Glasgow Seafarers Service

The annual Seafarers service was held in Glasgow Cathedral to celebrate Nelsons Victory at Trafalgar and to honour all seafarers from the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and the Fishermen of our great nation.

The service started with a parade in front of the cathedral which was led by the National Standard of the Royal Naval Association, and the standard of the City of Glasgow RNA. Our members formed up along with Sea Cadet units from TS Galatea, TS Neptune and The volunteer band from HMS Neptune. The units were inspected by Rear Admiral Chris Hockley, Flag Officer, Scotland and Northern Ireland, who also did a reading in the cathedral.

The service was led by The Revd, Dr Laurence Whitley, Minister of Glasgow Cathedral.
The Revd, David Potterton, Principal Chaplin, The Sailors’ Society based in Southampton gave the sermon.

Trafalgar Dinner Dance

We held our Trafalgar Dinner Dance at the Arrochar Hotel at the head of Loch Long. The Night went well with a sumptuous meal follwed by a speech given by our secretary Brian MacKenzie on what a modern day Nelson might encounter today. Which was well recieved. This was followed by a raffle then we retired to the dance floor and refreshment area for the night. All in all a very good night.

TS Galatea Inspection 11 October

The Glasgow Sea Cadets of TS Galatea who are based in The Glen Lee (The Tall Ship) moored alongside the new Riverside Museum in Glasgow invited members of the RNA, Officers of HMS Defender, Civic Dignitaries and parents to an evening of Drill, entertainment and evolutions.

The evening started with colours followed by an inspection by the officer in charge of all the sea cadet units in Scotland, Commander Mark Buchan-Steele from HMS Caledonia. The evolutions involved the proper use of block and tackle and an engineering evolution on how to maintain outboard engines properly. This was followed by the Commander presenting the cadets with promotions, badges and prizes earned over the year.

RNA members in attendance: S/m Kenneth McKinnon, Brian MacKenzie, David Carlin and Frank Halliday with the prayer being delivered by S/m David Eynon (Padre)

Lancastria Memorial Unveiling 1 October 2011

Today seven of our members attended the memorial service held in the grounds of The Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank. S/m Brian MacKenzie paraded the standard at the service where a statue has been unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond on the former site of the Beardmore shipyard where a sunken World War II ship was built.

The Lancastria went down off the French coast in 1940 with the loss of 4,000 lives. It was Britain's worst maritime disaster. The Cunard liner was converted to a troop ship and attacked off the Saint Nazaire coast on 17 June 1940. She sank in just 20 minutes but news of her loss was not reported because Prime Minister Winston Churchill thought it would affect morale.

Commodore's Pennant Presentation

On the 21st September our chairman Kenny attended the sea cadets TS Queen Elizabeth unit in Clydebank for the presentation of the Commodore's Pennant. This was a special occasion as it is the first unit in the Clyde North District to obtain this honour.

Commander Mark Buchan-steele from HMS Caledonia presented the pennant and certificate to Junior Sea Cadet Adam Murray who had carried out all the units required and 20 more than required to achieve this honour. This was an evening of good entertainment of evolutions and drill by the cadets.