RNATB membership exceeds 100
THE ROYAL Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) annual general meeting was a resounding success in March, as it was revealed that membership (shipmates – S/Ms) had swelled by 40 over the last year, to 116.
Although many of the S/Ms spend time between UK and Spain, there were still an impressive 57 members in attendance to vote in the vice chairman S/M Dusty Miller, branch secretary S/M Steve Hemingfield and social secretary S/M Sally Miller for a two-year cycle, and maintain the committee strength of five.
The financial stability of the branch was duly reported, along with the tremendous growth in membership of civilians as well as ex-Royal Navy matelots and Wrens.
It was also reported that in addition to the committee, there had been an immensely successful growth of the support team, including welfare volunteers, to now over 14, all of whom are called ‘facilitators’ and help maintain the exciting, dynamic and caring support for all the S/Ms.
The RNATB enthusiastically reviewed their very accomplished year, particularly in regard to the increased attendance at the numerous and varied social events that they hosted during the last year.
The S/Ms also voted overwhelmingly in favour of continuing to use the Lakeview Bar and Restaurant in Ciudad Quesada (Rojales) as their monthly meeting venue.
Once the formal requirements of the AGM were conducted and the meeting was formally closed, the S/Ms were then able to hold their less formal and more boisterous branch meeting, where they continued to expand on their many social engagements, including the recent and successful Valentine’s lunch, the forthcoming murder mystery dinner, and excitedly looking forward to the cava reception and high tea event to celebrate the coronation of King’s Charles III, as well as their Trafalgar Night dinner in October.
A bouquet of flowers was presented on behalf of the branch S/Ms to the raffle coordinator Nicola Louden, in special recognition for achieving, with the support of her team, the significant increase on last year in raffle prizes and collections, which boosted the branch funds and donations to charity.
This was then followed by S/Ms ‘tucking into some scran’ of chilli, chicken curry, lasagne and quiche, along with all the trimmings, and all paid for from the branch funds.
After excitedly concluding with their traditional raffle, where over 20 prizes were won, they then sailed home to relax after an exhilarating afternoon.
The Royal Naval Association (RNA) has a free membership and is a UK registered charity, number 266982.
Although primarily founded for serving and retired Royal Naval personnel with the moto ‘Once Navy Always Navy’, it also welcomes all serving or retired military veterans and civilians alike.
The local overseas branch in Torrevieja area (RNATB) has a diverse mix of members, who are a friendly and engaging group of people who embrace their ethos of comradeship, loyalty, patriotism and unity, while enjoying a variety of social events.
Why not join us?
Contact chairman, Tony Jenkins at Chair man.RNATB@mail.com, by telephone on 693 866 709 or WhatsApp to 44 757 611 7222.
Alternatively, just come along and meet us on the first Wednesday of each month at 17.00 at Lakeview Bar and Restaurant, Calle Toledo 16, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales.