The good 'folk' of the Royal Naval Association
THE RECENT Royal Naval Association Torrevieja Branch (RNATB) meeting was another resounding success, with the 59 shipmates (SMs) and four guests in attendance being entertained by four fabulous Torrevieja MusiKhome Ukrainian child singers - Andriy Golovnyuk Volosovych, Fedir Vasenko, Kateryna Panasenko and Yelyzaveta Bilokon, who were conducted by Andriy’s mother.
The outstanding performance was emotionally moving and included traditional Ukrainian folk songs along with modern tunes, and received a standing ovation.
The performance was organised by RNATB SM Polina Uchaieva, who also gave a heartfelt and emotional introduction on behalf of the Torrevieja MusiKhome head of school, Taras Khomyak. The performance was a way of thanking the RNATB SMs for the ongoing support they have provided.
The RNATB wishes them and their families a happy and successful integration into either their temporary or permanent life in the Torrevieja area, along with a swift and peaceful conclusion to the current conflict in Ukraine.
Following the musical soiree, the SMs awarded several certificates as acknowledgement of significant milestones within the branch membership system.
The instigation of a new award system includes SMs receiving an award certificate at a branch meeting on the anniversary of their 10th, 15th and 20th year of branch membership.
As the RNATB was first commissioned on October 2, 1990, there are a number of SMs who are reaching these milestones; some of whom are permanently based here as Spanish residents, and other SMs who may be considered as ‘wanderers’ and split their time between the UK and Spain.
In attendance to receive their awards were SM Joe Billet and SM Rose Lyon, who were both presented by the RNATB chairman, SM Tony Jenkins, with their silver award certificates for 15 years' membership of the branch. This was a very proud time for the recipients, and consequently SMs gave both of them an enthusiastic ovation which indicates their ethos and core values of unity, loyalty, patriotism and comradeship.
The theme of membership was continued when the SMs also gave a resounding round of applause to welcome aboard four new associate members: Dave Parle, Brenda Maw, Anna Verberge and Rita Poissonnier, who hail from the UK, Holland and Brussels.
The RNATB chairman presented them with their membership pack, which included a badge, membership card and RNA membership booklet, and is the point where they will now always be referred to as ‘shipmates’.
These events were all in addition to the usual, informative, exciting and entertaining branch meeting agenda of social events, SMs’ welfare and wellbeing, branch finances and, importantly, a toast by all SMs, which is supplied by the branch.
Although the toasts section of the meeting may vary with current special events or occasions, it always includes a toast to those SMs who have a birthday that month.
The other intrinsic and excitedly anticipated finale to the branch meeting is the spectacular draw for the raffle prizes, which is amiably conducted by the raffle coordinator, SM Nicola Louden, and enthusiastically supported by the raffle assistant, SM Karen Davin.
The raffle consistently has over 20 prizes, which ensures that the SMs always sail away from the meeting in high spirits.
The Royal Naval Association (RNA) has free membership and is a UK registered charity 266982.
Although primarily founded for serving and retired Royal Naval personnel with the motto ‘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 verity of social events. Why not join us?
Contact the chairman Tony Jenkins at Chairman.RNATB@mail.com, by telephone on 693 866 709 or WhatsApp at 0044 757 611 72 22.
Alternatively just come along and meet us on the first Wednesday of each month at 17.00, at Lakeview Bar & Restaurant, Calle Toledo 16, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales.