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THE
ROYAL NAVAL
ASSOCIATION
Patron:
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
No.4
(South West) Area
Chairman
John Stewart....President
Howard Jefferies......Secretary
Mick Arnold.
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INCORPORATED BY
ROYAL CHARTER FULL RECOGNITION REGISTERED
CHARITY |
BUDE BRANCH
Secretary Shipmate Bob Gelder
Welcome to Bude Cornwall Branch, of the Royal Naval Association
Who bidst the might y ocean deep
We Will Remember Them
The Branch meets on the first Thursday of each month at the Bude Bude Branch Officers
Branch History History of Bude Royal Naval Association Despite a number of ex Matelot's and Royals meeting at various functions over the years an RN Association was discussed but never came to fruition, an excuse was that whilst in the “mob” not enough was mentioned and once you are experiencing the terminal routine it is then forced down your throat and having just spent a number of years waiting to “get out”….”who wants to be reminded of it all” One day in February1989 an advertisement was put in the Bude & Stratton Post by the RBL Club in Bude, stating - “ an invitation to all who had served under the White Ensign to attend a meeting at the Royal British Legion Club”. Approximately five people turned up, but most had names of others who were unable to attend on that evening, and a bottle of “Pussers” was opened. A notice was therefore formally posted of an inaugural meeting to be held on the 2 nd of March 1989. Other meetings were arranged at regular intervals and a standing order of a bottle of “Pussers” from behind the bar placed, something that continued until the demise of the RBL Club in late 2004, although it is to be noted, that Bude R.N.A. is not a ‘Boozing Club'. Obviously, we like a companionable drink or two, but in the past we have heard that potential new Shipmates have been reluctant to come along, because they do not wish to enter a drinking competition, and fear that as an ex-service club that may be our main objective. What we want is the companionship and the enjoyment of like-minded people. All are welcome to come along and give it a try. Meetings are now held at Bude Rugby Football Club, on the first Thursday of the month at 19 30 .(Three bells in the second dog watch).
‘UNITY, LOYALTY, PATRIOTISM, COMRADESHIP' That is the motto of the R.N.A. Founder Members:- The minutes of the inaugural meeting show eight Shipmates attended, with a further four sending their apologies, thus giving us twelve, namely: Roy Manners – Brian Braund – Godfrey Harrison – Mick Luxton – John (Tanky) Williams – Andrew Etheridge – Michael (Chunky) Philp - J. (Fred) Philp – Bob Stewart – Peter Phillips – D. Goodson – E. Tape
An insight to the goings on of the RNA were gathered with a visit to the Delabole Branch and visits from members of No 4 Area Management, including the late Bert Channon who was at the time the area's ceremonial officer. Membership gradually grew as the “buzz” was doing the rounds of Bude and district; funds grew, and one year to the day of the commissioning, our Standard was dedicated at Bude Central Methodist Church, with a Parade through Bude to the “Headland Pavilion” where a buffet lunch and refreshments were provided for almost two hundred Shipmates, families and honoured guests. The Branch had elected S/M Tanky Williams to be our Standard Bearer, with S/Ms Peter Phillips and Andy Etheridge to the duties of Standard Escorts. The Branch has raised funds for all manner of charities and worthy causes. Local charities have primarily been the beneficiaries; there has always been a suitable response to national appeals. Our membership fluctuates, with our greatest number being currently at 54 Shipmates. We have a reasonable mix of Ex-RN, Ex-RM & Active Associate members, but there is always room for another at the monthly meetings at the Bude Rugby Club, situated at the bottom of King's Hill. Over the years Bude RNA has always been the largest platoon on Remembrance Sunday Parade and in recent years one of our Royal Marine members has been the Parade Commander.
We must always remember our associated members without whom this branch wouldn't be as strong as it is……. Bude Branch 21st Anniversary
photo shows President and seven of the founder members
Once Navy always Navy Ships on which Members Served
New updates and any news will be posted when available.
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