editorrnca's blog

The following was submitted by Carl Beeson.
Reading my copy of this month's Current Archaeology, the following article was of interest;
'Minesweeper discovered in the Irish Sea'

From Carl (the Sec)

Shipmates, I recently received a query from an elderly shipmate member of ours aged 96, asking if he had paid his subs and if not how to go about paying them.  After some thought I did two things;

One,  knowing that he was a WW2 veteran I contacted the RNA HQ and having passed on his details I requested that they contact the Branch nearest to him to arrange a visit Covid permitting or when the lockdown is lifted and ..

Two, to arrange for the RNA Certificate Of Appreciation to be issued.  

 I'm attempting to get hold of a copy of the cartoon book "Jack by Tugg" which was published in 1983 but have failed miserably.  I've also got Ken Sutton searching as well (Comms Museum).  Not only would I like it for myself but also for our RNA Branch out here where, as you know, I'm the Branch Sec. and where such cartoons could be used in our monthly newsletter.

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give

Yours Aye

Spud (934)

I'm not sure if all the members of the RNCA are aware, but Bernie Brisoll has a part time job on HMS Belfast, alongside by Tower Bridge in London, demonstrating and teaching morse to paying visitors.

Don't believe me, checkout the link below to see a video produced by the Imperial War Museum showing Bernie at work.

HMS Belfast Wireless Office

Ahoy CONA Colleagues,

Hope you are staying safe.  PSA Bereavement Update No 3 from the RNA Deputy Welfare Adviser, which I commend to you.

Stay safe

Dear CONA Colleagues,

Please see below from the RNA General Secretary, Bill Oliphant concerning the RNA Helpline and a message concerning ‘Surviving Isolation’, which I personally thoroughly recommend.

Dear CONA Secretaries,

Following an audit of the online databases, comparing them to the published membership list, it has come to light that many email addresses are no longer valid. The following members are requested to email me at websiteman@rnca.info using the new address. Without valid addresses I cannot provide you with the magazine electronically, so please look and see if your name is on the list and update me. Thank you.

REQUIEM-REPRISE?

It’s over now, sheep bleat, birds sing,

No field guns roar, no bullets zing.

But growing from the Flanders mud,

A flower, its petals red as blood.

In Tynecot other flowers grow,

White markers and crosses, row on row.

But for the sailors bold and brave,

There are no crosses on a wave.

And those who fought and died on high,

There are no markers in the sky.

The League of Nations, they all swore,

Never again would there be war.

From war they would refrain, but then

Greetings Shipmates

Well after another computer glitch, coupled to the latest Data Protection requirements or something, I have decided to do away with the monthly, that’s a laugh, postings of notices sent to me and reunions listed, and sent to HM Ships Associations, RNA Branches and HQ. Also Royal British Legions where I do have an email address, along with other like minded people. Nearly 600 postings each ‘month’.