THE Royal Naval Association, granted its Royal Charter in 1954, is the principal naval association recognised by the Admiralty Board and is a registered charity. Membership is open to all serving and ex-service members of the naval forces, including the R

THE Royal Naval Association, granted its Royal Charter in 1954, is the principal naval association recognised by the Admiralty Board and is a registered charity.

Membership is open to all serving and ex-service members of the naval forces, including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS, Reserves and all ranks and specialisations. In addition, anyone who is in sympathy with the objects of the Association may join as an Associate Member.

Today the RN Association has a membership exceeding 28,000 in over 400 branches, including some overseas. It is established to further the efficiency and well-being of the service, preserve its traditions and encourage recruiting; to foster comradeship and esprit de corps among those who have served or are serving in our naval forces; to provide facilities for bringing members together; to perpetuate the memory of those members of our naval forces who have died; in the service of their country; to provide relief from conditions of need, hardship or distress to persons who serve in or have served in our naval forces and all dependants of such persons; to advise and assist members in their search for employment; to advise members and their dependants on personal matters, such as pensions, compensation, health and social security benefits and other subjects affecting their welfare.

In the Huntingdon Branch, we are looking for past and present members of the Royal Navy, also the Commonwealth Navies as well as the Merchant Navy. As the population ages, the younger generation forgets that we exist and soon might go the way all old sailors go, and then we will be no more.

Wives and companions are more than welcome at our monthly meetings, and the opportunity exists for a social gathering after the meeting.

We are friendly and meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Montagu Club, Hartford Road, at 8pm. Social get-togethers feature regularly.

I urge readers to consider joining the local branch. Their input is more than welcome, and they might meet some old ship mates.

They should contact the branch secretary, Geof Twigden, or me on 01480 411461 for details.

PHILLIPA SMITH

Welfare Officer

RNA Huntingdon branch