Sad to report the passing of Pete McKenna who crossed the bar on 24th August aged 81 in Thames side Hospital Manchester.
His funeral will take place @ 1330 Thursday 9th September in the CYPRUS CHAPEL at the Stockport Crematorium.
R.I.P.
Crossed the Bar – Ex CRS Geoffrey Henley – Membership No: 368
It was reported on 3rd August 2021 that sadly Geoffrey Henley had crossed the bar.
R.I.P.
Annual Reunion 2021 – Cancelled
Please find below a message from our Chair. The July 2021 Newsletter and the minutes of the last committee meeting are now on the website in the usual place(s).
Annual Reunion & AGM (AR2021)
Our anticipated AR2021that was planned to take place at Chester over the weekend of 17th – 19th September is cancelled. My sincere apologies for this cancellation and any impact it has on your plans to attend.
During the recent Committee meeting that was held on Wednesday 23rd June 2021, via Zoom, a majority voiced their concern for the safety of our members who were eagerly awaiting their booking forms. After carefully considering the rising infection rate of the Covid-19 Delta and Delta Plus variants, particularly in the North West region, coupled with the uncertainty that all social distancing measures will indeed be lifted in July, it was decided to cancel the event. Despite the national “Grab-a-jab” initiative and successful roll out of vaccinations targeting the entire adult population, the Committee remained unconvinced that it would be safe to proceed with AR2021.
Our AGM is going ahead as planned, but limited to a Zoom session. To enable members who wish to attend the AGM the opportunity to do so, details of the date, timings and access details will be sent out in August.
Stephen Kerslake
Chairman
Relevant Tribute to HRH Prince Philip
This very fitting photo and commentary was supplied by Jeff Dykes with approval by Les Taylor:
Taken in Portsmouth dockyard some years ago. The marine and the two sailors were a part of a small group of musicians playing for the Duke’s visit. The Prince approached the group in between pieces and said to Les “Hello Chief and haven’t we met before?” Les replied “Yes Sir, we met on my ship in which your number one son was my boss – the SCO! ” Small talk ensued and they were referring to the Britannia’s visit to New Zealand to Christchurch. HMS Jupiter, with H.R.H. The Prince of Wales on board was on a private deployment East of Suez which coincided with the Britannia’s visit and acted, with two RNZN Leander’s, as ESCORTS to the Royal Yacht. Whilst in Christchurch the Yacht was anchored a couple of cable from Jupiter, when Prince Philip visited his son and had a tour on the frigate, a detailed one with much small talk in the MCO with Les acting as his guide. Afterwards and now some time later back in Portsmouth, Les commented upon the ability Prince Philip had of remembering, in great detail all that was said and done and how much he had enjoyed the meeting of all concerned.
Message of Condolence
From our Chairman:
On behalf of the Royal Navy Communications Chiefs’ Association (RNCCA) we convey our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty the Queen and all members of the Royal Family. The recent solemn news of the passing of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has been received with great sadness among the entire membership of this association. As Royal Navy officers, Warrant Officers and Senior Ratings, both serving and veterans we feel an enormous sense of loss of our Lord High Admiral who shall forever be remembered. The HMS Kelly heritage linking Lord Louis Mountbatten to the Royal Navy Communications branch was staunchly supported by HRH and we are extremely proud and eternally grateful to the Duke of Edinburgh for all that he so successfully achieved on behalf of the Royal Navy, United Kingdom and Commonwealth.
Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family are in our thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time.
S C KERSLAKE
Lt Cdr RN Retd
Chair
RNCCA
Crossed the Bar – Ex CY Keith Ogier – Membership No: 1120
Sad to report 1120 CY Keith “Oggy” Ogier X the Bar 10th March 2021.
R.I.P.
Crossed the Bar – Ex WOCY David Turner – Membership No:580
Very sad to report the passing of Dave Turner early on Sunday 14th February in Belgium after a short battle with Cancer. As you will know Dave was an RNCCA stalwart having served a number of years as the Dining Secretary. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with Marie-Eve. More details when known will be posted in the members section.
R.I.P.
Crossed the Bar – Ex CCY Trevor Dann, Membership No. 395
Sad to report that Trevor has Crossed the bar
R.I.P.
Crossed the Bar – Ex FCCY Brian (Charlie) Madden – Non Member
Very sad to report that ‘Charlie’ Madden crossed the bar on 1st January 2021. Charlie was a very well respected member of the Communications branch and there are some very nice tributes to him on the RNCCA facebook page.
R.I.P.
Rob Fuller – Membership Number 921 – Very Many Congratulations!
Rob has most recently been promoted to Yeoman Gaoler (Second in Command) of the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London. This is a first for any Naval member of the Yeoman Warders to be selected for promotion to this level. Some of us have been privileged to enjoy the warm hospitability that Rob has extended to the RNCCA in the past including a personal tour of the Tower and Supper in the Mess. I am sure you will wish to join me in congratulating Rob on his wonderful achievement. BZ Rob.
Stephen Kerslake
Chair
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