenated in the near future. In attendance were members of the RNA from Glasgow and the Scottish Area.

The members in attendance: S/m Frank Halliday (Chair), Brian MacKenzie (Secretary, Area and NC), Kenn McKinnon (PRO), Anne McKinnon, Anne Cox.

We were entertained by the cadets who demonstrated their leadership skills, knot tying, drill and several other activities; it was a good night but tinged with sadness at the closure of the Wishaw RNA.

Seafarer's Service

The Seafarer's Service was held in the Glasgow Cathedral and attended by several members of our branch. We formed up along with several sea cadet units and the Royal Marines Band, Scotland to be inspected by Commodore Charles Stevenson RN (Naval Regional Officer), before retiring to the cathedral for the service conducted by The Revd Dr Laurence Whitley MA, BD, PhD. After the service we retired to the concourse for a short concert by the Royal Marines Band.

Standard bearers:

City of Glasgow RNA: Brian MacKenzie.
Deep Sea Rescue Tugs: Francis Brown.
Sea Cadets: Callum Laber.

S/M Joan Lowe's sentence 21 10 10

S/M Joan Lowe (social secretary) was brought up before the committee on charges of willfully disobeying them by continuing to do things over and above her duties. There being no mitigating circumstances the chairman and committee members had no option but to sentence her to LIFE MEMBERSHIP.

Congratulations to her for her long service to the City of Glasgow RNA.

Trafalgar Dance

Due to unforseen problems with the St Vincent bowling club we have had to cancel the Trafalgar Dance on the 16th. We appologies for any inconveinence to members and guests. We look forward to your support next year.

HMS Duncan Launch 11 Oct 2010

Several members attended the launch of HMS Duncan a type 45 destroyer built by the BAE Goven ship yard. It was a bright sunny day which added to the thrill when she slipped majestically into the river Clyde. The Duncan will be associated with the City of Dundee. This is the sixth and last of this type. The others were Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon and Defender. The Defender will be associated with the City of Glasgow.

Not Forgotten Lunch 20 July 2010

The Not Forgotten Association invited several of our members to join them and other veteran associations in the Marriot Dalmahoy Hotel, near Kirknewton, Lothian. We had a cocktail reception then we retired for lunch. After lunch entertainment was provided which consisted of a keyboard player and two lovely female vocalists. They sang a good variety of old Scottish songs and old war time songs and a few Irish ones as well. A few older veterans entertained us by getting up and giving us impromptue dance lessons which were well recieved.

Armed Forces Day 26 June 2010

After a long day on the stall S/m Brian MacKenzie (standard bearer) led the parade into George Square and past the city chambers where the Lord Provest took the salute. It was quite a march for the veterans as they had to march over a mile from Holland St to the the square but they prevailed. they asembled along with other units of veteran associations and serving forces for the service then retired to the city chambers for a civic reception.

Armed Forces Day 26 June 2010

We operated a recruiting stall at the Armed Forces Day in George Square, Glasgow. It was manned by S/mates Joan Lowe, Anne McKinnon and Brian MacKenzie not to forget myself Kenn McKinnon. We had a sucessful day with new recruits to the branch. The photo shows two sea cadet staff signing up.

Armed Forces Week June 2010

On 21 June in George Square S/m Brian Searl along with the Lord Provest of Glasgow and fellow serving personnel took the salute as the Armed Forces Standard was raised at the start of armed forces week.

Armed Forces Day 21 June 2010

Today members of of our branch attended in George Square for the raising of the Armed Forces Standard at the City Chambers. Our Chairman S/m Brian Searle was in attendance with the Lord Provost along with other dignatories from other services for the dedication of the standard.

On Saturday the 20th we attended as a unit with our Standard and the Rescue Tugs Standard at the sea cadets Clydebank unit the TS Queen Elizabeth for their Armed Forces Day dedication with a march past at the town hall. After the parade we were invited to the town hall for refreshments. The ceremony was attended by 10 of our members not including the sea cadet officers.

Dedication of Veterans Memorial 8 May 2010

Today at 1200hrs RNA members along with a host of other associations attended the unvailing of the first Vetrans Memorial at Knightswood Cross, Glasgow. The memorial is dedicated to The Royal Navy, The Army, The Royal Air Force and the Merchant Navy.

It was a glorious day with the sun shining brightly upon the service which was attended by the Lord Provost, The Right Honouable Councillor Bob Winter and the service was carred out by the Revd, Dr Laurence Whitley, Minister, Glasgow Cathedral, and Captain of Clyde (Faslane)J Tar. There was a scripture reading from Col (rtd) RL Steele TD DL.

After the service and dedication was concluded we all retired to the Lincoln Inn on Great Western Road for refreshments and a buffet and to catch up with old friends for a good chat and a sing song where we were entertained by the DJ provided. He invited the veterans up to do a turn on the stage which S/m Katrina did with the spoons she aquired from the bar. All in all a very good day with a well attended service.

McMonagles

Thursday 6 May 2010

The night out at McMonagles fish boat in Clydebank went well all shipmates were stuffed to bursting point with good fare. The weather held up and made it a pleasant evening all round.

It is hoped that in the future we will be having more evenings like this as it is a good way to meet shipmates other halves (she who must be ignored).

The Royal Naval Presentation Team paid a visit to Airdrie on the 24 March at the Tudor Hotel, where members of the City Of Glasgow R.N.A met up with them. The presentation was excelently delivered to a goodly audience which included local dignitaries. The RNA members met and chatted with the team and the photo shows our esteemed secretary s/m Brian Mackenzie with Commander Jason Scott of the RNPT.

18 March 2010
Our AGM went well with the committee remaining the same. This wednesday 24th the Naval Presentation Team are in Airdrie at the Tudor Hotel, Alexander Street giving a presentation. All are welcome it starts at 19:30.