SSAFA Lunch

On Friday 17th S/m's Kenn & Anne McKinnon, Anne Cox and Paul Ellis attended the SSAFA Lunch given in Graham House, Whitfield Road, Govan (formally HMS Graham RNR). The day was a great success with a two course lunch and entertainment. Our members had good luck by coming away with many prizes from the tombola.

Remembrance Sunday

Seven of our members attended the Remembrance Parade in George Square on Sunday 12th. There was a very good turnout for this event. S/m Chris Lord paraded the standard and S/m Anne Cox laid the wreath. After the parade we all adjourned to the City Chambers for a civic reception hosted by the Lord Provost Eva Bolander. Some of our members took up the invitation to go to HMS Dalriada for lunch and a few wets.

100 Years old

The City of Glasgow Branch were requested to visit an ex sailor who has reached the grand age of 100 years on 4 November 2017. Alec Collins Ab, served in the RN from 1940 -1945 signing on at Skegness and served on HMS Iona, Arbona, Robina and Drummerboy. After his demob he went back to his trade of tailor until he retired. S/m's Kenneth McKinnon (Chairman) and David Carlin (Treasurer) called at his home where S/m David presented him with a certificate from the branch on achieving a spritely 100 years of undetected crime. He was also presented with a bag of RNA goodies with an invitation to meet the members of the branch on our next meeting.

Garden of Remembrance

The Glasgow Garden of Remembrance was opened in George Square on the 31st by the Lord Provost Eva Bolander. The service was conducted by Reverend Dr Karen K Campbell. Wreaths were laid by the chairman S/m Kenn McKinnon and Captain Chris Smith on behalf of the RNA and RN.

Trafalgar Dinner

TS Queen Elizabeth cadet unit held their first Trafalgar Dinner on the 20th October. S/m George Troup BEM and S/m Rena O'Neil invited members of the branch to join them on this occasion. The night went well with an excellent menu and an HMS Victory cake. Our secretary did a reading to the immortal memory of Nelson and our chairman gave the loyal toast. Well done.

Crossed the Bar

Today at Clydebank Crematorium we said a sad farewell to our Hon Life Vice President Frank Halliday. 18 June 1930 - 5 October 2017 after a short illness. Shipmate Frank was a tireless worker for ALL things naval , and chair of the Glasgow branch for 14 years, shortly after its inception in 1995. Frank will be greatly missed by all shipmates in the branch and by Clyde division "old Hands ", which he was instrumental in setting up.

Retirement

On the 7th September S/ms from our branch committee went to Arrochar to present two of our members, S/m's David and Jannet Cummins with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Pusser's rum on the occasion of their retirement from their duties as managers of the Arrochar Hotel. They have given the branch very good service over the years on our yearly visit to commemorate Nelson's victory at Trafalgar and even allowed us to perform a few SODS Operas.

BBQ

We held a BBQ at TS Queen Elizabeth cadet unit in Clydebank. As the photo above shows our esteemed secretary at the sacrificial altar preparing the goodies while fortifying himself with a few red wines (as he says it makes the food taste better). We held a raffle and the proceeds were donated to the cadets. All in all a very good night as indicated by the outcome of our chairman and secretary.

AFD Civic Reception

On Saturday 24th 16 of our members were invited to attend an AFD civic reception in Glasgow City Chambers hosted by the Lord Provost Eva Bolander. During the reception the armed forces covenant was signed by the provost and military representatives. A good day catching up with comrades new and old and serving personnel.

AFD Standard Raising

S/m's Brian Mackenzie, Kenn McKinnon, Vic Combes and Eddy Pollar attended at George Square on the 19th for the raising of the Armed Forces Day Standard. The Lord provost gave a small speech and then we were invited into the City Chambers for some refreshments.