BNS Leopold Visit

On Friday 7th October S/m's Kenn McKinnon and Brian MacKenzie along with their partners were invited by Rear Admiral, Jose Enrique Delgado, ESP N Commander of the Standing NATO Maritime Group, to join him onboard the BNS Leopold which was docked in the King George V dock for a forces reception.

HMS Somerset Visit

S/m Kenn McKinnon and Brian MacKenzie were invited by the Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland Lt Cdr Kieth Conway to join him onboard HMS Somerset at the King GeorgeV dock where a reception and a capability demonstration with a tour of the ship was held. This was followed by Ceremonial Sunset at 21:00.

HMS Hood Centenary

On the 1st September 14 of our members were invited by HMS Hood Association to join them in the West of College Scotland, Clydebank to mark the centenary of the keel-laying of HMS Hood on 1st September 1916. Rear Admiral Wilcocks, Hood Association President greeted the guests and gave a short talk, The Hood in her time. This was followed by talks from Ms Audrey Cumberford, Principal and Chief Executive, West College Scotland. The building of HMS Hood by Mr Ian Johnston, historian and author who also introduced to veterans who had served on her, Commander Keith Evans 96 (Hood Association Chairman) and Mr Alec Kellaway 98. Rear Admiral Mark Baverstock unveiled a plaque to HMS Hood which will be displayed in the college.

VJ Day Knightswood

On Saturday 13th 5 of our members attended the service at Knightswood Cross to commemorate Victory over Japan. S/m Brian MacKenzie carried our standard. There was a service in St Margaret's Church followed by a short service and wreath laying at the memorial then a march down the Great western Road to the Lincoln Inn where the Lord Provost Sadie Docherty took the salute. A light buffet was provided in the Lincoln Inn.

VJ Day Knightswood

On Saturday 13th 5 of our members attended the service at Knightswood Cross to commemorate Victory over Japan. S/m Brian MacKenzie carried our standard. There was a service in St Margaret's Church followed by a short service and wreath laying at the memorial then a march down the Great western Road to the Lincoln Inn where the Lord Provost Sadie Docherty took the salute. A light buffet was provided in the Lincoln Inn.

BBQ

We held our BBQ on Saturday 16th in the Clydebank Cadet unit TS Queen Elizabeth. 20 members and 10 guests attended. Thanks to our chef S/m Brian Mackenzie and hi wife Irene for laying on an excellent spread. We held a raffle which raised £50 for the cadet's funds and had a good old sing song helped along with a few singing gingers.

Legion d'honneur

Five heroes of the D-Day landings have received France's highest decoration of honour in recognition of their bravery. The Scottish veterans were presented with the Legion d'Honneur medals at a reception in Paisley Town Hall. This was a service in a numbers of ceremonies being held throughout the UK to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. Those honoured were Gerald Fisher 91 (City of Glasgow RNA), John Sneddon 90, Henry Bryce 91, Daniel McNicol 92 and Robert Faulds 96. All served in the royal navy. French Consul General for Scotland, Emmanuel Cocher, presented the former servicemen in recognition of their war efforts. He said: “ I am truly honoured to present these veterans with the Legion d'Honneur. France will never forget the bravery they showed the liberation of France 70 years ago.”

AFD George Square

S/ms Kenn McKinnon, Brian MacKenzie and Joan Lowe set up a stall in George Square selling RNA items IE: lanyards, badges, keyrings etc, with a few free gizzits for the kids. We also ran a tombola which was very successful. We had a good turn out for the parade from Holland Street to the square. Brian MacKenzie carried the standard and Eddie Pollar led the RNA Veterans. There was a civic reception for the veterans in the city chambers after the parade. Thanks to all who turned up and participated in the days events.

AFD Standard Raising

On Monday the 20th S/m's Kenn McKinnon and Brian MacKenzie attended the raising of the Armed Forces Day Standard on the City Chambers. Brian paraded the RNA Standard. There was a poor turn out for this event.

AFD Clydebank

Clydebank held their AFD Parade on the 12th June which was attended by some of our members. They marched from Queens Square to the town hall where the salute was taken. A buffet and refreshments were laid on in the hall.