To All Shipmates,

Shipmates, as we come towards the end of the year Linda and I would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Yours aye,
Gareth

Gareth Peaston
Vice President and Chairman RNA Ferndown & District Branch.

To All Shipmates,

A message from the Chairman.

A vote on the Branch’s choice for the new Area 4 Deputy National Council Member will be held at the next Mess Night on 10th December 2024. Under the Association’s rules you have to be present in order to vote. If anyone has problems with transport please let me know.

Details of the nominations are given below.

Yours aye,
Gareth
Chairman


Elections for DNCM 4 Area – Requirement for an Election

Two nominations have been received for the post of Deputy National Council Member for Number 4 Area. An election is required to be held in accordance with the instructions contained in Royal Naval Association Byelaw 6. The nominations are for:

S/M Les Yeoman – Plymouth Branch

• Served 33 yrs in the RN Medical Branch of the Royal Navy from 1967-2000 attaining the rank of CPO. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for exemplary service. Involved in major conflicts and disaster relief, often in sole medical charge at sea. Hobbies, amongst many, included cricket and football, representing the RN at the highest level. Qualified as a Mountain leader, led many successful, service approved, major high-altitude expeditions all over the world requiring all aspects of the expedition to be delegated and organised by the team members involved.
• Served 10 yrs in the Medical Service of the RFA from 2000-2010 with the remit to assist in a new initiative in establishing a RFA medical service at sea comparable with the level of care afforded to the Royal Navy. Responsible for taking 3 major new-build RFA ships and establishing a medical organisation for action and administration onboard, which included all elements of medical care and H&S.
• Served as the RNA Mentor Coordinator for 7 yrs evolving the mentoring in HMS Raleigh which is now recognised as the Flagship of the RNA. Increased the number of active veteran mentors from 12 to 26 and invited to act as Advisor to the AMC & NEC. Successful in nominating the RNA mentoring initiative for the Plymouth Armed Forces Award; all of which was disrupted due to the covid pandemic.
• Progressive thinking has enabled him to become a valued member of the local RNA committee having volunteered to act as the Security Officer which required all members to become security cleared within a Nuclear Base. Along with his wife (now Hon Secretary), helped to re-establish the Plymouth branch and its membership following difficult times encountered in recent years.
• The management, leadership, communication and administration and organisational skills evolved over 43 yrs service has enabled Les to easily adapt and overcome all issues and to become an active member of the RNA at both local and national level. His loyalty, conscientiousness and attention to detail makes him a high valued asset who would serve the members of all branches within Area 4 as the Area 4 NCM representative.

S/M Peter Shoesmith – Portland Branch

• I joined the Royal Navy in 1965 as a Stoker and served until 1987 when I was discharged as a Chief Petty Officer. On leaving the Royal Navy I joined the Portland Branch of the RNA. I took over the position of Branch Treasurer immediately and am still in that post after 37 years. I also took on the role of Branch Delegate for Area Meetings.
• I have served as Deputy Chairman No 4 Area for Twenty Years and made many friends in the Area. I have informed the Area Chairman that I intend to hand over the reins of this position at the Area AGM in January 2025.
• I would still like to be involved in No 4 Area business and would sincerely like to be considered for the position of Deputy National Council Member. No 4 Area is very widespread and I think it would be sensible to have the NCM, namely Warwick Belfitt in the West of the Area, and his Deputy in the East of the Area.

A Ballot Paper will be circulated for completion by Members following a vote taken at a Branch Meeting at which ONLY Life, Full and Associate members holding a Certificate of Appreciation may vote. This completed Ballot Paper is to be returned to RNA Central Office, no later than 1600 on 13 December 2024.

A nil return IS required, which means that if the Branch does not vote on this matter, we must let them know.

All candidates have been endorsed by their home Branch.

Email returns to – ams@rnassoc.org

Shipmates,

Following the sad news that Shipmate Jean Arnold sadly ‘crossed the bar’ on 30th July, I have news of her funeral arrangements. It will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium at 1200 on Friday 6th September 2024.

Yours aye,
Gareth
Vice President and Chairman RNA Ferndown & District Branch

Our Ferndown and District RNA meet at the St Leonards and St Ives Club on the second Tuesday of each month.

There is a full programme of events at the Club, unrelated to RNA, that RNA
members are welcome to attend:

• Bingo – Every Thursday and Sunday – 7.30pm
• Slimming World – Every Monday – 6.00pm and 7.30pm
• Wise Guys – 26 July 2024 – 9pm
• Ray Foster – 30 August 2024 – 9pm
• Spencer Duo – 25 October 2024 – 9pm
• Ray Foster – 29 November 2024 – 9pm

Do come along and join in the fun.