Uckers Championship

Uckers champion S/m Eddy Pollar and S/m Brian MacKenzie runner up receiving their commemorative glasses from S/m Alec Thomas, Vice Chairman and organiser of the Uckers competitions

Rum Story Visit

On Saturday 18th May, 15 of us went to Whitehaven in Cumbria to visit the Rum Story. The tour is over four floors and takes you through the slave trade to the production of the rum on machines that are still operating for the past 200 years give or take a few. Afterwards we went round the town and down to the harbour and consumed a few wets before heading home. All in all a long but good day out.

Unforgotten Forces Conference

On Thursday 25th S/m Brian MacKenzie Scottish Area Chairman and Kenn McKinnon City of Glasgow Chairman were invited by the Unforgotten Forces to attended their conference held at the Stirling Court Hotel & Conference Centre, University of Stirling. On the agenda were presentations from SSAFA, Age Scotland, Age UK and Poppy Scotland to name a few. Speakers: Mark Bibbey: CEO Poppy Scotland James Martin: Star of Star of Still Game and Royal Navy veteran. Gary Gray head of welfare services Glen MacDonald: Unforgotten Forces Coordinator. Charlie Wallace: Scottish Veterans Commissioner. Graeme Dey: MSP Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.

HMS DEFENDER – RECEPTION AND CAPABILITY DEMONSTRATION

Commanding Officer, Commander Richard Hewitt Royal Navy, and Ship’s Company of HMS DEFENDER. The Clydebuilt, Glasgow Affiliated Destroyer invited the Scottish Area Chairman, Brian MacKenzie and guest and the City of Glasgow Chairman, Kenneth McKinnon and guest to join him for a Reception and Capability Demonstration on board, on the evening of Monday 25th March. This comprised a tour of the ship, followed by drinks and finger buffet together with an opportunity to meet and talk to members of the Ship’s Company. The evening culminated with Ceremonial Sunset at 9pm.

HMS Defender visit

Seven of our members were invited on board for a tour of the ship afterwards we adjourned to the warrant officers mess for a few wets. We had lunch on board and swung the lantern with the crew. S/m Kenn Presented the mess with a bottle of Pussers Rum and a City of Glasgow RNA Plaque. He also received a HMS Defender Plaque from the Warrant Officers mess.

K13 Commemoration

Copyright K McKinnon On the 26th S/m Brian MacKenzie (Standard Bearer) and Kenn McKinnon attended the commemoration service for the K13 Submarine lost with all hands in the Gareloch while undergoing trials in 1917. The service was held at the memorial in Elder Park, Govan. Rear Admiral Paul Halton OBE Commander Operations laid a wreath on behalf of the submarine service. Also in attendance were Commodore Ames Perks Deputy Rear Admiral Submarines and Commodore Bob Anstry Deputy FOSNI. The service was conducted by The Reverend Paul Jupp, honorary chaplain to the Submarine Association.

HMY Iolaire Memorial

On Sunday 6th 13 RNA members attended the memorial service in Glasgow's Cathedral to remember the loss of 205 service men returning home from the 1st World War the ship hit rocks as she was about to enter Stornaway harbour. S/m Bob Coburn carried the RNA National Standard with S/m's Brian and Bernie with their branch standards. S/m Brian MacKenzie gave a reading. In attendance were Cadets from Clydebank and East Kilbride and RNR members from HMS Dalriada.

NFA Xmas Luncheon

On the 10th eight of our members were invited to the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club for an Xmas Lunch hosted by the Not Forgotten Association. We were entertained with singing and a few games one of which was the twelve days of Christmas. S/m Anne Cox entertained us with her impression of Elvis Presley. In the raffle three of our members won prizes. Our chairman gave Rosie a cheque for £100 on behalf of our branch. A very good afternoon was had by all.

Children's Hospital Visit

On the 6th S/m's Kenn McKinnon, Brian MacKenzie, David Carlin and Robert MacKay visited the Children's Hospital Play Group to deliver some toys and books. S/m Kenn McKinnon presented them with a cheque for £400 for their funds. We were invited to have some tea and biscuits and a chat with some of the staff. S/m David even got to meet Santa.

Awareness day Morrisons

On the 3rd S/m's Brian MacKenzie, Alec Thomas and Kenn McKinnon held another awareness day at the Morrison's store in Auchenlee. We raised a goodly sum which will be use to help fund events and other charities. Thank you to the lads for their time and effort. The picture is of Brian and Alec although they should have been wearing ELVES HATS.