 |
THE
ROYAL NAVAL
ASSOCIATION
Patron:
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
No.4
(South West) Area
Chairman
John Stewart....President
Howard Jefferies......Secretary
Mick Arnold.
|
INCORPORATED BY
ROYAL CHARTER FULL RECOGNITION REGISTERED
CHARITY |
BRIDPORT
BRANCH
Secretary
Shipmate Carole Nelson
The Reverend Canon Sydney Willcox The Reverend Canon Sydney Willcox, Branch Chaplain to the Bridport Branch of the Royal Naval Association crossed the bar on Friday 18th March 2011. Syd (as he was known) was born in Liverpool on Boxing Day 1936 and was very much a family man, he and Jenny were married in
Beaumaris, Anglesey. He gained a BA at the University of Wales in 1958 and began his clerical career in 1960. He held various appointments ranging from Deacon, Curate, Rector and Team Rector to Rural Dean and the Reverend Canon in such diverse locations as Pwllheli, Marlborough, Cockermouth, Derwent, Carlisle and Chalke Valley Sarum, he also joined the Royal Army Chaplain’s Department where he served as a Padre with the Territorial Army from 1978 to 2001. Syd retired to Bridport in 2002 where he became part of the local ministerial scene. In 2005 he took on the role of Chaplain to the Bridport Branch of the Royal Naval Association and was made an Honorary Shipmate that same year, this led to his appointment as the No.4 Area Chaplain in 2008. Syd played a major role in Branch activities and even though he was not from a naval background he always “did his homework” and tailored his sermons, prayers and readings to the Royal Naval Association, the Royal Navy and the sea. He will be missed greatly. A Service of Celebration of his Life will be held at St Marys Church, South St, Bridport, DT6 3PE. at 15.30 on Monday 28 March 2011. There is a Car Park directly across the road from the Church (and a good Pub). Standards are not required therefore medals will not be necessary. No flowers but a collection will be held in aid of the RNA, Prostate Cancer or Christian Aid. Donations can be sent to A J Wakely & Sons, Funeral Directors, 91 East St, Bridport, DT6 3LB. Trafalgar Dinner and Memorial Service The Branch Trafalgar dinner 22/10/2010 (nearest Friday to the 21st) and our memorial service on Sunday 23rd. Was attended by
several members of Portland branch, as we also have a strong association with Bridport & Lyme Regis RAFA for our dinner dances there were many members with us on this occasion.
A Tribute to Father William Hill
his passing. For him to die so peacefully whilst dozing in his armchair after his lunch was a real blessing for dear Bill, and a blessing he so richly deserved. Following the departure of Father Roger from the town, the Bridport Branch of the Royal Naval Association was temporarily without a Chaplain. Being from an RAF. background, Father Bill was totally surprised and thrilled to be approached to become Father Roger's replacement. We reassured him that as ex Royal Naval Sailors, we would all be only too ready to swallow our pride and welcome him on board, even if he was from a much more junior service ! ! After all he did have at least one major redeeming feature, - he had a passion for everything concerning Nelson and Trafalgar. Fortunately for us all, Bill accepted the post, and became a very active member of the Branch. His talents were not just appreciated when one of our members "Crossed the Bar". as his sense of wit and his fun soon fitted well into our own special brand of humour, and Bill became a very welcome "Shipmate". such that I wouldn't even dare to try to give any examples here. As the Branch Welfare Officer I found his sincere and quiet support on those occasions of difficulty for fellow shipmates, to always be selfless and understanding, and personally I would like to give my thanks for Bill's life, and for Bill's help. It goes without saying, that all the - "H-A-M's" - as Bill so irreverently, and so affectionately referred to us - will trust that dear Bill will now find a safe anchorage in totally untroubled waters. So on behalf of the Bridport Branch of the Royal Naval Association may I pay tribute to Father Bill for being such a true "Shipmate" in every sense of the word. Bill was a wonderful man, and someone that even cynical old sailors could love and respect, and we will all gladly raise a glass of Nelson's blood to the memory of such a very worthy "Shipmate." God Bless you Bill, R.I.P. HMS Bulwark Ship Visit
Carole has informed us that Our Secretary at the Bridport Branch, Brian Downing, has found it necessary to stand down from his position after about 6/7 years, and I was selected to be his replacement at our AGM in February 2007. Brian is a very hard act to follow, but I will do my best to maintain the high standard that he has set. The only uniformed organisation I ever belonged to was the Brownies, but I was brought up (from birth) within Scouting and have tried to “do my best” wherever life has taken me. I have been married to an ex-matelot for more years than I care to remember and have a daughter who has just returned from a year travelling the world on her own. We also have two sons serving in the RN at present: one is a Lt Cdr aboard the new HMS Bulwark, the other is a PO having just left HMS Walney and is waiting to take up a draft at HMS Collingwood as a trainer. So you see I have some connections with the service and they will put me right if I stray from the correct path. you can contact Carole at cnelson.bridportrna@sky.com |
|||||||||
