The London Branch of the former C.F.V.A.
Archive
LONDON BRANCH NEWSLETTER June 2009
Chairman’s Message:
Chairman’s Message:
With the joyful permission of my Committee I took a holiday covering the May Branch meeting.
In that fortnight I was surprised to realise how much I felt cut off from my shipmates.
This reminded me of our members who are unable to get to our meetings, largely through age/health or distance problems, and it reinforced my feelings of regret and sympathy for those who find it impossible /difficult to get to HMS BELFAST and enjoy the banter and comradeship at our meetings.
I show a list of those shipmates, with apologies if I have left names out, (bigger apologies if I have put names in), miss-spelling, and all the other faults that I’m good at committing.
On behalf of we fortunate ones I send greetings to them all, and their spouses, and thank them for their continuing interest and loyalty.
Andy Banger, Alan Benson, Jack Brown, Don Campbell, Nick Carter, Ted Childs, Bill Clarke,
John Crabb, Colin Dean, Douglas Elliott, Gerald Fenner, Ken Forrester, Ted Harper,
Eric Hemsey, Albert Hughes, Bill McAngus, Mac MacDonald, Ron Metcalf, Eric Miles,
Bob Montgomery, Tom Morgan, Dennis Reeve, Ken Speed, John Trehearne, Brenda Cox,
Mark Davis, Heather Hazael, George Phillips.
Once again, I plead with them to ask a friend or GtGrandchild to look up our web site (below) and see dozens of constantly updated pages (with photographs) of interest to Coastal Forces veterans. And, if they wish, they can join in with comments, stories, photos.
In that fortnight I was surprised to realise how much I felt cut off from my shipmates.
This reminded me of our members who are unable to get to our meetings, largely through age/health or distance problems, and it reinforced my feelings of regret and sympathy for those who find it impossible /difficult to get to HMS BELFAST and enjoy the banter and comradeship at our meetings.
I show a list of those shipmates, with apologies if I have left names out, (bigger apologies if I have put names in), miss-spelling, and all the other faults that I’m good at committing.
On behalf of we fortunate ones I send greetings to them all, and their spouses, and thank them for their continuing interest and loyalty.
Andy Banger, Alan Benson, Jack Brown, Don Campbell, Nick Carter, Ted Childs, Bill Clarke,
John Crabb, Colin Dean, Douglas Elliott, Gerald Fenner, Ken Forrester, Ted Harper,
Eric Hemsey, Albert Hughes, Bill McAngus, Mac MacDonald, Ron Metcalf, Eric Miles,
Bob Montgomery, Tom Morgan, Dennis Reeve, Ken Speed, John Trehearne, Brenda Cox,
Mark Davis, Heather Hazael, George Phillips.
Once again, I plead with them to ask a friend or GtGrandchild to look up our web site (below) and see dozens of constantly updated pages (with photographs) of interest to Coastal Forces veterans. And, if they wish, they can join in with comments, stories, photos.
<RN-COASTALFORCESVETERANS>COM>
Our Social Secretary is beavering away trying to keep us Social.
His latest effort was to arrange our very successful ‘Social’ on HMS BELFAST on 19th April.
As usual, the Sea Cadets Committee kindly provided a plentiful variety of ‘big eats’ and the bar was kept busy too. Some canned music was provided but we seemed to prefer to do the chat rather than the Cha-Cha. Perhaps it was the incoming tide.
Thanks Bill.
Branch members will receive Pam’s excellent Minutes of our meeting containing, inter alia, detail of our finances given by John, our Treasurer
But suffice to say that we do not show the full detail of our finances in the Newsletter which is forwarded to all surviving Branches
However I am happy to say that our financial situation remain very satisfactory.
Thanks, John for ensuring that we keep afloat. (Move over, Darling ?.)
On 23rd April several Branch members attended the bi-annual luncheon at Cooden, organised by Ralph Kirby of the ‘South Group’ (Not the CFVA Southern Branch.).
Besides us, those attending included the Mayor of Hastings and both the Chairman and the Director of the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust. So you can see it was an illustrious meeting.
Director Trevor Robotham informed me that, in addition to their professionally produced bi-annual Newsletter, the Trust’s updated web site is now up and running (and much improved it is too).. So now CF has two lively web sites).
Please see our link.
It was an enjoyable and interesting gathering and Ralph is to be congratulated in keeping the CF flag flying in his neck of the woods. I look forward to the next one in April next.
In response to our rapidly issued notice to all our members I was pleased to learn that several members have already applied for the “Heroes 2” grant from the Lottery Fund.
It is still a mystery to me that so little media notice has been given to the scheme. Perhaps I read the wrong paper.
Since our last Newsletter there have occurred two other important CF functions. First was the popular re-union at Bracklesham Bay, organised by Southern Branch and, more recently, was the plaque installation ceremony organised by the CF Heritage Trust at Ramsgate.
As Wallis attended both I will leave it to him to include information in his Report below
Our web site, under the control of Ted Else, continues to grow in content and interest. He reports that we are averaging 1,000 ‘hits’ a month.
In addition to our respected and successful service of answering enquiries from relatives and others of veterans, you will see within that Ted is running, monthly, extracts of John Parfoot’s manuscript entitled Gosport’s Navy.
In addition, following a response to an enquiry by a group of amateur divers, Ted invited them to give an account of their successful discovery and identification of the wreck of SGB 7. This was one of six Steam Gunboats built and put into service in 1942. SGB7 was sunk in an action off the French Coast.
The account of the divers’ find makes a very interesting story and is now on our web site. I am pleased to learn that a few of these divers have agreed to give us a talk on their interesting ‘hobby’ at our September Branch meeting. Somehow I don’t believe they will attract many recruits though.
We were pleased to receive Reports from two of our surviving Branches.
We have evidence that others, be they veterans or not, are interested in seeing these Reports and it is regretted that other Branches do not take advantage of this Internet opportunity to let the world know of their existence.
The Reports, from both the South London Branch and the East Lancashire Branch are included below.
I draw your attention to our latest issue of War-time Stories.
Before ‘printing’ these selected stories I attempt to contact the author for permission.
Usually I am unsuccessful but this time fortunately, (for him and us!) Peter Rendle is still alive, and he had not changed his address. It was a delight to exchange a few words with him, receive his blessing, and, of course, acquaint him with our web site address.
I do hope he can get a computer- literate friend to let him see our Internet efforts to ‘keep in touch’.
Ken Gadsdon
Vice Chairman’s Message:
I have just received notification from The Queenborough and District Naval Ensign Assoc. Their annual Parade and Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 13th September 2009, this relates to HMS Wildfire II and the Patrol Service.
Wildfire II was a minesweeping base during WW11 with many Coastal Forces ML Flotilla’s being based there. For more information on the Service and Parade - Contact Janet Flew (Secretary) by telephone. (The number will be given if contact is made to the web site).
The Annual National Service for Seafarers will be held in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on Wednesday 14th. October 2009 at five pm. Those wishing to attend should notify me through the web site. The London branch usually makes a donation to this service for the tickets, but we won't charge you.
I attended the unveiling of the plaque at Ramsgate and it was a very happy occasion. The RNA Ramsgate put on a very good show and afterwards there was a reception at the Royal Temple Yacht Club (where they also unveiled a brass Plaque).
On Saturday 13th June 2009 I shall endeavour to attend the unveiling of a plaque at HMS Beehive at Felixstowe. After that, there is a reception to be held at the Felixstowe Museum. (There were about 50 of us vets at Ramsgate).
Take care Wallis
EAST LANCASHIRE BRANCH REPORT:
Based on Minutes of the meeting held on 15th March 2009
Six members attended and five members sent their apologies.
Secretary Len Mears gave the exhortation
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved..
Secretary Len the read out appropriate parts of London Branch’s latest Newsletter.
An invitation to the Mayoral Dinner and Ball had been received but no member was available to attend.
It was agreed to send a letter of regret and enclosing a donation of £20 to the “Help the Heroes” fund.
Treasurer Len Mears then gave members present detail of Branch funds in hand. The financial situation was satisfactory.
Chairman Frank Hayworth reported that both he and Pat, and Alf Crompton, had attended the funeral of shipmate Eric Crowther .Frank joined the Sea Cadet Guard of Honour at the Service.
Date of Next Meeting 17th May
SOUTH LONDON BRANCH REPORT:
Thank you London, East Anglian and North Midland branches for your newsletters received recently. I have finally decided that it’s about time I pulled my finger out and responded with news from this branch.
Our AGM was held at our new venue, T.S. Trafalgar at Mitcham, South London on Sunday l9'° April 2009. Twenty five attended including associate members and widows. Our average is about 22, so we are still afloat. You won’t be surprised when I tell you that there is no change in the officers for the coming year, it’s a job for life. Here goes:-
The Chairman:
Good morning to one and all; I called the meeting to order at 11am, and called on the Rev. Grahame Berridge to give the opening prayers. We prayed for the future of the ‘Trafalgar’ and expressed our thanks for their continued warm welcome to the unit. We gave thought to all those that go down to the sea in ships. We gave thanks for the comradeship that existed in the branch. We remembered those of our number unable to be with us through ill health and those that have crossed the bar recently -
Director of Heritage Trust, David Harris. A few moments followed for quiet reflection.
The Chairman: Nice to see so many of you on this lovely morning. We have two guests Mrs Gretta Atrill and Mr Roger Hyslop - good to see you both !
SECRETARYS ANNUAL REPORT: This past year saw us move into this new building on the 11th May 2008, and I am sure you have found it a great deal more comfortable than the old ‘Benbow` and indeed the ‘Trafalgar° at Wimbledon.
Current ship’s company comprises 17 Coastal Forces members, 10 associate members and 12 honorary members. Total 39.
I have received newsletters from several branches on table should you wish to read. So after this meeting I intend to send out our own newsletter covering the highlights of our past year.
Wyn Adams and I attended our plot at the field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on the 11th November 2008.
Duke of Edinburgh went walkabout. Six of us also attended the C.F luncheon at Cooden Beach, Bexhill on Thursday 2nd October 2008. We appear quite prominently in the photo displayed in the July 2008 Heritage Trust newsletter. Another luncheon is scheduled for 23rd April this year On Saturday l' November 2008, T.S. Trafalgar requested the company of our members at the unveiling of a foundation plaque to commemorate the opening of the unit by Captain Fry RN. .
Following this meeting the President of the ‘Trafalga1’ is personally providing a buffet and liquid refreshment. Following that New Colours which we, our members, have purchased, to their requirements, will be presented to them in a ceremony. Thank you all for your support during the year.
That Mr Chairman concludes my annual report.
WELFARE OFFICERS ANNUAL REPORT: S/M Ron reminded the meeting of the members we have lost during the year:-
Let perpetual light shine upon them
I continue to keep in touch with those members unable to attend and as you know the minutes of our meetings are circulated to all members, so as to keep them in touch.
SOCIAL SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT:
Mrs June Baker thanked everyone for their support during the year, particularly donating prizes for our raffles, there generating income. Also the great support received for our Social in October 2008 - what a rave up!
Matters unrelated to the AGM:
We are also pleased to receive news from East Lancashire via London branch.
Date of next General Meeting 4 Sunday 7th June 2009 at 10.30am
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
S/M Reg Ellis informed the members of future plaques to be unveiled.
Ramsgate Yacht Club - Saturday 30th May 2009 at 12.30pm. Weekend Friday - Sunday stay has been arranged. Tentative date for Felixstowe is 13th June 2009.
There being no other business, the Rev. Grahame Berridge rendered the closing prayers.
THE Chairman: Thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 12.05hrs.
A well presented buffet was provided after which the ceremony of presenting the New Colours was carried out in a superb manner, much to the interest and enjoyment of our members present. A letter of appreciation has been sent to the President Mr Keith Martyr.
Ron Harrison
Secretary.
His latest effort was to arrange our very successful ‘Social’ on HMS BELFAST on 19th April.
As usual, the Sea Cadets Committee kindly provided a plentiful variety of ‘big eats’ and the bar was kept busy too. Some canned music was provided but we seemed to prefer to do the chat rather than the Cha-Cha. Perhaps it was the incoming tide.
Thanks Bill.
Branch members will receive Pam’s excellent Minutes of our meeting containing, inter alia, detail of our finances given by John, our Treasurer
But suffice to say that we do not show the full detail of our finances in the Newsletter which is forwarded to all surviving Branches
However I am happy to say that our financial situation remain very satisfactory.
Thanks, John for ensuring that we keep afloat. (Move over, Darling ?.)
On 23rd April several Branch members attended the bi-annual luncheon at Cooden, organised by Ralph Kirby of the ‘South Group’ (Not the CFVA Southern Branch.).
Besides us, those attending included the Mayor of Hastings and both the Chairman and the Director of the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust. So you can see it was an illustrious meeting.
Director Trevor Robotham informed me that, in addition to their professionally produced bi-annual Newsletter, the Trust’s updated web site is now up and running (and much improved it is too).. So now CF has two lively web sites).
Please see our link.
It was an enjoyable and interesting gathering and Ralph is to be congratulated in keeping the CF flag flying in his neck of the woods. I look forward to the next one in April next.
In response to our rapidly issued notice to all our members I was pleased to learn that several members have already applied for the “Heroes 2” grant from the Lottery Fund.
It is still a mystery to me that so little media notice has been given to the scheme. Perhaps I read the wrong paper.
Since our last Newsletter there have occurred two other important CF functions. First was the popular re-union at Bracklesham Bay, organised by Southern Branch and, more recently, was the plaque installation ceremony organised by the CF Heritage Trust at Ramsgate.
As Wallis attended both I will leave it to him to include information in his Report below
Our web site, under the control of Ted Else, continues to grow in content and interest. He reports that we are averaging 1,000 ‘hits’ a month.
In addition to our respected and successful service of answering enquiries from relatives and others of veterans, you will see within that Ted is running, monthly, extracts of John Parfoot’s manuscript entitled Gosport’s Navy.
In addition, following a response to an enquiry by a group of amateur divers, Ted invited them to give an account of their successful discovery and identification of the wreck of SGB 7. This was one of six Steam Gunboats built and put into service in 1942. SGB7 was sunk in an action off the French Coast.
The account of the divers’ find makes a very interesting story and is now on our web site. I am pleased to learn that a few of these divers have agreed to give us a talk on their interesting ‘hobby’ at our September Branch meeting. Somehow I don’t believe they will attract many recruits though.
We were pleased to receive Reports from two of our surviving Branches.
We have evidence that others, be they veterans or not, are interested in seeing these Reports and it is regretted that other Branches do not take advantage of this Internet opportunity to let the world know of their existence.
The Reports, from both the South London Branch and the East Lancashire Branch are included below.
I draw your attention to our latest issue of War-time Stories.
Before ‘printing’ these selected stories I attempt to contact the author for permission.
Usually I am unsuccessful but this time fortunately, (for him and us!) Peter Rendle is still alive, and he had not changed his address. It was a delight to exchange a few words with him, receive his blessing, and, of course, acquaint him with our web site address.
I do hope he can get a computer- literate friend to let him see our Internet efforts to ‘keep in touch’.
Ken Gadsdon
Vice Chairman’s Message:
I have just received notification from The Queenborough and District Naval Ensign Assoc. Their annual Parade and Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 13th September 2009, this relates to HMS Wildfire II and the Patrol Service.
Wildfire II was a minesweeping base during WW11 with many Coastal Forces ML Flotilla’s being based there. For more information on the Service and Parade - Contact Janet Flew (Secretary) by telephone. (The number will be given if contact is made to the web site).
The Annual National Service for Seafarers will be held in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on Wednesday 14th. October 2009 at five pm. Those wishing to attend should notify me through the web site. The London branch usually makes a donation to this service for the tickets, but we won't charge you.
I attended the unveiling of the plaque at Ramsgate and it was a very happy occasion. The RNA Ramsgate put on a very good show and afterwards there was a reception at the Royal Temple Yacht Club (where they also unveiled a brass Plaque).
On Saturday 13th June 2009 I shall endeavour to attend the unveiling of a plaque at HMS Beehive at Felixstowe. After that, there is a reception to be held at the Felixstowe Museum. (There were about 50 of us vets at Ramsgate).
Take care Wallis
EAST LANCASHIRE BRANCH REPORT:
Based on Minutes of the meeting held on 15th March 2009
Six members attended and five members sent their apologies.
Secretary Len Mears gave the exhortation
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved..
Secretary Len the read out appropriate parts of London Branch’s latest Newsletter.
An invitation to the Mayoral Dinner and Ball had been received but no member was available to attend.
It was agreed to send a letter of regret and enclosing a donation of £20 to the “Help the Heroes” fund.
Treasurer Len Mears then gave members present detail of Branch funds in hand. The financial situation was satisfactory.
Chairman Frank Hayworth reported that both he and Pat, and Alf Crompton, had attended the funeral of shipmate Eric Crowther .Frank joined the Sea Cadet Guard of Honour at the Service.
Date of Next Meeting 17th May
SOUTH LONDON BRANCH REPORT:
Thank you London, East Anglian and North Midland branches for your newsletters received recently. I have finally decided that it’s about time I pulled my finger out and responded with news from this branch.
Our AGM was held at our new venue, T.S. Trafalgar at Mitcham, South London on Sunday l9'° April 2009. Twenty five attended including associate members and widows. Our average is about 22, so we are still afloat. You won’t be surprised when I tell you that there is no change in the officers for the coming year, it’s a job for life. Here goes:-
The Chairman:
Good morning to one and all; I called the meeting to order at 11am, and called on the Rev. Grahame Berridge to give the opening prayers. We prayed for the future of the ‘Trafalgar’ and expressed our thanks for their continued warm welcome to the unit. We gave thought to all those that go down to the sea in ships. We gave thanks for the comradeship that existed in the branch. We remembered those of our number unable to be with us through ill health and those that have crossed the bar recently -
Director of Heritage Trust, David Harris. A few moments followed for quiet reflection.
The Chairman: Nice to see so many of you on this lovely morning. We have two guests Mrs Gretta Atrill and Mr Roger Hyslop - good to see you both !
SECRETARYS ANNUAL REPORT: This past year saw us move into this new building on the 11th May 2008, and I am sure you have found it a great deal more comfortable than the old ‘Benbow` and indeed the ‘Trafalgar° at Wimbledon.
Current ship’s company comprises 17 Coastal Forces members, 10 associate members and 12 honorary members. Total 39.
I have received newsletters from several branches on table should you wish to read. So after this meeting I intend to send out our own newsletter covering the highlights of our past year.
Wyn Adams and I attended our plot at the field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on the 11th November 2008.
Duke of Edinburgh went walkabout. Six of us also attended the C.F luncheon at Cooden Beach, Bexhill on Thursday 2nd October 2008. We appear quite prominently in the photo displayed in the July 2008 Heritage Trust newsletter. Another luncheon is scheduled for 23rd April this year On Saturday l' November 2008, T.S. Trafalgar requested the company of our members at the unveiling of a foundation plaque to commemorate the opening of the unit by Captain Fry RN. .
Following this meeting the President of the ‘Trafalga1’ is personally providing a buffet and liquid refreshment. Following that New Colours which we, our members, have purchased, to their requirements, will be presented to them in a ceremony. Thank you all for your support during the year.
That Mr Chairman concludes my annual report.
WELFARE OFFICERS ANNUAL REPORT: S/M Ron reminded the meeting of the members we have lost during the year:-
Let perpetual light shine upon them
I continue to keep in touch with those members unable to attend and as you know the minutes of our meetings are circulated to all members, so as to keep them in touch.
SOCIAL SECRETARY’S ANNUAL REPORT:
Mrs June Baker thanked everyone for their support during the year, particularly donating prizes for our raffles, there generating income. Also the great support received for our Social in October 2008 - what a rave up!
Matters unrelated to the AGM:
We are also pleased to receive news from East Lancashire via London branch.
Date of next General Meeting 4 Sunday 7th June 2009 at 10.30am
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
S/M Reg Ellis informed the members of future plaques to be unveiled.
Ramsgate Yacht Club - Saturday 30th May 2009 at 12.30pm. Weekend Friday - Sunday stay has been arranged. Tentative date for Felixstowe is 13th June 2009.
There being no other business, the Rev. Grahame Berridge rendered the closing prayers.
THE Chairman: Thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 12.05hrs.
A well presented buffet was provided after which the ceremony of presenting the New Colours was carried out in a superb manner, much to the interest and enjoyment of our members present. A letter of appreciation has been sent to the President Mr Keith Martyr.
Ron Harrison
Secretary.
