N.C.M Dit

A Word from your National Council Member.

NCM REPORT TO AREA 11.

RNA STOCKTON 06 09 2008

Another Conferance has been and gone. This I think has been one of the best judging by the comments from Delegates and observers. It was good to see so many old friends and make the acquaintance of new ones.

You will all have read the July Circular and in particular Rear Admiral Philip Jones excellant address on today's Royal Navy and its links with the association well worth another read.

The National Presidents address on the Associationns Trustees at Branch, Area and National Council is a timely reminder of our duties and responsibilities,probably more so now than at any other time in the past.It is all to easy to criticise our committees,criticism is good so long as it is constructive.I know that in our Area and my time of attending meetings that we have a good relationship with each other,long may it continue.

The new Deputy General Secretary Frank Ward took up his appointment on the 1st August.After some induction into our procedures he will oversee the move to the new HQ Portsmouth.

Dates and venues of the RN Presentation Team are in the July Circular.
The Diary and Christmas Cards are a good buy at £4 for each they are very reasonable.

What do you think of the idea of a Pensioner Seaman's Hospital based at Hasler?. Do fill in the short questionnaire in the Circular and return it to HQ.

The WRENS ASSOCIATION held their reunion in York over the weekend of 22-24 August, this was a great success. The concert given by the Royal Marines Association Band was excellent, as the name implies the bandsmen all served in the corps band service. The Thanksgiving and Dedication Service was given by Bishop Noel Jones CB QHC and a former chaplin of the Fleet.
It was a privilege for me to represent the R.N.A. as one of the guests of honour.

For the very first time that I know of H,Q.have produceda circular in August' I hope all Branch Secretary's will bring to the attention of shipmates the problems that are prevalent in our HARARE BRANCH. The R.N.A. Welfare Officer S/M Rita Lock has for some time been in contact with the Branch offering help and encouragement to members.The sooner that a speedy conclusion can be found for the people of Zimbabwe the better.

Can I urge all Branch Secretary's to read item 1 in the circular to all members at their Branch meetings.
THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE ROYAL NAVY. This is an important step in the way forward for the R.N.As survival.

I am thinking about going to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster on the 6th November 08.
Any Branch or individual who would like me to place a cross on their behalf please contact me. The order form for these is in the circular.Shipmates will have to have them to have them sent to me .

Thank you Shipmates
Terry Halder
ncm.