Meet the team

Meet the team behind Project Semaphore

Julie Royston

Originally from the Isle of Man, but now living in Devon, Julie joined the Royal Navy at HMS Raleigh as a Writer in 1989.   Promoted to Leading Wren Writer,  Julie was then drafted into the role of Personal Assistant to Commander Royal Naval Supply School.  Having served at RNAS Culdrose, HMS DRAKE (UPO), SM2 (Registry Office), HMS Rooke (PA to Chief of Staff) and Flag Officer Sea Training (Recorder to the Court) Julie left the WRNS in 1997 and took up a career with the BBC.

An entrepreneur by nature Julie has held mainly marketing and business development roles since leaving the Royal Navy and is currently running her own business.  As a person who 'gets things done' she is looking forward to being Deputy Project Manager for Project Semaphore to support veterans who are digitally isolated, as well as meeting up with volunteers and other shipmates (any excuse for tea and cake).

Julie's hobbies include running, baking, steam trains, walking on dartmoor and visiting the Isle of Man - but not necessarily in that order.

Alan Magrath

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and despite no previous family military involvement, Alan joined the Royal Navy in 1965 at HMS Ganges. Initially a Junior Assistant Stores Accountant Alan worked his way up the promotion ladder and became a Warrant Officer in 1986. Sea time was accumulated along the way on board HMS Argonaut (Leander Class), HMS Tiger (Converted Cruiser), HMS London (County Class Destroyer) and the Aircraft Carrier HMS Invincible. Opportunity came calling in 1995 when Alan was promoted to Sub Lieutenant. He became the Supply Officer (Stores) in HMS Sultan quickly followed by further promotion to Lieutenant and an appointment as Executive Officer of HMS Forest Moor near Harrogate in 1998. 
 
Further Officer service within FLEET HQ (latterly called Navy Command HQ) on Whale Island ensued as Alan worked as the Executive Assistant within the Personnel Organisation supporting two Commodores and three Captains over a period of 4 years. Several years working in the Navy Command Information Hub followed, initially as a Lieutenant and then as a Contractor, and saw Alan take a leading role in the adoption of a new computer system within Navy Command. After working in or for the Royal Navy for 48 years retirement beckoned in 2013.
 
Since retirement and a house move to Lancashire Alan has been juggling voluntary duties as Base Support Officer (North) for the Royal Naval Association with being Granddad to his 3 Grandchildren, helping out with school drop-off and pickup duties and regular child health emergencies!  
 
Alan’s main hobbies include listening to his Vinyl music (it never went out of fashion) and attending music concerts as well as sampling an ever expanding range of real ales!