Once Navy Always Navy

The President's Pulpit

I owe all Shipmates an apology. I am deservedly in the rattle. This Pulpit is written in mid- February. I plead guilty to all charges. Of course there is some mitigation before sentence.
have had some terrible problems with my computer. They were sorted out yesterday with the help of a friend of a friend - a whiz kid PhD from Portsmouth University. I've been heavily engaged in other journalistic efforts, of which more later. The last fortnight has also been a hectic and near continuous round of RNA engagements. It started with the laying up of Farnham Branch's Standard in the beautiful St Andrew's Parish Church. A prominent part was taken by the senior Branch Member, a shipmate who had survived the loss of HMS BARHAM in 1941. I expect many have seen the film of this terrible event. It is frequently shown on such programmes as The World at War. 66 years later S/M George was able to join the march past and I had a tot with him and his son later.

The following day I flew to Cyprus to commission our new East Cyprus Branch. This event was also attended by the Commander British Forces, Cyprus and his wife, by several serving ratings, the Commander of the Cyprus Patrol Squadron, one of whose ships HMS DASHER was anchored close offshore for the ceremony and by the President, Chairman and a busload of shipmates from our existing very successful West Cyprus Branch. The day after my return to UK I drove to Clacton for the Branch annual dinner and then to Harwich for Area 5's AGM. The final two events in these 14 days in the life of a National President were the commissioning of Knowle Branch, near Birmingham in the welcoming surroundings of the RBL and the funeral, near Manchester, of the late S/M Fred Atkinson, the very popular and respected NCM for 10 Area. This moving occasion was very well attended with the National Standard paraded, NCMs from as far afield as Scotland, Kent and Wales and a fine address from the Area President Commander Harry Harley. I mention all this not to excuse myself for being adrift but because I think the number, variety, proximity in time and geographic dispersion of these events is a good illustration of the vigour and value of our Association.

Some Shipmates take a pessimistic view of our future. I believe The RNA is too valuable to give up on. This year could be a crucial one for our future. The National Council has embarked on a three pronged strategy: HQ relocation to Portsmouth subject to finding a suitable and affordable site, a Strategic Review of how best to assure a vital future and HO staffing. Very good progress is being made on relocation by a working group led by the DNP; the Strategic Review is moving and HO staffing is on the timetable for when the HO future site is determined.

I hope that all three can be addressed at our 2007 Conference in Torquay - a delightful venue which will I hope attract a record attendance.

Our keynote speaker will be RADM Richard Ibbotson who will by then have taken on the new responsibilities of both Sea and Shore Training. 2007 also promises to be a key year for the Royal Navy. You will have seen worrying media reports suggesting that ships may have to be scrapped early if funding is not significantly increased.

I believe we should be active in support of the Navy we all believe in while avoiding, as we must, endorsing on behalf of The Association, any party political position. This is why I have written on the subject in our Circular and Newsletter, and in the press more widely and appeared on BBC radio. You can see what I said in this Year Book. I hope all Shipmates will support the position I have taken which I have been assured is entirely consonant with our Royal Charter and for which I have received the thanks of the serving Navy.