London Branch August 2011
Written by London Branch | Posted on 16th August 2011
Secretary's Report
Hello once again. The year slips by and August is upon us, turning Spring into a distant memory. Is it because we are older that time seems to be keeping a foot bearing down on the accelerator? Something is happening - it never used to be like this. But then, in the past, we knew that time was on our side. Now we are not quite so sure, are we? A good turn out for the July meeting, and a pleasant one. The Branch Committee, as a matter of routine, arrive an hour before the start of the Branch meeting, to have their own discussions, since it is very difficult to arrange times and venues elsewhere to fall in with personal commitments. One ongoing subject for discussion was (and not for the first time!) the annual Remembrance Service that takes place each year on board HMS Belfast Well, yes, November is a long way off - but putting it in a different context, it is only one meeting away! We have been troubled several times in the past, by people present at the Service purporting to be London Branch members and who extend this to attending the social afterwards. Allan Phillips and Bernie Coot attended a recent Sea Cadets (Parents and Supporters Association) meeting, to discuss the problem of security and to put forward a suggestion that some form of ticket be employed for admission, but they did not think it was necessary, and we must respect their decision. The London Branch Committee would, however, like tickets to be available for CPVA members and friends. Details about these will be given at the September meeting. We have had information from Wallis Randall giving the date for the forthcoming National Service for Seafarers, an event held annually in St. Paul's Cathedral. This year it will be on Wednesday, 12th October at the earlier time of 17.00 hrs. Those attending will be able to enter St. Paul's from 1600 hrs. Wallis has very kindly offered to apply for tickets for this year, and members wishing to attend should contact him without delay. Wallis's address and phone number are shown on the Branch Members list. An e-mail has been received from Len Mears, Secretary of the East Lancs. Branch, to thank all members of the London Branch for approving the offer of financial assistance towards the cost of urgent repairs to the East Lancs. War Memorial in Whitehead Memorial Gardens Bury. Enquiries are being sent out to local donors, who may also be in a position to help with financial support to bring the Memorial back to its former standard. The East Lancs. Branch does not have the resources available to cover the estimated cost. It is hoped that some good news from other enquiries may have been received by the time of our September meeting. ED.A trip on Medusa — ML 1387
