The Ferndown and District Branch is sad to report that our long serving Chairman, S/M Mick Arnold MBE, has been forced to stand down due to a medical condition, though he will continue as a Member.

S/M Mick joined our Branch at its Commissioning on 7th March, 1980, (41 years), joined the Committee in 1986, and in the same year became Branch Delegate to No. 4 Area. Shortly after he was elected to the No. 4 Area Committee, then served as Area Secretary from 1999 to 2019, (20 years). From 2000 until 2019 he served as Secretary/Treasurer of the No. 4 Area Reunion Committee, which for many years has been held in Bideford. For services to the RNA S/M Mick has been awarded as Life Vice President and Life Member of Area 4.

S/M Mick was elected Ferndown and District Branch Chairman on three occasions, 1994 to 1996, 2000 to 2002 and finally 2012 to 2021, totalling 13 years. During the latter period he arranged for three Members to be presented with their Legion d’Honneur in Nelson’s cabin on-board H.M.S. Victory, by former First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB, and a further Member received the Legion d’Honneur at our Branch Headquarters in 2019.

S/M Mick was a member of the ‘Algerines Association’ for many years. In addition, he was our Area 4 point of contact with the ‘Not Forgotten Association’ for over 20 years. S/M Mick was also the County Chairman and Vice President of the Royal British Legion and awarded the Royal British Legion Gold Badge. For Services to the Community of Ferndown he was awarded the MBE in the 2004 New Year’s Honours list.

This year S/M Bob Stanyard has succeeded S/M Arnold MBE as Branch Chairman.

From the new Chairman: “What shoes to fill.

A pillar of society, S/M Mick was a Councillor, and twice the Mayor of Ferndown, along with other social positions of merit within the Dorset Masonic Order.

S/M Mick Arnold has been a huge credit to our Branch and I am so pleased that he and his lovely wife Jean will still be members. I was going to say “Job Done” but no doubt his knowledge and experience will be called upon.

Well done Chairman and thank you Shipmate, thank you for your excellent service.”