LIST OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL Page/s Content
Transcription
LIST OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL Page/s Content
Derbyshire Deeps Newsletter Issue Number 181 November 2014 Freedom of the City of Derby to RN Submarine Service Granted 28 April 2002 EDITORIAL LIST OF CONTENTS Page/s Content 1 CONTENT & EDITORIAL 2 DERBYSHIRE POLICE ALERTS 3/4 HARRY MYCROFT R.I.P. Burma Star Association Harry was a WWII RN Torpedo Vet, and very much to the front with the organisation of the various Remembrance Services in Derby. His funeral saw a full Chapel with Nine Service Standards, showing the measure of the respect for him. I was working with Harry helping and only spoke to him on the Friday as he died on Sunday. It does not surprise me that ‘everything’ was organised for both the Chaddesden Children’s Service and 11/11 Soldiers corner. We will drink a ‘Pussers’ Toast, compliments of DS at the 11/11 Coffee Morning he so much encouraged. Harry asked me to do it as part of the Remembrance programme and it has got better over the three years we have undertaken this task. UN PC PAGE HUMOUR (Strictly for Adults & Matelots) 5 JEFF BACON © CARTOONS/Bits & Bobs Derby Remembrance Services 2014 6 SA & OTHER SUBMARINER NEWS 7 DS LOCAL NEWS AND MISC NEWS 8 WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS 1 9 DS TRAFALGAR DINNER REPORT 10 DS TRAF DINNER PART TWO 11 SA News, RESO Reunion & Misc News 12 RNSM News & Dartford Tunnel New Tolls 13 DERBY&DISTRICT CONSTITUTION 14 WORLD SHIPPING NEWS 15 REMEMBRANCE SUN PARKING DERBY 16 A CANADIANS VIEWS ON SUBMARINES 17 CHRIMBO LUNCH ORDER & LUNCH CLUB 18 SAIL WELFARE NEWS/DS2015 Memb Form 19 FNA & SA REUNION 2015 BOOKING 20 DS DIARY 2014 & EDITORS COMMENTS A POSITIVE THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Its not hard to meet expenses; They're Everywhere TRAFALGAR DINNER. Well another DS Trafalgar Dinner has come and gone, and thank you everyone for the kind feedback on the organisation, and if it was indeed the best one yet as so many stated, I suggest I have a relief to make it better? It was an absolute pleasure to have Gill & Jamie Molyneux as well as Adm Sir Trevor Soar and Lady Anne, as well as representatives from Derby’s Submarine Ambush and indeed everyone who attended. The full report on the evening by the Master of Ceremonies is on page 9&10, but unfortunately our Social Correspondent has a computer problem, so I am afraid you will have to wait until next month to learn what really happened!! CHRISTMAS LUNCH. We need to confirm our booking for the balcony at the front at the Park, so please let me have your orders by 12 November so a decision can be made as to whether we can have the area voted for by members, as it is subject to a minimum number. (20 Booked to date) FNA REUNION Pg 19 & Sitrep Pg 20. Members will be advised as soon as I hear any decisions. DS POLO SHIRTS AND BADGED KIT. The template is now paid for with a local Derby Supplier. Every one who attended the Traf Dinner was impressed with the Logo. I have brought two individual Polo’s to show people the quality of badge and kit. The auditors have agreed that the initial order of a Polo Shirt will be reduced from £15.50 to a bargain £12.50 each. No restrictions on number ordered, and if you want your name under the badge, it will be a further £3 per order. Other items available at cost, and the DS has stood the £40 set up free of the badge itself. A order form will be issued, and only orders with full payment (inc email & Internet Direct Bank Transfer) will be accepted. BIRTHDAYS 2014 03 Nov 04 Nov 09 Nov 12 Nov Julia Holland Stan Smart Colin Watson Jenny Williamson 09 Dec Andy Law Terry Hall, Derbyshire Submariner Newsletter Editor Hon Secretary, Derbyshire Submariners 1 Ensure that your anti-virus software is up-to-date and performing regular scans; If you have not recently made an order with the company specified in the email do not open the attachment; Always check the legitimacy of the email. The NFIB suggests finding a telephone number for the company independently from the one suggested in the email as the phone number provided may be fake, or go straight to the suspect. For information around frauds and scams visit the dedicated Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire webpage at www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud. Legal Highs. Derbyshire detectives are issuing advice to help protect residents from falling victim to lottery and prize draw scams. The scam begins when fraudsters contact a victim through email or letter to inform them that they have won a large amount of money in an online or overseas lottery draw. However, this prize does not exist. The victim is asked to keep their winnings a secret and to contact the fraudster who claims to be an official at a lottery company. They then use this lottery scam to gain personal information, banking details and copies of official documents from the victim such as a passport, for proof of identity. This information can also be used to steal the victim’s identity and to empty their bank account. The fraudsters will then ask the victim to pay various fees such as legal costs, banking fees or taxes, so that the nonexistent winnings can be released. Each time a payment is made by the victim, the fraudster will give more reasons why the winnings cannot be paid out unless further payment is made. East Midlands Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit said: ‘Lottery or prize draw scams can see victims losing a large amount of money by paying out to the fraudster to claim their prize. ‘Thankfully there are simple steps which can be taken to protect yourself from becoming a victim to this fraud. ‘Official lotteries will not contact you to tell you of your win so please remember, if you haven’t entered a lottery or prize draw then you couldn’t have won it. Also, genuine lotteries encourage publicity so if they ask you to keep your big win a secret then it’s likely to be a fraud.’ Other advice includes: Never disclose bank details or pay fees in advance. If you believe that your details have been compromised, contact your bank or building society straight away; Be wary of email addresses such as @hotmail.com, @yahoo.com or telephone numbers beginning with 07 as these are free to get hold of; Be suspicious of bad spelling and grammar as this is often an indication that fraudsters are behind this. For information around frauds and scams visit the dedicated Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire webpage at www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud. Theft From A Garages in the local area continue to cause concern with there frequency. If you see property being sold at prices too good to be true e.g. Car Boot Sales etc report them to the police and if possible take a photo on your phone or camera of the goods! Trimmers, mowers and chain saws appear as targets of preference. 1300 Cases of Bank Fraud were reported in Derbyshire last year. Bank account fraud often takes place as a result of identity theft when cards or bank account information has been stolen from the victim. The fraudster will then use this information to access the victim’s bank account and pay for transactions using the stolen details. Fraudsters are finding new ways to target their victims and they are often unaware that they have fallen victim to this until they notice transactions showing up on their bank statement which they have not made themselves. We would like to encourage people to take steps to better protect their details from these criminals by following some simple yet effective crime prevention advice. Firstly, it is important to regularly check your statements carefully and notify your bank immediately if you see any unusual activity on your account. Secondly, don’t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at and always make sure that any documents containing your name, address or financial details are shredded before being discarded. Finally, get regular copies of your credit report and it you are expecting a bank or credit card statement which doesn’t arrive, contact the financial institution involved.’ Other crime prevention advice includes: Never reveal your full password, login details or account number if you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details. Most banks will not contact their customers in this way; Always select strong passwords and pins for online banking and never share your details with anyone; Editor Most banks will also recommend and allow you to download IBM Security Trusteer Rapport which is a very good add on to protect your personal details and thwart cyber attacks such as key loggers and warning you of unsafe passwords. Cyber Criminals. Derbyshire residents are being encouraged to further protect themselves from cyber criminals following reports of ‘fake payment’ phishing emails. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has recently received a number of reports about emails containing an attachment, which once opened, may infect the computer with a virus. The email contains information about a transaction which appears to have been sent by a legitimate company. However, the email address of this company has been ‘spoofed’ and has actually been sent by a fraudster. The email is sent to the victim with information regarding a fake transaction which has recently taken place and is often complete with an order number and payment details. The email will state that more detailed information about the purchase can be found in the attachment. Once opened, this is likely to download a virus onto the computer. The EM Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit said: ‘Scams such as this are designed to play on your curiosity in order to get you to open the email attachment and infect your computer with a virus. These emails appear highly convincing and many people fall victim to the scam as they want to find out more about the transaction. If you receive one of these emails, do not open or download the attachment, delete it straight away and report it to Action Fraud. Police are advising people to follow the below steps to help to protect themselves from falling victim to phishing email scams: Firstly, do not open attachments or click on links within emails unless you are sure that you know who has sent them; Mobile Phones. Local officers would like to ask residents and businesses to record the IMEI number from their phone in case it is ever lost or stolen. The unique number is used by a phone network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used for stopping a phone from accessing that network. For example, if a mobile phone is stolen, the owner can call their network provider and instruct them to ‘blacklist’ the phone using its IMEI number. This renders the phone useless on that network and sometimes other networks too, whether or not the phone's SIM is changed. The IMEI numbers can be found in several ways; sometimes the number may be on the back of the phone, it may be on the battery or in certain models the number will be recorded on the SIM tray. You can also find the IMEI number of the phone if it is still switched on by dialling *#06#. You can register this number through www.immobilise.com who will keep your details and can enable the police to trace the owner of any phone found. The Original Point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson. 2 DEFINITIONS. Adult: A person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle. Beauty Parlour: A place where women curl up and dye. Chickens: The only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead. Committee: A body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. Dust: Mud with the juice squeezed out. Egotist: Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation. Handkerchief: Cold Storage. Inflation: Cutting money in half without damaging the paper. Mosquito: An insect that makes you like flies better. Raisin: A grape with a sunburn. Secret: Something you tell to one person at a time. Skeleton: A bunch of bones with the person scraped off. Toothache: The pain that drives you to extraction. Tomorrow: One of the greatest labour saving devices of today. Yawn: An honest opinion openly expressed. Wrinkles: Something other people have, similar to my character lines!!!!!. THE UN PC PAGES The Queen was in Glasgow when she formally met Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister. EIIR: ‘How nice to see you Mr. Salmond.’ AS: ‘Nice to see you Your Majesty. Now, what are we going to call Scotland when we win Independence? EIIR: ‘Oh dear, one hasn't considered that yet!’ AS: ‘How about calling it a 'Kingdom' and then I will be King? EIIR: ‘Near! One doesn't think that is appropriate.’ AS: ‘How about 'Empire' then I can be an Emperor? EIIR: ‘Near! In one's dreams!’ AS: ‘All right! So how about calling it a 'Principality' and then I can be a Prince?’ EIIR: ‘Near, Mr. Salmond! I think we will let it remain a 'country' and you can carry on as you are.’ Time & Motion. For all of you who frequent restaurants and understand the need for the service to be faster, this short story is a timeless lesson on how Consultants can make a difference to an organisation. Last week, we took some friends out to a new restaurant and noticed that the waiter who took our order carried a spoon in his shirt pocket. It seemed a little strange. When another waiter brought our water, I noticed he also had a spoon in his shirt pocket. Then I looked around and saw that all the staff had spoons in their pockets. When the waiter came back to serve our soup I asked, 'Why the spoon?' 'Well', he explained, 'the restaurant's owners hired Andersen Consulting to revamp all our processes. After several months of analysis, they concluded that the spoon was the most frequently dropped utensil. It represents a drop frequency of approximately 3 spoons per table per hour. If our personnel are better prepared, we can reduce the number of trips back to the kitchen and save 15 man hours per shift.' As luck would have it, I dropped my spoon and he was able to replace it with his spare. 'I'll get another spoon next time! I go to the kitchen, instead of making an extra trip to get it right now.' I was impressed. I also noticed that there was a string hanging out of the waiter's fly. Looking around, I noticed that all the waiters had the same string hanging from their flies. So before he walked off, I asked the waiter, 'Excuse me, but can you tell me why you have that string right there?' 'Oh, certainly!' Then he lowered his voice. 'Not everyone is so observant. That consulting firm I mentioned also found out that we can save time in the toilet. By tying this string to the tip of you know what, we can pull it out without touching it and eliminate the need to wash our hands, shortening the time spent in the restroom by 76.39%. I asked 'After you get it out, how do you put it back?' 'Well,' he whispered, 'I don't know about the others, but I use the spoon.' Sometimes there are facts that no right minded people can dispute? Here are five of those facts; 1. A girl is said to be grown up when she starts wearing a bra. A boy is grown up when he starts removing it. 2. We all love to spend lots of money buying new clothes but we never realise that the best moments in life are enjoyed without clothes. 3. Having a cold drink on hot day with a few friends is nice, but having a hot friend on a cold night after a few drinks is far better! 4. Breaking News: Condoms don't guarantee safe sex anymore. A friend of mine was wearing one when he was shot dead by the woman's husband. 5. Arguing over a girl's bust size is like choosing between Coors, Fosters, Carlsberg & Budweiser. Men may state their preferences, but will grab whatever is available. A Woman went into a bar in Lymstone and saw a Royal Marine with his feet propped up on a table. He had the biggest boots she'd ever seen. She asked him if was true what they say about men with big feet? The bottie grinned and said, ‘It is, my beautiful lady. Why don't you come over to the barracks and let me prove it to you?’ The woman wanted to find out for herself, so she spent the night with him. The next morning she handed him a £50 note. Blushing, he said, well, thanks, ma'am. I'm real flattered. nobody ever paid me for my services before’ She told him. Don't be flattered, take the money and buy yourself boots that fit. A Golfer hits his ball into a yard next to the golf course. As he goes to get it a man in the yard says, ‘Don't you see the sign? It says, 'Private property - Stay Out!'‘ The golfer says, ‘I'm sorry, I did not see it. That is my ball there. May I have it, please?’ The man says, ‘It's in my yard, and so it's my ball now.’ The golfer looks at the man and says, ‘I understand.’ He then walks back to the golf cart, gets another golf ball, then walks back and throws it into the yard. The man says, ‘What is that for?’ The golfer replies, ‘I consider myself a gentleman, and I believe every prick should have two balls Somebody Asked Me recently ’Well what do you do when you are retired? I just replied ‘Not much’. Only ‘cos I didn’t know where to start! But to be fair, I do a lot of just what I want to do (and what the wife tells me to do) and in my own time. If I Have Told My Wife once, I have told her a dozen times. Once she has asked me to do a job she does not have to keep reminding me every six months. When You Are Dissatisfied and would like to go back to your Youth, think of Algebra. 3 Tuit for Derbyshire Members. Yes, a Free Gift to all Derbyshire Submariner Members. Just cut this Tuit out and it is yours forever. Thank you’s in writing from wives and sweethearts are not required, its all part of the service! An Important Lesson. There once was a happy little fly buzzing around a barn, when she came upon a large pile of fresh cow manure. Since it had been hours since her last meal and she was feeling hunger pangs, she flew down to the irresistible delicacy and began to banquet. She ate, and ate, and then, she ate some more! Finally, she decided she'd had plenty. She washed her face with her tiny front legs, belched a few times, then attempted to fly away. But alas, she had pigged out far too much and could not get off the ground. She looked around wondering what to do about this unpleasant situation when she spotted a pitchfork leaning upright against the barn wall. She'd found a solution! She realised that if she could just become airborne she'd be able to fly again. So, she painstakingly, climbed to the top of the handle. Once there, she took a deep breath, spread her tiny fly wings, and leaped confidently into the air. She dropped like a rock and splattered all over the floor; Dead fly. The Moral Of This Sad Story? Never fly off the handle when you know you're full of crap! Two Irish Sisters in a Derbyshire Nursing Home were turning one hundred years old. The editor of the local newspaper told a photographer to get over there and take pictures of the two 100 year old twins. One of the twins was hard of hearing and the other could hear quite well. Once the photographer arrived he asked the sisters to sit on the settee. The deaf sister said to her twin, ‘What did he say?’ Her sister said ‘He would like us to sit over there on the Settee together.’ The photographer then asked them ‘Now get a little closer together,’. Again her sister said, ‘What did he say?’ ‘He says to squeeze together closer’. So they wiggled up close to each other. ‘Just hold on for a bit longer, I've got to focus a little,’ said the photographer. Yet again, ‘What did he say?’ ‘He says he’s going to focus!’ With a big grin, the deaf twin shouted out, ‘Oh! Good! Is that both of us?’ Family Planning. A 25-year-old Aberdeen girl tells her mum that she has missed her period for 2 months. Very worried, the mother goes to the local pharmacy and buys a pregnancy test kit. The test confirms that her daughter is pregnant. Shouting and crying, the mother says, ‘Who was the selfish bastard that did this to you? I demand to know!’ The father coming in on the shouting and hearing the story threatens severe physical damage to the unsuspecting father. Without answering either of them, the girl picks up the phone and makes a call. Half an hour later, a Bentley stops in front of their house. A middle-aged and very distinguished man steps out of the car and enters the house. He sits in the lounge with the father and mother, and tells them, ‘Your daughter has informed me of the problem. I can't marry her because of my personal family situation, but I'll take charge. I will pay all costs and provide for your daughter for the rest of her life.’ He continues, ‘Additionally, if a girl is born I will bequeath two retail furniture stores, a deli, a château in France and a £1m bank account.’ He continues, ‘If a boy is born my legacy will be a chain of jewellery stores and a £25m bank account. However, if there is a miscarriage I'm not sure what to do. What would you suggest?’ All were silent at this point, until the father placed a hand firmly on the man's shoulder and told him, ‘You'll have to try again son’. The Submariner’s Family were considering putting their grandfather in a nursing home. All the ex Service Navy Homes were completely full, so they had to put him in a RAF Nursing home. After a few weeks in the home, they came to visit Grandpa. ‘How do you like it here?’ asked his submariner grandson. ‘It’s wonderful! Everyone here is so courteous and respectful,’ said grandpa. ‘We’re so happy for you. We were a little worried that this was the wrong place for you, since you are a little different from everyone else being a submariner.’ Oh, no! Let me tell you about how wonderfully they treat the residents, he said with a big smile. ‘There’s a musician here, he’s 85 years old. He hasn’t played an instrument in 20 years, and everyone still calls him Maestro! There is a judge in here, he’s 95 years old. He hasn’t been on the bench in 30 years and everyone still calls him Your Honour. There’s a doctor here, 90 years old. He hasn’t practiced for 25 years, and everyone still calls him Doctor! And Me, I haven’t had sex in 35 years, and they still call me The F**ing Submariner.’ SIX YEAR OLD JOY returns home from school and says that today she had her first family planning lesson at school. Her mother, very interested, asks: ‘Oh, How did it go?’ I nearly died of shame! she answers. Sam from down the street says the stork brings babies. Sally next door said you can buy babies at the orphanage. Pete in my class says you can buy babies at the hospital. Her mother answers laughingly, ‘But that’s no reason to be ashamed.’ No, but I can't tell them that we were so poor that you and daddy had to make me yourselves! A Ships Medical Officer walked into his sick Bay to find a man leaning against the wall. What's wrong with him?, he asked his Medical Assistant (MA). He came in for cough syrup, but I couldn't find any, so I gave him an entire box of laxatives. You fool said the Doc, you can't treat a cough with laxatives. Of course you can the MA replied, Look at him; he daren't cough now!! 4 JEFF BACON © CARTOONS REMEMBRANCE PROGRAMME DERBY 2014 Tues 4 Nov 10am RBL Ilkeston outside Service of Remembrance Park Cemetery, Park Rd jct Cantelupe Rd, Ilkeston, DE7 5DJ. In conjunction with Chaucer School where the children lay 66 Poppy crosses around the War Memorial. There are now 49 casualties of WWI and 22 of the WWII buried or commemorated at Ilkeston (Park) Cemetery. These totals include five servicemen commemorated by name on a Screen Wall in this cemetery but who are buried at Ilkeston (Stanton Road) Cemetery where their graves could no longer be maintained. Those whose graves in this cemetery are not marked by headstones are also named on the Screen Wall. As I said as introduction of a presentation to Jamie Molyneux at our Trafalgar Dinner; As he embarks on his future following in his Fathers footsteps in the RN, it is always of interest to learn our history and sometimes for all of us to look up what someone is saying? I Tuesday 4 November 11am RBL Ilkeston Service of Remembrance, All Saints Church, Ladywood Road, A6096, Kirk Hallam DE7 4NF. This is a short Service in Church followed by the pupils of Ladywood School/Daly Moor Junior laying 8 Poppy crosses in the Churchyard at War Graves. personally believe that three books cover this requirement, The Bible, An Oxford Dictionary, and Jackspeak. Certain officers may decree a full copy of BR’s, but we cannot help with that, so with utmost pleasure we present him with a copy of Jackspeak signed by the author, Capt Rick Jolly OBE, which we hope will remind him of his early runs ashore to Derby. Friday 07 November 10am. Friends of Chaddesden Park organised by Harry Mycroft and involves at least seven local schools. Ex Servicemen are invited to act as a Squad Ldr and mentor individual schools from the car park to march up past the Mayor and other dignitaries at the War Memorial and back again. There is an award for the smartest school as judged by the Mayor. The open air svc is followed by Tea and Biscuits in one of the adjacent Friends buildings. Standards are welcome as are Veterans to march in the Vets squad. Good support encourages children with the concept of Remembrance. DE21 6LN DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS Sunday 10 November 11am Most City, Town and Villages have their own services supported by our members. The City of Derby is supported by DS with a wreath being laid by Derbyshire Submariners. Individual details as issued by Councils who are the Civic leaders in this National Memorial Service. DE1 3AE This copy of ‘JACKSPEAK’ is verified as being signed by the author Surgeon Captain ‘Rick Jolly OBE RN (retd) and was donated as a Gift to; Tuesday 11 November 10am Derbyshire Submariners Annual Homage to two WWI Submariners. Meet at the main gate entrance Nottingham Road, DE21 6FP. Anyone requiring directions please contact me for an email map which contains brief information on the loss of the two submariners interned in the cemetery. We escort the Mayor of Derby in convoy down to the first grave; ERA John Brooks S/M C16 grave. thence onto the grave of Signalman Charles Buttle S/M C25 which is near Soldiers Corner. After the two short services we adjourn to Soldiers Corner a short walk away. JAMIE MOLYNEUX in recognition of his achievement of passing his AIB, and gaining entrance to Welbeck College. Presented by the Derbyshire Submariners at our Trafalgar Dinner In Derby on 17 October 2014 Monday 11 November 10:45am Derby City Council Assemble at the Commonwealth War Graves at Soldiers Corner. As a concession by DCC due to age and infirmity they will allow exit straight down from Soldiers corner onto Nottingham Rd opposite Reginald Rd Chaddesden, DE21 6ND. Please take care crossing this busy road whether walking or driving to the Jubilee Club. HMS AURIGA. As part of our Traf Celebrations I made a personal Birthday Card for our Chairman, and as Jeff (Godfrey) Dykes was John’s RS (PO Radio Supervisor) in the 1960’s. I asked Jeff for a photo of Auriga from that time. Jeff responded advising during her Singapore commission [I was in Auriga for both commissions] we had a gun sponson only in UK, and our passage out to join SM7, being fitted with the gun for the Indonesian War in Singapore dockyard. We came home with it at the end of the commission which caused a stir in Blockhouse where we were alongside for just one week before taking the boat round to Chatham to a final refit. After this refit she was UK based, and during an exercise off Gibraltar, she had a major battery fire after which she was scrapped. The photo with Auriga in ice was taken in the Cabot Strait during John's time in the boat, by a RCAF ASW Orion which was the equivalent to our ASW Shackleton Monday 11 November From 11:15am Derbyshire Submariners On completion of the Soldiers Corner you are invited to join the Mayor of Derby and socialise at the Jubilee Club, Morley Road, Chaddesden, Derby, DE21 6LJ. This is very much an informal gathering where tea or coffee and bar will be available. We will hold a raffle to cover expenses and we take this opportunity to thank the Committee and Jubilee Club Members for opening specially for this occasion at a lunchtime, and sharing their club with the ex Service Community. The event is open to all, and we feel a nice conclusion to the Remembrance Time in fitting company. Please note I have endeavoured to put in postcodes to the locations for Satnav users but as with all electronics please be aware of roughly where you are travelling too beforehand 5 UNVEILING OF BLUE PLAQUE to Lt Norman Holbrook Hopefully, you may all be aware that the unveiling of our 2 nd Blue Plaque dedicated to Lt. Norman Holbrook VC RN took place at Portsmouth Grammar School on Saturday 20th September. The official report read; Cdr Norman Holbrook was the first RN recipient of a Victoria Cross in the WWI for his exploits in command of B11 in the Dardanelles. On 13 December 1914 Holbrook, then a 26-year-old lieutenant, took the obsolete submarine into the narrow strait, which was heavily defended by minefields, gun batteries and regular patrols. At the end of this dangerous run Holbrook attacked the old 10,000-ton Turkish battleship Messudiyeh, causing the ship to sink in ten minutes. B11’s return journey was even more hazardous, having stirred up a hornet’s nest, Holbrook and his crew had to cope with the mines, the gunfire, treacherous currents and shallow water (the boat became grounded with her fin exposed at one point) before they reached the safety of the open sea. By the time she reached the Aegean the submarine had been submerged for nine hours, an exceptional feat in early submarine operations. The air on board was virtually unbreathable and the batteries almost exhausted. Although Holbrook’s actions were not the first to attract a Royal Naval VC nomination, that honour went to Capt Henry Ritchie for his service in November 1914 in Africa; it was the first to be gazetted. His First Lieutenant, Sidney Winn, was awarded a DSO and the remaining crew of 15 were given DSMs. SA & OTHER S/M RELATED NAVY NEWS I am putting the finishing touches to a book about HMS/M Saracen, scuttled on 14 August 1943 off Bastia, Corsica. The crew was taken from Bastia to Italy and the ratings were held in Campo Marina N.1. Manziana to the north of Rome until the Italian Armistice on 8 September. Stoker Metcalfe escaped and was not recaptured, but other that I can find no other information on him (except a short excerpt on a website selling medals in which he describes his experience at Bastia) other than the fact that he belonged to your association. Do you know of anyone I might contact to find out some more details? I have an email address for his granddaughter which I obtained from the daughter of another crew member but despite having sent two or three emails I have received no response. Perhaps he recounted the story of his time on the run in Italy to other members of the association. Yours sincerely, Janet Kinrade Dethick Researcher 2nd World War, Italy Cold War Pins. We have now been able to cost the Cold War Pins; after some negotiation with the manufacturer, and including postage and packaging, over which we have no control, the pins will be £4.00 each. As we are supporting the Submariners' Benevolent Fund, please dig deep gentlemen and let us have your orders as soon as possible. The pins should be with me sometime in the next 3/4 weeks. Davy George NI SA SA History. Update of ‘A Potted History’, The First 50 Years of the Submarine Old Comrades Assn and the SA’ previously published in 2005 is currently being considered. This new edition will incorporate updates to Branch Histories, and histories of new Branches formed since 2005 and correct a few omissions in the first edition. It is anticipated that a revised edition could be published to coincide with the 60th Anniversary in 2015. Branch Secretaries are requested to assist by providing information on their Branch, date of formation, founding members, Meeting places and times, Branch Officers since formation, current Officers, current members, significant Branch events & functions and anything else considered to be significant. All contributions to be forwarded to Barrie Downer Editor; At the Sept meeting I was tasked with actioning this request but have been given the proviso subject to time as this is fairly short notice for a large task of research especially given my memory. Anything you think relevant please advise me and I will try to collate an accurate response to Barrie if not on time soon after. Holbrook, who was born in Southsea in 1888 and attended Portsmouth Grammar School from 1900 to 1903, when he moved on to Dartmouth for Naval training. Headmaster James Priory said young Norman’s reports showed ‘some room for improvement’ but that he made his mark on the sports field, including a win in the 100-yard dash ‘in the face of a stiff breeze’ and came third in an obstacle race, an early indication of skills which stood him in good stead in the war, suggested Mr Priory. His time at the school has now been formally recognised by the unveiling of a blue plaque, part of an initiative by the Submariners Association over the next few years to remember 14 leading submariners. The plaque was unveiled by Mr Priory and the president of the Submariners Association, Admiral Sir James Perowne. Holbrook’s fame spread rapidly throughout the British Empire after his attack in the Dardanelles, and a small town in Australia decided to change its name from Germanton to Holbrook in his honour, a not uncommon action at a time of antiGerman feeling. The officer visited his namesake community several times before his death at the age of 87 in 1976, and his wife subsequently donated his medals to the town. The submariner also featured in such memorabilia as cigarette cards, and a framed set of cards, Wills’s Victoria Cross Heroes, including one of Holbrook, was presented to the school by the Association, along with an Assn plaque. First Submarine Lost In WWI Remembered By RAN Australians have paid tribute to the first submariners lost in the Great War as they search for the wreck of HMAS AE1. More than 1,500 people gathered in Simpson Harbour, Papua New Guinea, for a centennial service 100 years to the day that the boat was lost. Built in Barrow and crewed by 18 Australians, 16 Britons (all her officers, plus men who'd transferred from the RN to the RAN) and one New Zealander, AE1 was the first boat in the Royal Australian Navy, arriving in Sydney just a couple of months before the outbreak of war. In September 1914 she and her sister AE2 were sent as part of a force dispatched to drive German forces out of New Guinea. One day after the capture of the key port of Rabaul, AE1 headed out on patrol and was never seen again. ‘It is incredibly poignant for us to be able to commemorate Norman Holbrook in a year when the whole nation has been reflecting on the Great War and the heroism of so many in service of their country,’ said Mr Priory. ‘We were honoured to be asked by the SA to be the home to a plaque commemorating his daring exploit, and hope that for years to come pupils and passers-by will be able to remember his bravery and learn his story when they see the plaque.’ Several members of the Holbrook family were there to see the ceremony, the family has strong roots in the area, and sailors from HMS Sultan, serving submariners, members of the Portsmouth Grammar School Combined Cadet Force and veterans of the SA also gathered at the Upper Junior School site on Cambridge Jct. Plymouth Naval Base Heritage Open Day Plymouth Naval Base is opened its gates to visitors on Sun 26 Oct for the final chance this year to glimpse its rich maritime history with the theme of Remembering WWI. As well as historical exhibitions, in contrast, visitors can enjoyed free boat trips round the operational warships in HM Naval Base, Devonport. 6 TS KENYA SEA CADETS PRESENTATION EVENING What a splendid turn out of support from Derbyshire Submariners in support of the Sea Cadets and Staff. Peter & Joyce, Jim and John who both serve on the management committee of TS Kenya and yours truly. We assembled on the Drill Deck with the Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets on Divisions. It does however make you feel a little old when you recognise a new member of staff who you remember as a baby cadet several years ago! To me it shows that belonging to a uniformed disciplined body does give youngsters confidence, responsibility, discipline, and get up and go, BZ to them all. The evening always starts with ‘Colours’ and the raising of the Sea Cadet Flag obviously to please ex communicators the ‘Prep’ flag is raised one minute before and struck on the Pipe ‘Colours’ Sir. Most of the Cadets are very able with the Bosun’s Pipe and those attending our Trafalgar Dinner will be privileged to hear how good they are when our Principle Guests are Piped into Dinner. The proceedings were conducted by the Commanding Officer, Capt Andy Fuller RMR who unfortunately is due to stand down having completed ten years as CO of TS Kenya. He will be sadly missed having been a very active CO in the last ten years we have known him. The evening was well supported with the Lord Lt of Derbyshire and the Mayor of Derby carrying out the presentations. Both the Naval ex Service Assn’s and parents turned out in force to support this very special evening. The DS Submariner was awarded to the newest member of Staff and of course the DS Tom Smith Cenotaph Guard trophies (4) will be presented to the four cadets that win the privilege of marking the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday in Derby Market Place. An enjoyable evening despite a certain amount of rib taking when the DS Secretary picked a ‘Pussy Bed’ for our two pet rescue feral cats. The punch line was the framework was designed to go over very large radiators like pusser used to have when the pot bellied stoves were replaced in barracks! Thus the framework was useless to me, but the cats seem to enjoy the covering to go to sleep on!! NATIONAL REUNIONS FNA & SA* The National has issued details for the reunion for March 2015. As with the FNA Reunion, you can book independently with the organiser or if you would prefer to do a central booking through me as Secretary of Derbyshire. All the paperwork is issued as individual documents, which feedback has told me is not a preferred option and I have rolled all the documents into one if you wish to read in one, and use the booking forms. SA Members Conference. Any SA Member can also volunteer or nominate your representative to attend conference. As Secretary I will do it if requested, but the option is open to all and this will need to be decided at the December Meeting as we no longer hold a January meeting. Any nominations or volunteers to me please? The Booking Form and Food choices are excel transcribed to the word document. I can send the original email with the three attachments on by request. For the record, it would be helpful please; if I do know members intentions if you are booking direct with FNA or SA so I do have answers to any questions and so I know who is attending what. * Editor. SA Reunion only open to Full SA Members and the FNA Reunion is open to ALL DS Members. HM SUBMARINE TRUCULENT MEMORIAL SERVICE Dear Submariners and supporters, Medway Towns SA are holding the annual Memorial Service for all those who lost their lives when HM Submarine Truculent was sunk following a collision at sea on 12 January 1950. We cordially invite you to the Service. The service will be held on Saturday 10th. January 2015 at St. Georges Centre, Chatham, Kent. On the university campus which is situated at the bottom of Dock Road, Chatham. (Used to be HMS Pembroke). The service will start at 1050 hrs. and will be followed by a buffet/tots/wine etc. All are welcome. We hope that you will be able to attend. We look forward to seeing you as always. Any questions regarding the above, please contact Derek Grant or Derek Williams by E-mail or telephone. Yours aye, Derek Grant (Branch Secretary). [email protected] Editor: Albert & I attended this Service in 2014 and it was an excellently organised Service. However, I do point out that the Chatham Historic Dockyard is not open in January and I draw your attention on the M25 Toll changes at the Dartford Bridge and Tunnel in this issue on page 12. Un-Official Cold War Pin. Hello Terry, I suspect defining who served in submarines the Cold War and who didn’t, could be troublesome, even divisive. Do we really need an unofficial pin? Peter. Editor; My personal response was on the lines of; I can understand where you are coming from. I personally have a box full of them, and the trend of putting years on some of them is I feel so wasteful, and assume the whole purpose is marketing to raise funds on an ongoing basis. However, as Secretary it is my job to advise members what is going on, what is available and the choice is theirs. However, having said that, the NI Branch do seem proactive in this field, and I confess their original Poppy Pin with Dolphins under them is one of the few I do get to wear with pride. As you say defining who is a difficult one. Does only a 'Mizzie' count, or does serving at that time qualify? Other feedback has criticised the pin shows a nuclear boat, when as we know the conventional S/M’s were very much involved in the cold war! My conclusion was that the title of the email had hit the target with the email subject title!! Un-official Cold War pin SOME TRAFALGAR DINNER FEEDBACK Ey up lad, Another rubbish night was the beginning one feedback message but changed to BZ dear boy. Seriously, what a super night Terry. The atmosphere was superb, really like a big party. Another message said Thank you for my birthday gifts, firstly the bottle of red and the second for you not singing. That was a total surprise (the gift not you singing) and I feel quite honoured, we normally only do that at 90. Dear Terry, Thank you so much for organising last night’s celebrations. I think it was the best so far, a most enjoyable evening. As always it ran seamlessly and Gill was an excellent speaker. It was a treat to catch up with everyone especially Ken & Mary, he is doing so well. Thanks again for everything. Uncorking the Port. I asked four people to take charge and uncork the Port at Trafalgar Dinner. Obviously the first choice was Gillian Molyneux and the other choices were deliberate as a thank you for services to DS. Thus this year we asked our webmaster, Jeff Dykes, Albert Birchnall and Max Horton QGM to uncork their respective tables. Most replied WMP (With Much Pleasure) but one member’s secretary responded ‘*** says he would be most honoured, opening bottles is one of his expertise, no training required’ I personally thought this was a wonderful response and it certainly brought a smile to me when I read it. Hi Terry, Thank you again for inviting us to such a special evening we had a fabulous time! Terry. It is with a big thank-you that I appreciate the Evening and the whole week-end that I had with you, and as it turned out an interesting visit to the Sea Cadet Base as well, Andy Fuller deserves his Promotion and I am sure the Cadet Force will benefit as well. So thanks Mate John (John is Sec of HMS Kenya Assn) 7 US NAVY ISSUES WARNINGS ON RUSSIA, CHINA’S SUBMARINE FLEETS Military.com, 20 September 2014 The US Navy's Atlantic Submarine Force commander, Vice Admiral Michael Connor, has suggested that future submarine operations may start to again resemble those during the Cold War. Russia's recent revanchist* policies and increasing pronouncements with regard to its military power could renew something close to the Cold War dynamic, but this will also be shaped by China's expanding fleet of attack and missile submarines. The US Office of Naval Intelligence had estimated that China's fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) will likely be ready to conduct nuclear deterrence patrols sometime this year, and overall submarine developments have been accelerating. Russia has also made various announcements with regard to rebuilding its own attack and missile submarine forces, and has maintained the capability to conduct deterrence patrols since the collapse of the Soviet Union, though numbers of patrols conducted have fluctuated. Analysts suggest that this means the USN's own attack submarine force may itself be further taxed in its deployments to track the movements of foreign SSBNs. Editor: *Revanchism (from French: revanche, revenge) is a term used since the 1870s to describe a political manifestation of the will to reverse territorial losses incurred by a country, often following a war or social movement WORLD SUBMARINE NEWS AUSTRALIA LEANING TOWARDS BUYING JAPANESE SORYU-CLASS SUBS Jane's, 14 September 2014 There has been increased speculation in recent months regarding the future of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) submarine procurement program, and a defence cooperation agreement signed in July between Canberra and Tokyo has fuelled speculation that a Japanese design may be the government's preferred choice to replace their existing Collins-class submarines. The issue of shipbuilding in Australia has been increasingly polarized in the midst of debates over domestic versus foreign procurement, and PM Tony Abbott has suggested that the ultimate goal of the submarine programme is to obtain the best possible vessels as the most reasonable price. Defence Minister David Johnston also said earlier this year that Japan's 4,600 ton Soryu-class diesel-electric submarines were the only in-service designs to closely match Australian requirements, and in June the minister toured a Soryu-class boat during a visit to Japan. Earlier reports suggested that Australia had first only been interested in procuring drive systems from Japan, but there are new suggestions that the RAN might find itself in possession of up to ten submarines which will be fully built in Japan at an estimated cost of USD $18.3 billon. Preliminary estimates for a full class of submarines designed and built in Australia were in excess of $32b. Sweden's Saab Kockums is also understood to be preparing a proposal, as is Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. NAVY TEST-FIRES UPGRADED TOMAHAWK by Kris Osborn Defence Tech 01 October, 2014 The Navy and Raytheon recently flight tested software upgrades to the Tomahawk missile with two sea-launched test-firings near China Lake, Calif., designed to shoot the weapon up to high altitudes and assess the weapon’s improved manoeuvrability. The first test took place from a nuclear submarine, the USS Hampton. The submarine fired a Tomahawk Block IV from its vertical capsule launch system. The missile flew a pre-planned mission until a strike controller located at a maritime command centre directed the Tomahawk to a new target. The missile successfully demonstrated enhanced flex retargeting before striking the updated target. In the second test, the Tomahawk Block IV Missile’s achieved the highest ever altitude. The Tomahawk flew a series of pre-planned high altitude manoeuvres demonstrating improved performance in its flight regime. The missile completed a pre-planned vertical dive impacting a target on San Nicolas Island off the Southern California coast. The Navy Tomahawk program manager said the ‘tests validated recent software updates that improve the weapon system flight performance.’ Raytheon officials said the tests were merely the latest move in a series of ongoing steps aimed at further upgrading and modernizing the Tomahawk Block IV missile. We’re constantly trying to provide more value out of the Tomahawk and upgrade its software and hardware. These tests pushed the envelope in terms of manoeuvres, Roy Donelson, Raytheon Tomahawk program manager added. He explained that the test showed what he called enhanced flux in-flight re-targeting wherein the missile can skim along the sea or fly at high altitudes before reaching its target. Overall, Raytheon has delivered more than 3,000 Tomahawk Block IV missiles to the Navy. The missiles are expected to complete a 30-year service life after being re-certified at the 15-year mark. The inventory of Block IV missiles are slated to go through a recertification process in 2018 and 2019. Tomahawks have been upgraded numerous times over their years of service. The Block IV Tomahawk, in service since 2004, includes a two-way data link for in-flight re-targeting, terrain navigation, digital scene-matching cameras and a highgrade inertial navigation system, said Donelson. US MILITARY CONTRACTORS HIT BY CHINESE HACKERS BBC News, 18 September 2014 The results of a year-long US Senate Armed Services Committee investigation into hacking of unnamed US military contractors have been released, with results showing that sensitive computer networks were infiltrated at least 50 times during the investigation period. The cyber-attacks targeted systems contractors doing work for US Transportation Command, which may have compromised US military logistics, and all were attributed to Chinese government-linked hackers; Chinese officials have routinely denied hacking allegations and questioned the validity of the report. The investigation also found that government agencies failed to adequately share information on the hacks amongst themselves, leading one Committee member to recommend that a governmental clearinghouse be created to better coordinate information on cyber-attacks. The issue of cyber-espionage between China and the US has been ongoing, with each side accusing the other of attacks SOUTH KOREA SPOTS SIGNS OF NORTH KOREA'S SUBMARINE ROCKET DEVELOPMENT’ Yonhap News, 14 September 2014 South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Sunday that the South Korean military has detected signs that North Korea is developing a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) system. An anonymous source further said that an SLBM tube has been detected at a North Korean naval base, which may prompt Pyongyang to modify its existing subs or acquire larger boats to incorporate the technology. The North reportedly bought ten 3,000-ton Golf-class diesel-electric attack submarines from Russia in the 1990s, which could be upgraded with an SLBM capability, but it is unclear how operationally capable the Cold War-era boats actually are. 8 DS TRAFALGAR DINNER 2014 Hallmark Hotel Derby 17 October On arrival at the hotel around 2pm I had the unhappy news that the room we were booked to start at 6pm which I had been advised would be available in the afternoon to make up had a late meeting booking until 5pm! This was devastating news, not least because that was my designated time for a shower and change to meet and greet from 5:30pm to start at 6pm. Fortunately I was allowed to use a small adjacent room to stow all our gear, and get things unpacked and ready for a swift set up. We got into our room at 16:45, and the hotel staff under the able direction of Ricki stripped the room of the conference table and chairs and re-set up with our four big round tables and seats and with able help of Colin & Isobel Watson we shifted our kit in and set out raffle prizes, presentations, the PA system, cake and then discovered the flowers had not arrived! Fortunately, the florist was still available, and my frantic phone call resulted in an abject apology as it transpired the flowers had gone to The Spot which I am sure would have been appreciated by the RNA who’s Traf Dinner follows ours on the Saturday! The flower problem was quickly resolved, and somehow, and I am unsure how; we were ready for lift off at 6pm, and several people, as expected had already arrived! The next half an hour was manic but all guests were unaffected in the bar area, with everyone enjoying the atmosphere or should I say bar services!! The Dinner was five course commencing with a choice of three starters Soup, Pate or Melon. The main courses were Beef, Chicken or Salmon and finally Apple Pie, Cheese Board and Fruit Salad. We thence enjoyed Coffee and tea and the fifth course later in the evening being the excellent fruit cake which was a shame to cut but enjoyable to eat! A bargain at £25 per person given the cost! At the end of the Ease Springs we drew the raffle which consisted of prizes in the region of £300, so thank you to everyone who donated prizes, and some very worthwhile ones too. The first prize to go was a Fortum & Mason Champagne Gift Box with chocolates valued at approx £80 and the Ltr Bottles of German Brandy, VSOP and whiskey and other bottles also appeared to be popular but surprisingly so was the Electric Ceramic Tea Pot! The DS special coming home off Dieso Patrol Survival Kit provided some amusing comments, and we thank everyone for their wonderful support. We then proceeded into the formal part of the evening with the Toasts and Presentations. The request, Gentlemen, (and Lady), Please be so kind as to Uncork the Port. This tradition is normally undertaken by the Mess President, but with four tables with individual decanters this was designated to special guests, and members honoured as a thank you. We had Gill Molyneux and Jeff Dykes, and two of our more mature members; Albert Birchnall and Max Horton QGM do the honours on the other two tables. The Loyal Toast was undertaken by our President a WWII veteran, and survivor of the sinking of HM Submarine Sahib in 1943 whilst on patrol from that famous fighting 10th Submarine Squadron based in Malta. Our principle guest to undertake the Immortal Toast was Gill Molyneux introduced with the announcement that ‘Our Principle Guest needs no introduction from me and I am sure you will all know Gillian Molyneux. We have been privileged to meet up with Gill at various events, mainly connected with Ambush, which has been an absolute pleasure. However, she has been known to make some people cry as her winning smile has extracted money from them for the Seafarers UK Charity for which Gillian just happens to normally have a collecting tin in her handbag at these events when she ‘Ambushes’ you! Gillian’s speech resulted in a standing ovation and a suggestion from none other than a very senior person, who suggested she goes on the ‘Speeches Circuit’. I do not think anyone would disagree with that suggestion, and we were immensely privileged and honoured, to enjoy her and Jamie’s company throughout the evening. A presentation of a bouquet was made to Gill by our Chairman, and I had the great privilege of presenting Gill with a Glass Candle Holder inscribed with the City of Derby City Council as a gift from the City with the message that there will always be a candle burning in Derby for her, or her family. The final Toast was to the Submarine Service and Submariner very ably given by Mr Jeff Dykes and concluded with a presentation of a DS Plaque by his ex LRO of HMS Auriga days way back in the 1960’s on the Canada commission. Thus the Edale Suite was ready with four tables of ten to capacity with individual place markers, place mats, table markers, the room decorated with a large White Ensign, and a Trafalgar Pennant hung up behind the top table and a special iced cake which depicted the crest of Welbeck Defence College as a BZ to Jamie Molyneux gaining a place and passing his Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) for entrance to training as an Engineering Officer. The DS Ceremonial Bell, White Ensigns on each table, Event Programmes, DS Cut Glass Tutbury and Derwent Crystal Decanters and high class port, Drinks, presentation items and raffle prizes; and importantly for the Master of Ceremonies, the PA System which prevents me being hoarse by the end of the evening. At 18:30 Guests were invited to take their seats filing past the Guard of Honour provided by TS Kenya Sea and Marine Cadets headed by their CO, Capt Andy Fuller RM. Shortly afterwards I led the principle guests, Gillian & Jamie Molyneux, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar KCB and Lady Anne Soar into the room to the traditional welcome of a slow handclap, to be met by our President, Mr Ken Holtham and Chairman John Sayers and all assembled. The Welcome & Safety Brief was completed concluding with the advice that ‘We are very fortunate to have the services of an avid Photographer friend of mine, Roger Wood, who will be taking photographs throughout the evening, thank you Roger. Hopefully, no one will have any objection to their photo’s being used for publicity use, but if you do please advise me by email or a note, preferably after this evening. If you are here and should not be for whatever reason, I will not guarantee not to laugh or smile, but do promise I will not put it in Derbyshire Deeps! Seriously, I am an ex Chief Radio Supervisor and you can be assured of my reticence, especially if I am offered Red Australian Wine’. The WWII Submariner Statue is our icon of remembrance. The Tom Smith Memorial Trophy is awarded annually by secret votes by ALL Members. This was audited by John Rickwood the Secretary of HMS Kenya Assn; Derby’s WWII Warship Week Ship which still celebrates their AGM and Reunion in Derby Annually. Gill Molyneux opened the envelope and declared the winner was: Mr Ken Holtham, our President. Sadly the voting was down on last year, but we still had 18 out of 30 Members voting, so though more healthy than a Council election; it would be nice to have had a little higher number of votes though! It was sad that one vote was disallowed as the submission was not put on the correct voting form, which is individual with a watermark, but it was put on one of the advisory forms of the vote thus the adjudicator rightly disallowed the vote. The ‘Grace’, was undertaken by Lady Anne Soar, an Honorary Derbyshire Submariners Member, and the Sponsor of HMS Ambush which is Derby City affiliated Submarine is always most welcome in Derby. It was thus time for the most important aspect of the evening – The Food and Drink!! 9 Ken was a clear winner but more than four names were nominated so another chance next year for everyone! The next presentation was based on the well known fact that the Submarine Family is very close knit and in that we include our womenfolk. All our wives and in some cases sweethearts have varying ‘crosses to bear’ acting as their husbands or partner’s diary keeper, secretary and taking phone messages. Before I get any heckling at my next statement I state categorically that the job of the secretary is to keep members fully informed, thus one particular young lady does tend to land up chatting up the secretary more than most for me to fulfil this duty. This is of course Rita, the wife of John, our Chairman. As a token from DS of the disruption, and inconvenience you are put to more than most, due to your husbands exalted position; we would like you Rita to accept a bouquet of flowers, suitably presented by your husband on our behalf as a token of our appreciation for all that you do. At this point I declared today is Johns 70'er something birthday. I hope you are in fine voice because when I start to sing (ask Jim) it is painful so I would like you all to remain seated and give me your best rendition of Happy Birthday. On completion of this enthusiastic rendition I declared that it would not have made any difference whether I sang or not, and we presented John with an appropriate Birthday Card and a bottle of red wine. Each Trafalgar Dinner we have a unique Traditional Derbyshire Submariners Trafalgar Dinner Presentation to make. As I stated earlier we are all really appreciative of the support we receive from our womenfolk. Once a year we undertake a token thank you by presenting all ladies present with a Rose Stem from the Derbyshire Submariners to show our appreciation of those who work behind the scenes, and the two serving Submariners were tasked with presenting EVERY lady present with a Rose Stem. This task was undertaken by Lt Alex O’Dell and Petty Officer Sean Reader both of HMS Ambush recently back from a ‘Jolly’ in the Atlantic. Editor: I did get the expected Whoo’s and R’s to this tongue in cheek quip! Finally it was time for the fifth course – The Cake! Mr Jamie Molyneux and his mother Gill as our very special guests were requested to undertake this task and as a token of our appreciation I announced ‘As Jamie embarks on his future following in his Fathers footsteps in the RN it is always of interest to learn our history and sometimes for all of us to look up what someone is saying. I personally believe that three books cover this requirement, The Bible, An Oxford Dictionary and Jackspeak. Certain officers may decree a full copy of BR’s but we cannot help with that, so with utmost pleasure we present him with a copy of Jackspeak signed by the author which we hope will remind him of his early runs ashore to Derby. To undertake this presentation I call on our webmaster to present Jamie with a copy of Jackspeak signed and verified by Capt Rick Jolly OBE the author. We finally concluded thanking the Hallmark and all the Staff, especially David Croasdale the Manager, Riki and all the staff who have directly looked after us so well. We thank all members, and wives and friends of the Derbyshire Submariners who have contributed to the evening, and finally we thank all of you for joining us on this special occasion. Our President as we know sadly lost his wife of 69 years. Elena had been very much part of our group with Ken being a founding member back in 1980. Mary his daughter was asked by me if she would accompany her father, and here the water gets a little muddied with different stories from Mary, Ken and myself. Ken says I must have been very persuasive, which I deny. Mary says I was almost ordered! The truth is, I did ask very politely if she would consider coming with her father to the Trafalgar Dinner, being very subtle, and I do admit I have a note on my brief of do not let Mary have the microphone. I confess I did tell a little white lie that her dad said he would pay for her meal. Once she got over that shock, she readily agreed, honest! The bottom line whatever the truth Mary, we would like to thank you for the pleasure of your company tonight, and bringing Ken with you, and I would like to ask your Dad to present you with a bouquet of flowers in thanks from all of us and please pass on our sincere apologies that we could not due to numbers accommodate your husband with us tonight. Our final bouquet of Flowers went to Lady Anne Soar who as our Honorary Member is always delightful company whether we meet her in Barrow, Faslane or here in Derby at our Freedom of the City Coffee Morning or here at the Hallmark. It is also nice that Admiral Sir Trevor had the opportunity to join us tonight too. On the basis that Lady Anne is the Sponsor of HMS Ambush we called on Lt Alex O’Dell RN of Ambush to undertake this honour on behalf of the Derbyshire Submariners; also as this will save time as he has the least distance to walk!! We had 19 of the total of 40 attendees making a night of it and stopping over at the hotel/inn. On completion of tidying up and storing all the artefacts and material in my car it was getting on for 1am, and I expected most would have drifted to bed, but was wonderfully surprised to find nearly everyone in the bar area enjoying a party and social. This continued for over an hour before people started to drift off to bed! I had by this time undertaken a quick change to my Poppy Appeal Tee shirt to cool down but I think everyone excused me wearing Pirate Rig! Wonderful company and wonderful event. I enjoyed a good breakfast at 8am, and managed to see most guests who drifted down to breakfast at both hotel and inn before departure; except two who decided to go clubbing at 3am! I sorted out the new DS Polo Shirt Logo, and trial order, and enroute home picked up the programmes for the Soldiers Corner Service organised by Harry Mycroft, Burma Star; and have pledged the Submariners to help distribute on 11/11 after the two WWI Submariners Services we hold before we go up to the Chaddesden Jubilee Club. Special permission for corkage free has been given to undertake a ‘Pussers Rum’ toast donated by our President in Harry Mycroft’s Memory of what a Burma Star ex Royal Navy Veteran has done to enhance Remembrance in Derby both at Soldiers Corner and the Chaddesden Children’s Service. We are fortunate Harry did all the work before he died, and I feel it most appropriate that he should be saluted in this way and permission is appreciated from both the Jubilee Club and Harry’s son who was enthusiastic when I asked if this would be OK. We look forward to anyone who can attend this conclusion of the Remembrance Period. (Though I do have one final Remembrance Service on 15/11 at Ilkeston Rugby Club on match day carrying our Standard) Terry H Many will be aware of the Pilot Scheme of We Remember Submariners and after careful thought and deliberation I asked Gill Molyneux if she would consider presenting one to Jean Slater in Remembrance of Ron Slater. Gill remembered that in 2011 when attending our Trafalgar Dinner at the Spot in Derby as a guest with two of her son’s that Ron had been too ill with cancer to attend the Dinner. The consequence was that when Ron’s name was nominated for the first ever presentation of the Submariner by Admiral Sir Trevor, she accepted it on his behalf. This as can be expected was a very emotional presentation for both Gill and Jean and we really do thank Gill for honouring us and undertaking this very personal presentation of the Moly Pin to Jean in memory of Ron, who was a friend to all. 10 SA WEBPAGE HMS RESOLUTION ASSOCIATION REUNION 2015 www.submarinersassociation.co.uk /index.htm Can I please make you all aware that following a lot of very hard work and dedication over the last three months by our Webmaster Mike Kemp the Association Website has been updated and brought into the 21st century. The message below from Mike explains how the new Website evolved and will also help you get started on your voyage of discovery. Hon. Nat Sec Gents, Earlier this year I worked on two Mobile Applications for Smartphones, for both Android and Apple Mobile devices. To test one of the Applications I asked Peter Swift (Chairman) & Ian Warner (Secretary) and some of the members of the Blackpool Branch. I am grateful for their assistance and input. The Mobile Application was well received and I keep a copy for training purposes on my PC & Phone. However, I encountered some difficulties with the 100's of varied devices on the market also I had some problems in getting iTunes (Apple) to accept the App. Having trawled various Websites, I decided to rebuild our website throughout to be more Mobile Phone and Responsive. To enable the site to run on most if not all Devices, from PC's, Laptops, Tablets, PDA's, and Mobile Smartphones Templates were purchased and I started work on the 1st August 2014, migrating the information from the Current Website to the New one. Earlier this morning (30/09/2014) the Website you know has been removed and the new site is now live. The Website has been tested on PC, Laptop, Android Tablet, iPad mini, and Mobile Smartphone. However: The Database Tables are linked from the Server and they may look strange on a small Phone screen. The Database Pages, i.e.: Current Membership, WWII Membership and In-Memoriam are best to look at on a larger device than a Mobile Phone screen. I would recommend using Google Chrome as it does not have the issues with Cache as Internet Explorer! Perhaps make this your Default Internet Browser? The new Website link for your Devices is www.submarinersassociation.co.uk /index.htm. Please note that is [htm]. There are hundreds of links, and I think they are all working but I am sure someone will find a link they cannot get. I will answer them in due Course. Please take a look and enjoy, It has been an interesting Challenge! Regards, Mike Kemp [email protected] www.submarinersassociation.co.uk The annual reunion For Resolution Association members will take place at the Hallmark Hotel Hull (voted City of Culture 2017) 20th to 22nd March 2015. Come and meet and greet your old shipmates with a chance to catch up and celebrate. Early booking discount available before 31 Jan 2015. The Association is open to all former crew members of HMS Resolution Contact: [email protected] Website : http://www.hmsresolution.org.uk/home.php Hotel: http://www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/our_hotels/hull CLOISTERS OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY SERVICE This will be on Saturday 1 November, muster about 13:00 for service at 14:00. The service is usually conducted by the duty Canon who doesn't mind how badly you sing. Serving personnel will be taking part and all (Ladies inc) are welcome. With Thanks Ted Hogben PHILIP WILLIAM CHARLES (Bill) ELLIOTT MBE. Sadly one of SA long serving Honorary Vice President’s and WWII Veteran’s, slipped and proceeded on his final patrol at the age of 94 on Sunday 28 September 2014. Bill served in Submarines as an AB. LR2 from November 1942 until January 1946 in the following Submarines: H44, H50, Sunfish, Visigoth & Templar. Shortly after leaving the Service Bill joined the London Branch of SOCA and went on to serve as National Chairman from 1963 until 1967, when he became a Hon. Vice President. When the London Branch had to shut he then joined the Medway Towns Branch. Bill’s funeral took take place 20th Oct. SERVICE PERSONNEL & VETERANS AGENCY An Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence SPVA’s Veterans UK helpline has changed its freephone telephone number. The new number 0808 1914 218 represents the start and end dates of the Great War 19141918. It is hoped that the link to such an historic event will create a more memorable number in the 100 th anniversary year of WWI. To coincide with the recent announcements on improving support for veterans from the Defence Minister. The Veterans UK helpline has made significant changes to improve the service it provides to veterans and the wider veterans community. As well as the new more memorable freephone number another part of the new and improved service to the Veterans UK helpline is the extension to its opening hours. The helpline is now open from 7:30am to 5:30 (5 on Friday) on all working days. Currently those calling the helpline out of hours get through to an answerphone service enabling a message to be left and advising of the next working day call-back. However SPVA as part of the improvements has negotiated a partnership with Combat Stress and with the Samaritans, whose helplines operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. This newly formed agreement will allow out of hours callers to the SPVA Veterans UK helpline to opt to be routed to Combat Stress or the Samaritans; this now allows caller in crisis to access help out of hours. PORTSMOUTH HISTORIC DOCKYARD CONCESSION SA have been awarded the same concessions for entry to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and its associated attractions as those enjoyed by the Association of Wrens, RNA and RMA. The Terms and Conditions for taking advantage of this Concession which are displayed below. £10 ticket valid for one day only for themselves and up to four members of their friends and family at £10 per ticket each on production of valid and in date association membership ID card. Tickets are valid for one day only. Tickets give access to Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860, Action Stations, National Museum of the Royal Navy, Harbour Tours, Royal Navy Submarine Museum and HMS Alliance, Royal Marines Museum and Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower. A complimentary Waterbus service is available for transportation between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Gosport attractions. This is on a first come, first served basis and cannot be guaranteed. Tickets must be purchased in person in the Visitor Centre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and valid and in date ID card must be shown. This special rate ticket cannot be purchased directly from the Submarine Museum, Marines Museum or Explosion Museum, No upgrades or refunds are available after purchase and tickets are nontransferable. ARMED FORCES TELEVISION CHANNEL Are you aware of the new TV channel launched on 10 June? It is not surprisingly called Forces TV and is dedicated to bringing programmes and news specifically of interest to members of the Armed Forces and their families. This new feature can be found on the following channels: Sky channel 299. Virgin channel 244. Free Sat channel 652. Have a look. You might find something of interest. DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH OR DERBY TIMES A photographer turned up at our Trafalgar Dinner and with Roger our phots permission I have sent him copies of the photographs for printing. If you see any reports in the DET or Derbyshire Life who I also forwarded a selection of phots to please advise me. Terry Hall 11 No meeting date has yet been set for the next NMRN Members/Friends Working Group. It was agreed that more needed to be done in order to recruit new and younger members, such as providing for family, school and corporate memberships. This work ongoing. However, it was agreed that additional pop up banners to encourage new members were required. The structure of the membership survey had been completed and a form will be sent out with Harbour Stations in October. There will be three methods of response covering email and hard and soft copies. Analysis of results will be available for the spring meeting on 21st May 2015. The Vice Chairman (Jock McClees) had talked to the SMCC when they visited the museum on 21 July and will endeavour to speak to future Perisher courses when they visit the Museum. Date of next meeting 22nd January 2015 David Ottley (SA Representative on RN Submarine Museum Friends Committee) 09.10.14 SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF THE RN S/M MUSEUM Summary of 64th Committee Meeting held 26 Sept 2014 Jon Westbrook (JW) took over as chairman of the committee. The AGM had taken place on 6 May 2014. Paul Hoddinott had stood down as Chairman. Paul had spoken with Mr Keating of the Helensburgh Submarine Museum about writing an article for ‘All Round Look’ and establishing links between the Friends of the two museums. Stefano Mannucci (Liaison, S/M Command /serving submariners and RNSM) undertook to liaise with Bob Seaward (Friends representative in Scotland) and Mr. Keating. It was agreed that the Friends would lay a wreath at the museum during the Remembrance Day service. It was agreed that membership cards should last five years before renewal. Isabella Stagg introduced herself as the new Museum Operations Manager. Since Alliance had reopened footfall was up (75097 compared to 250951 for the same period last year. The numbers were greatly enhanced by the ‘All Attractions’ Ticket issued by Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which included a return boat trip across the harbour. Due to this increase of visitors it had not been possible to operate the normal guided tour routine every 15 mins. A guide with up to 25 persons on 40 min. tour through Alliance) and a free flow system had to be implemented with groups of visitors let onto the boat every 10 mins. with guides stationed in various compartments. The museum budget is being cut by 10% and as a result the Friends would endeavour to financially support gardening costs. A letter of thanks had been sent from JW to Sir Tim McClement for his sterling services as Chair of Trustees of the Submarine Museum. Sir Tim had expressed his thanks and gratitude. THE DARTFORD - THURROCK RIVER CROSSING M25 From late November 2014 there will be changes to how you pay to use the Dartford crossing. You will no longer pay at the barriers, instead you’ll be able to pay in advance, or up to midnight the day after crossing. Editor; Once again the Highway Agency only communicates with those on a computer or who use social media!! I found out about this yesterday 7/10 when discussing it with a mate and my proposed trip to Chatham in January thence March next year. Basically the present charge for a car is £2 paid at a toll booth as you pass through either at the end of Bridge South and before the tunnels North. Now you will go through an electronic recognition system so unless you are local or a regular user from the area you will be electronically clocked. This leaves you the option of posting in for a prepaid ticket which will be £2.50 plus I assume two stamps to cover sae thus £3.56p (Nearly double the previous charge of £2) or you drive through not realising that you are subject to a toll of £2.50 which must be paid for within 24 hrs by phone, computer etc or you will be prosecuted and Fined! Apparently this planned change has been known about for some months on line, a bit like the road tax disc change which is another rip off. So people like me who only venture South on sparse occasions such as Ton Class Meetings, Naval Reunions or Remembrance Services a couple of times a year are kept in the dark and charged more. I note they have thrown a £1 on the lorries as well. As everything is shifted by road it means all freight will ultimately go up, and everything we buy to transit a bit of road bridge or tunnel which with our road tax we have already paid to use!! I note on the reasons given for the tolls it is to stop too many people using it causing distress to the area and those who live there. The Highways think if it’s free they will get too much traffic for the road. As far as I am aware there is no option but to cross the bridge/tunnel without a very large detour or paying a congestion charge, so I think they are again lying through their back teeth and it all about taxing the very last penny out of everyone they can. Still MP's pay rises and Foreign Aid have to be raised from somewhere!! The full information is available on the web if you can make head or tail of it. At present I do not find it very clear what the options are and how you go about it. The Treasurer presented the accounts to date and advised that there was just over £37K in the bank, which, after allowing for the £8K reserves and £11.5K already committed this left £17.5K available for the Museum. There was discussion over what Museum projects the NMRN should fund and what projects the Friends provide to place ‘icing on the cake’. Because the new NMRN was a new organization and it appeared that there were now at least two sources of bids to the Friends for funds; from the NMRN curatorial staff (displays and artefacts) and from the Museum Operational Manager (onsite operational projects). It was agreed to invite Bob Mealings (NMRN curatorial staff) to the next meeting in order to clarify this matter. The annual report to the Charity Commission had been submitted and can be viewed on the website. Charity No. 1046251. Deadline for ‘Harbour Stations’ contributions was agreed as 10 April 2015. 21 May was agreed as the spring committee meeting date. The 2015 ASGM date was set as Frid 26 June 2015. There are 666 paid members and 10 outstanding queries to resolve. It was agreed to increase annual membership subscription to £20 minimum. The new Friends brochure has been finalized and number to be printed along with associated costs are ongoing. Changes to the Constitution were agreed and an updated version will be sent out with calling notices for the 2015 AGM. Following Museum projects were reviewed; Artefact storage boxes; £1000 no longer required: Memorial book; £1500 ongoing: VC exhibition; £5000 ongoing: Photo album; no longer required: Boats in action; on hold awaiting safety clarifications: Learning/ Outreach community engagement; declined as outside Friends remit: Exhibition First in Last Out WW1; £9250 awaiting justification from NMRN as to why Friends should provide costs: Poppy Display; £4000 NMRN had declined the project. Two committee members to establish project viability since doubt expressed whether Tower of London poppies were frost proof. The Friends website will be modified to invite contributions re submariner’s stories and memorabilia. A Ton Class friend of mine, who as far as I am aware was not even a communicator*, but a Minesweeper Coxswain (Unless he was a covert Communicator before converting) responded with a Biblical Quote: King James Bible Isaiah Chap 56 v 11 Translation on PAGE 20 Column 2. 12 Welfare; The Association does not exist to take on the roles of its affiliated associations. The wide knowledge of members will, on occasions, make meetings a useful point of reference where enquiries can be aired and solutions suggested. The Royal British Legion (RBL) RBL membership of the Association will be effected by the Derbyshire County Committee which will appoint the RBL representative, who must reside in the City of Derby and district. Individual branches in Derby and district will not be members of the Association, but will be able to raise individual comments/concerns through the County organisation. Representatives from branches in the area defined above are welcome to attend Association meetings, but will not be entitled to vote. Attendance of non-members at meetings It may be beneficial to allow non-members to attend and address meetings of the Association – for example, those involved in the detailed planning of Remembrance Day. The Chairman will decide who should be invited to meetings and who will address the meetings on whatever subject. Non-members will have no vote. Charitable Status / VAT Status The Association is not a registered charity and is not registered for VAT purposes. Dissolution Should membership of the Association fall to the extent that it may become unsustainable, then at least 2/3rds of the membership, as at the preceding AGM, must be present for any debate on dissolution. If the Association is dissolved, any balances of funds, after payment of all liabilities should be donated to the RBL Poppy Appeal. Editor: The D&D are reviewing the Constitution and seek any suggestions for any changes (if any) that are required to the present constitution. Any suggestions or proposals to Secretary who is at present the DS Representative for D&DExSvcAssn CONSTITUTION FOR THE DERBY & DISTRICT EX-SVCS ASSOCIATION Adopted 25 March 1996 and Amended January 2010 Purpose: To exchange views between members. To effectively represent the views of the ex-service community in the City of Derby to the local authority, to the media and others as appropriate. Membership: Is open to all ex-service assn’s within the City of Derby and district, upon payment of an annual affiliation fee to cover the year 1 Jan to 31 Dec. Where an assn does not operate specifically within Derby, but covers a wider area including Derby, members of that Assn (Assn) can apply for their Assn to become members of the Assn. Only Derby and District residents may vote on behalf of an Assn and it will be expected of all who attend meetings that they give consideration to Derby issues in preference to their Assn, should a conflict of interest arise. Membership will be deemed as having lapsed if the affiliation fee is not paid for two successive years by the start of the AGM. Once an Assn is a paid-up member, any number of members of that Assn may attend Assn meetings, but each Assn is entitled to only one vote. The Assn may agree to honorary memberships for associations where the fee is waived. The Association may grant Life Membership to individuals. Both honorary membership and Life membership must be approved by a full meeting of the Association. Committee: The committee shall comprise a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and two others members; as agreed at the AGM 18 January 2010 – each to be elected from nominations put forward to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association. Committee members must be members of affiliated associations with the exception of the Secretary, who may be co-opted subject to approval at the AGM. Sub-committees may be formed from the membership to report to Association meetings on specific issues and/or projects, as and when appropriate. Meetings: The Annual General Meeting will: Elect the Committee from nominations submitted to the Secretary at least 14 days before the meeting; Review affiliation fees; Consider changes to the Constitution, with proposals being submitted in writing at least fourteen days in advance; Approve the statement of accounts and balance sheet, prepared by the Treasurer and audited by a member of the Association; Appoint the auditor for the following year; Consider the appointment of a President; Consider items raised by any member association or affiliated individual that has been submitted at least 14 days prior to the meeting. This same 14 day rule applies to other meetings during the year. The Assn will meet not less than twice each year and generally three times each year. The AGM will take place at the end of Jan and one other meeting will take place in Sept to discuss arrangements for Remembrance Day. There should be a minimum of ten voting members present to constitute a quorum. The Chairman, Secretary and at least one other committee member should meet 14 days before principal meetings to create an ordered agenda. The Chairman will have a casting vote when necessary. Expenditure Income will be derived from affiliation fees and held in a bank account in the name of the Association. A minimum of two signatures from the three on the Mandate will be required to withdraw funds. The Treasurer will report the state of finances to each meeting. Proposals for spending of funds must be voted on at meetings of the Association, and will not involve expenditure on welfare of members. Decisions on spending of funds between meetings is delegated to committee members, up to a maximum of £200. NAVY BOOKS.COM NEWS HAPPY HOMECOMING FOR HMS ASTUTE The first of Class in the Royal Navy's most advanced fleet of attack submarines, HMS Astute, returned to HMNB Clyde on Tuesday (October 7) after spending eight months at sea on her first operational deployment. HMS Astute sailed from UK waters in March to become the first Astute Class to contribute towards the UK's presence in the Mediterranean. A call in to Gibraltar allowed the boat to demonstrate some of the unique capabilities of the Astute Class, while she also went alongside at the NATO facility on the island of Crete. After transiting the Suez Canal in July, the boat provided support to counter-smuggling operations, contributed towards defence diplomacy in Bahrain and took part in an international exercise in the Gulf of Oman. Returning westbound, the submarine undertook further operations with US Maritime aircraft before returning to Crete for a final time in mid September to collect five students from the latest UK Submarine Command Course, known as 'Perisher'. This was the first SMCC to be conducted on an Astute Class submarine and to be held entirely within the Mediterranean. WHITE ENSIGN ON HMS ROYAL OAK Members of the Royal Navy's Northern Diving Unit, based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Glasgow, have successfully replaced the White Ensign on HMS Royal Oak in Scapa Flow. The flag exchange ceremony has been made in advance of commemoration events on Tuesday (October 14) to mark the 75th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Royal Oak., which sank in Scapa Flow on October 14, 1939 with the loss of 834 lives after being hit by torpedoes from German U-Boat U-47. 13 TAIWAN REPORTEDLY TESTS SUBMARINELAUNCHED MISSILES Channel News Asia, 19 October 2014 The Taiwanese Navy successfully test-fired two submarinelaunched Harpoon anti-ship missiles for the first time during an exercise last week, according to local media. The missiles, which were fired from a Dutch-built diesel-electric Chien Lung-class sub, Hai Hu, have a range of 150 nautical miles, and extend the boat's capabilities beyond its prior torpedo-only armament. Although Taiwan already has Harpoons that can be fired from its frigates and F-16 fighters, the successful operationalisation of a sub-based Harpoon capability gives Taipei more options in the event of a Chinese invasion, and underscores Taipei's desire for greater submarine capabilities. The Harpoon missile's submarine launched variant is fired via the vessel's torpedo-tubes and have a range of about 75 nautical miles. CHINESE SUBMARINE HEADED TO GULF OF ADEN FOR COUNTER PIRACY OPERATIONS US Naval Institute News, 30 September 2014 A press briefing by China's Ministry of National Defence during the week of 22 Sept revealed that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has deployed what appears to be a Song-class diesel-electric attack submarine to assist with PLAN anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. The boat docked in Sri Lanka 7-14 Sept for fuel and supplies, and should have joined the PLAN flotilla around the beginning of October. The Song's deployment is likely a test by the PLAN to deploy submarine forces well out-of-area, much as its anti-piracy forces has tested and honed expeditionary skills, as well as investigate the possibility of submarine logistics in the Indian Ocean with regional partners such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan. UNIQUE S/M ADDED TO KEYPORT NAVAL MUSEUM Ed Friedric, Associated Press US Naval Undersea Museum added a submarine rescue vehicle to its collection this week. Mystic becomes the third deep submergence vessel displayed outside the museum, joining Trieste II and Deep Quest. Mystic could descend to 5,000 feet, substantially less than Trieste II (20,000 feet) and Deep Quest (8,000). But only Mystic could pluck sailors out of sunken subs. Neither it nor sister ship Avalon ever had to perform a rescue. They were developed in 1963 in response to the loss of USS Thresher and its 129man crew and launched in 1970. They served as the Navy's primary submarine rescue system from 1977, when they became fully operational, to 2008. They could dive, latch onto the disabled vessel's hatch and bring up 24 sailors at a time. ‘That's a good thing. That's how we look at it,’ museum curator Mary Ryan said. ‘They were always standing by, always vigilant, but the US has not lost a submarine since they entered service.’ Mystic, built by Lockheed for the Navy for $41 million, was replaced by a new system in 2008. It remained in a warehouse in San Diego until now. These were designed back in the 1970s. But even today, they're two of the most sophisticated submersibles in the world. The sub is 49 feet long, 8 feet wide and weighs 600,000 pounds. Electric motors pushed it along at 4 knots (4.6 mph). The acquisition was considered an internal transfer, from the Navy to one of 10 Navy museums, so it didn't cost the Keyport facility anything, Ryan said, though there were other expenses. Mystic was supposed to arrive last week, but the truck designed specifically to haul it broke down in California. One of the rescue subs had been on the museum's wish list for a couple of years, said director Lindy Dosher. It's now a reality. It was accompanied by 80 boxes of Mystic artefacts. It'll probably take three years to go through them all. Museum officials hope to someday bring all three submersibles inside, where they wouldn't need as much maintenance, she said. On 30 Oct. 30, the museum is scheduled to open a related exhibit, The Thresher Legacy: A Better, Safer Navy. It will look at how the tragic loss produced positive results. Museum hours are 10-4 p.m. every day except Tues, when it's closed. Admission is free SWEDEN READY TO USE FORCE AGAINST SUSPECTED SUBMARINE Guardian, 20 Oct & Zee News, 21 Oct 2014 The Swedish military is continuing its search for a suspected submarine that has reportedly been spotted in the Stockholm archipelago several times since Friday. Other reports suggest that various electronic communications were intercepted emanating from the Stockholm area and directed towards the Russian city of Kaliningrad. Though there is widespread suspicion that the craft, if it is indeed present; is a Russian Special Forces mini-submarine, Swedish officials have refused to speculate on the craft's national origin. Independent experts suggest that a photograph released by the Swedish government showing a craft breaking the surface 30 miles east of Stockholm appears to show what could be a Russian Triton or Piranha mini submarine, each of which carries just a handful of personnel for covert operations. A Russian-owned commercial tanker was also seen in the vicinity, and was said to be manoeuvring suspiciously. Swedish officials have reportedly not requested any assistance from NATO or other allies, though a NATO official suggested that the Swedish military would not be dedicating so many assets to the hunt for the submarine if they were not reasonably certain that a foreign craft was in the area. Military officials said they were determined to show that Sweden will act to protect its sovereignty, and that force may be used to compel the vessel to surface when it is found. Various naval vessels were said to be involved in the search, including the navy's 640-ton Visbyclass corvettes, as well as minesweepers and maritime patrol aircraft. Editor; Who was it who said that the coming down of the Berlin Wall was the end of the Cold War? See also the article below with regards the Pacific! Same principle as the Atlantic just a different Theatre! CHINA 'INSTALLS BUOYS' IN PACIFIC OCEAN Bangkok Post, 22 October 2014 Reports in the Chinese press suggest that a Chinese oceanographic research vessel, identified as the 3,300 ton Kexue, has installed 17 sets of submerged buoys in ‘key marine areas’ of the western Pacific Ocean. The Chinese press claimed it was the first time that China had installed arrays to such an extensive degree, though there were few details of where the buoys may have been placed. Chinese sources claim that the arrays will be used to collect oceanographic data, though some sources suspect that they may also be used for underwater surveillance. A report from the United States Naval Institute published in April suggested that China had made great progress in developing and installing undersea acoustic arrays off its coast, conceivably to monitor foreign submarine activities. MV Mary Mearsk is the third vessel in Maersk Line’s Triple-E class, which have nominal capacity of 18,270 TEU, although port restrictions have prevented the vessels from reaching full capacity. Editor with over 18 thousand containers onboard (Units); is it any wonder that some get lost at sea? It shows the incredible seamanship of the Masters and the crews but such a shame our own Merchant Navy Fleet was so devastated. 14 PARKING IN DERBY FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2015 TRAFALGAR DINNER No it is not too early to ask the question what do you want to do next year for Trafalgar Dinner? Trafalgar Day falls on a Wednesday midweek giving us the choice of Friday 16 Oct, Weds 21 Oct, Friday 24, Sat 25 Oct. I do not think the midweek date would be practical to many, thus the choice of three dates, two Friday and one Saturday. We then need to confirm the venue, room size and numbers we are going to target to get the booking deposit in as early as possible. The available dates are based on leaving out Sat 17 October as I know this has been booked at the Spot by the RNA for their Trafalgar Dinner. The straw poll a couple of years ago stated preference for Friday but I am aware this decision may have changed for some. Please let me have your feedback preferably before the Thursday 6 November Meeting at the Jubilee Club 10am In the past three members have been issued with parking tickets for exceeding their maximum 2 hours paid parking. The problem arises as assembly is 10am, and thence the 11am Service can without any stopping for a chat with old soldiers exceed the Noon deadline, & the men in the green hats in the words of a ninety year old ‘Take no prisoners’. This prompted a proposal from our members to write to the Leader of the Derby City Council, Cllr Ranjit Banwait requesting consideration be given to suspending parking charges in the vicinity of the War Memorial on the Market Place between 10am-1pm on Remembrance Sunday. The response has now been received from Paul Robinson, Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods Dear Mr Hall. Parking in Derby – Remembrance Sunday Thank you for your recent letter concerning parking on Remembrance Sunday. The City Council is of course pleased to do everything it can to support the Act of Remembrance, Commemorating the contribution of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women in past conflicts is important to us all. There are many events that take place in the city centre and which celebrate and support good causes. The Council is frequently asked to suspend parking charges to help facilitate these events and it is important that we treat each request on its merits while at the same time maintaining a degree of consistency. I disagree to an extent with your comments about local bus services but I do accept that many people attending the service will chose to use the car. The purpose of car parking charges in the city centre is to help manage the demand for parking. The city centre is a popular destination and on days including Remembrance Sunday the demand for parking is high. Retaining a parking charge will actually help to ensure that parking is available for those with the greatest need and rather than being a barrier charges should be seen as a benefit. Even on Remembrance Sunday there will be many people visiting the city centre for other purposes and it is impossible for the Council to provide a different parking solution for different people. What I can assure you of is that we do understand that on Remembrance Sunday people are often delayed returning to their vehicles. We have for the past few years taken this into account and adopted a more considered approach to parking enforcement on the day. We will continue to do this and should any particular difficulties arise I’d encourage people to talk to us so that we can take account of these. I a veteran does receive a parking ticket please contact me, Paul Robinson on 01332 643555 and I will arrange for the charge to be waivered. I trust this clarifies the situation. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me again. PR Terry Hall Welfare Chair. I can confirm that on the cases I have been involved with the City Council the City Council has adopted a more considered approach to parking enforcement on Remembrance Sunday, and refunded parking tickets. The only thing I can say is; those who feel aggrieved by this policy that locally Belper, Ilkeston and Long Eaton, Mickleover, West Hallam as well as many other Remembrance Sunday Services outside the City Centre all offer free parking on this special day!! As for the I disagree to an extent with your comments about local bus services, I agree the local inner City Buses are good, but those like myself a few miles outside the City only have 4 buses a day, thus 09:25 is ideal to get in for 10am but I would have to wait until 2pm to get home at 2:30pm, which is the reason I choose to use my car. So we have to accept The purpose of car parking charges in the city centre is to help manage the demand for parking, and things will remain as they were. Basically the answer is NO to DS request for Free Parking on Remembrance Sunday. OH! TO BE YOUNG AGAIN. There were mis-musters, slop chits, tot time and pay. There’s rising and shining and hitting the hay, there’s thickers and strongers and neaters as well. There’s DQ’s and chokey and the tiller flat cell. There’s aft and there’s for’ard, abeam and abaft, To civvies this cackle seems awfully daft. But to those in the Andrew, it doesn’t seem strange, Like the draft chits, the Jossman can always arrange. We’re always being ‘seen off’ and ‘getting green rubs’. Chasing up rubbers, and looking for subs, And going ashore like a great herd of cattle, And getting filled in and put in the rattle. There’s runs out to Honkers that to Jack are just fine, There’s times when we say, ‘Roll on my time.’ But many a time in HM’s Submarines, the submariner is proud and happy with his Queen’s And when time comes and we’re out on the dole In old civvy street, where we don’t know a soul We think of the good times and wish we were back In bells, silk and lanyard; A real ‘tiddly Jack’! CURRENT AFFAIRS The IS Ambassador to the UN had just finished giving a speech and walked out into the lobby of the convention centre where he was introduce to the US Admiral of the Fleet. As they talked, the IS rep said, ‘I have just one question about what I have seen in the West?’ The Admiral said, ‘Well, anything I can do to help? ‘The IS representative whispered, ‘My son watches this show called 'Star Trek' and in it there is; Kirk who is Canadian, Chekhov who is Russian, Scotty who is Scottish, Uhura who is black, and Sulu who is Japanese, but there are no Muslims. My son is very upset and doesn't understand why there aren't any Iranians, Iraqis, Afghans, Egyptians, Palestinians, Saudis, Syrian or Pakistanis on 'Star Trek'. The Admiral leaned toward the IS Ambassador, and whispered in his ear, ‘That's because it takes place in the future’ OLD COMRADES ASSOC/SERVICE CHARITY FAIR A suggestion has been made to arrange an OCA Charity Fair to take place on the Derby Market Sq. OCA’s, SSAFA, RBL, et al to have a stall and thus promote their existence and endeavour to encourage new people to join. A measure of fund raising would also be possible. Ideally this would take place in conjunction with Armed Forces Day in June 2015. 15 It is always a mug’s game to predict the world next year let alone 25 to 40 years from now; the life of major naval units. Like the stock market, diversification or a balanced force in naval parlance generally provides the best long term risk reduction and the capacity to respond to the unpredictability of the future. Maclean Canada https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=6547216 Editor: With the arguments in UK & Australia all struggling to maintain an efficient Submarine Force or indeed a Navy because of budget restraints; It Is a fact, that so called Third World Countries continue to expand and dominate Naval Power. China continues to go Deep Blue throughout the world and it is a case of the old adage of not taking heed of history and remembering how Empires were built; and consequently fall through lack of defence against aggression! A CANADIANS VIEWS ON SUBMARINES In my experience there are three segments who line up against submarines. First are those who don’t want a navy. You will never convince anyone here the value of subs. There is another group who really don’t want a navy so much as a Coast Guard; again no room for submarines. Then there is a third one, the majority of naysayers, who like the idea of a navy but not so much one with submarines. A variety of reasons include no need, too offensive, and too costly. It is here where the argument for boats must be won or at least preserved. Historically, Canada has agreed the need for a navy with a blue water reach. The mix has evolved, waxed and waned, but no government has yet decided to get out of this kind of navy. Issues of cost, delays, waste, Canadian defence imperatives tend to be issues of the day (h’mm, perhaps decades in Canada) rather than decisions against a modern navy writ large. Many will point out that tactical decisions can have effect with significant consequences to our strategic position. Ridding the Air Force of the Chinook and Air to Air Refuelling in the 1990s came back to hurt us. Sea King and submarine replacement cancellations, the cancellation of the AOR replacement project in 2008 and most recently the retirement and gapping of destroyers and AORs all have significant detrimental effect. But at the strategic level, Canada continues to commit to a global reach and it is my sense this will continue. LOTTERY CASH SAVES THE DAY The only surviving D Day landing craft, long abandoned semi submerged in Birkenhead docks, was brought to the surface last week. She is to be refitted and eventually displayed at the D Day museum in Portsmouth thanks to a massive heritage lottery grant. Meanwhile reports from Turkey indicate that the frigate HMS Plymouth towed to Aliaga, Turkey from Birkenhead for scrapping is already 50% demolished. GALLIPOLI GUNBOAT TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR CENTENARY COMMEMORATIONS Consequently, the more germane question is not why submarines, but rather why not submarines? Governments reserve the right to take a political decision or more cynically the right to take the wrong decision. Politics is politics and a good military argument can be trumped or stymied by government but there must generally be compelling political rationale. And note it is politically harder to get out of a business than start a new one. With three ocean borders, an incredibly valuable EEZ, long standing alliances, a national interest which is more global and maritime in scope than at anytime in our history, I would find it remarkable that people who understand maritime affairs and support a maritime control capability in our waters and beyond would advise and support getting out of the submarine business. Why, in a world where over 40 nations operate submarines and where submarines represent a growing component in many navies would Canada decide almost unilaterally to get out of the submarine business? What do we know that other maritime nations don’t? Heavy sledding politically to take such a decision. In a modern navy the ability to deal with threats above, at and under the ocean is vital to success. No one platform can do it all. Getting there, staying there and fighting there means ships, planes and submarines. Even more so if you want to do so independently. The only surviving British ship from the Gallipoli campaign will be opened to the public for the first time next year for the battle's 100th anniversary. Monitor HMS M33 once shelled Turkish positions in the Dardanelles during the illfated campaign to advance up the peninsula, seize Constantinople and knock the Ottoman Empire out of World War I. For nearly 20 years, the vessel has been slowly undergoing restoration work in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - work that can now be completed thanks to £1.75m of lottery cash. Once opened to the public, visitors will be able to view M33 below decks in her home in No.1 Dock (a short distance from HMS Victory) before touring the 568-ton vessel and her 6in gun. Editor: This is the vessel in the Dry Dock next to Victory in the Dockyard in Pompey and it is fitting it has been restored. GREECE COMMISSIONS SECOND TYPE 214 S/M Theodore L Valmas, Athens - IHS Jane's Navy Int’l On 6 Oct the Hellenic Navy held the naming, flag-raising and launching ceremony for HS Pipinos (S-121), its second Type 214HN-class submarine, at the Hellenic Shipyards' Skaramangas yard. Having completed its harbour acceptance trials, HS Pipinos is scheduled to commence Sea Acceptance Trials immediately and is expected to be fully operational in Nov. In mid-Oct, HS Okeanos (S-118), the world's sole Type 209/1200 submarine upgraded with new electronics and an Air Independent Propulsion module, bringing it up to Type 214 standards, is scheduled for sea acceptance trials, in order to be fully operational by Dec. The Hellenic Navy's Neptune II modernisation programme for three of its four-strong Type 209/1200 submarines ceased after work on HS Okeanos in order to fund the construction of two more Type 214 submarines, although due to budget cuts their fate now looks tenuous. At a point where our overall defence budget is likely to fall below 1% of GDP and where our government will balance the books at least in the short term, then Canadians cannot easily argue that there is no fiscal choice for submarines. We had to deal with a much more challenging fiscal imperative in the 1990s. And there was a view, again by some ‘experts’ in that decade that navies and particularly submarines were increasingly cold war relics. The navy leadership then recognized the essentiality of submarines to a modern navy and fought hard for and found a solution to maintaining the capability with the acquisition of the Upholder class. An imperfect solution, but looking ahead from 2014 the world looks a lot less comforting then in the heady days of the fall of the Berlin Wall. SUBMARINE ASTUTE EIGHT-MONTH VOYAGE By: Dean Herbert Scottish Express 8 October, 2014 HMS Astute arrived back at HMNB Clyde at Faslane after leaving Scotland in February to become the first Astute Class submarine to contribute to the UK’s presence in the Mediterranean. Commanding Officer Gareth Jenkins said the deployment had been a ‘huge success’. 16 NOVEMBER DS LUNCH CLUB: THE KINGS CORNER PH Lime Lane, Oakwood, Derby, DE21 4RF http://www.kingscornerpub.co.uk/ for full menu Wednesday 26th November 2014 12:00 for 12:30 Dine Please Stanley Village A first visit since 2012 for a change, and the last pub on the DS survey to do list! Situated on the Morley Road exiting Chaddesden to Stanley. Served by the Black Cat Buses and Notts Derby No. 11 from Derby timed 00 & 30 Hourly from No4 Bay Derby Bus Station. Kings Corner PH Chaddesden The Kings Corner is a Marsden’s Pub. The menu is quite comprehensive and a selection of what is available is listed below. Please ensure you ring (or email) Terry about a week before. MAIN DISHES Chicken Enchiladas Mex Chicken & Chorizo Bake Golden Scampi, chips & peas Steak & Ale Pie, chips,peas Fish & Chips, Mushy or Normal Beef Lasagne (Veg Option) All Day Breakfast BBQ Chicken & Bacon Mlt Sizzling Fajitas Steak/Chick/Mushrm Ploughmans Tart, Chips, Salad Peperoni Pizza Pie, Chips, Salad Grilled Red Pepper Pasta Spirals GRILLS LIGHT BIGHTS £6.50 £6.00 £7.00 £7.00 £7.00 £6.00 £4.50 £8.00 £7.40 £6.00 £6.50 £6.00 Breaded Plaice Ham, Egg and Chips Veggie Sausages and Mash 4oz Gammon Steak with egg Chicken & Bacon Melt SAUSAGE OPTIONS Sausages and Mash with peas Sausage & Mash ChilliconCarne Sausage, Bacon & Mash Pie £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £5.00 £5.50 £6.50 £6.00 Mash opt for rice, chips or wedges Jacket Potatoes from £4-£4.50 Cheese, Ham, Cajun Veg, Tuna 8oz Rump Steak 8oz Sirloin Steak 8oz Gammon Steak (Egg or Pineapple) Mixed Grill Steak,Chick, Gammon etc Surf & Turf Larger Options on request Curries with Rice or Chips, nan etc Chicken Jalfrezi, Tikka, Korma Prawn Bhuna Lamb Saag Masala Bhajis, Samosaas, Naan extras £8.50 £10.00 £6.50 £10.50 £10.50 £6.50 £6.50 £7.00 Enquire It appears to be the trend with all pubs to be complicating their menu’s to offer more and more tweaks to the existing choices. The changing from twice a year menu’s with Summer and Winter now seems to include Spring and Autumn! I have to look and plan a menu venue three months in advance to get it in the newsletter and planning is crucial to make this event successful and we cannot just have 20 diners turn up expecting service at our specified time especially if they are busy so I see no alternative but to carry on as we are. The Kings Corner, 01332 678410 Luncheon Club doc CHRISTMAS LUNCH APPLICATION FORM THE PARK, TOBY CARVERY Toby Carvery, Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6LZ 01332 662504 Wednesday 17 December 2014 Noon for 12:30pm Please mark your choice Clearly with a choice from the box below e.g. S2, M1, P2, A blank box will be taken that you have declined that course, and it is regretted the choices are fixed, with no alternatives to this package. I need your individual Food Orders In with Full Payments By 12 November please. This is so we can confirm our numbers to the area of the restaurant we desire at this busy time. I have booked a provisional 20 and capacity is 35 in our preference area in the front balcony private area, but we need 30 to guarantee the area to ourselves. Placecards with choices will be given to you on entry which checks off you have arrived. Put these where you wish to sit, and with whom! Cheques to be made out to DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY SO I CAN READ YOUR REQUIREMENTS (and please do not forget to PRINT your names in un-joined up writing!) MEMBERS NAME _________________________________ Please book me the following 1 2 3 4 Name (Block Capital Please) Starter Choice S1-S2 Main Choice M1-M5 Sweet Choice P1-P2 DS Member DS Guest DS Guest DS Guest COST PER PERSON £10 £15 £15 £15 Totals Cost Payable:- No other alternatives to choices. * Please advise if you want Choc, Strawberry, lemon, butterscotch or No sauce on Ice Cream THE CHOICES MAIN STARTER S1 S2 S3 S4 Honey Roasted Parsnip Soup (v) Fresh Fruit Salad (v) Prawn & Lobster Sensation Cocktail Oxford Blue Cheese & Pear Tart (v) M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 Traditional Roast Turkey British & Irish Roast Beef Festive Glazed Gammon Roast Port & Crackling Goat’s Cheese Nut Roast (v) Salmon Fillet wiv Bearnaise Butter PUDDING P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Dairy Ice Cream (v) (pick a sauce)* Christmas Pudding (v) Sauce or Custd Terry’s Choc Orange Sundae (v) Toby’s Festive Apple Crumble Custard Choc Fudge Cake with whipped cream Tea or Coffee DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS 2015 MEMBERSHIP Please respond by 31 December 2014, and make all cheques out to Derbyshire Submariners and put your name on back if not on the front of the cheque. (e.g. Building Society Cheque) Derbyshire Submariners 2015 (£12.50) £___________ Submariners Association 2015 (£10.00)** £___________ In Depth National Newsletter 2015 (£ 5.00) (Free On Line) £___________ Post & Packaging (If applicable) (£ 2.50) (For In Depth) £___________ Submariners Assn Diary (£ 3.00) No ______ £___________ *Cold War Pins (See Oct DD) (£4.00) No ______ £___________ Total Enclosed £___________ This Form is for use by ALL DS Full and Associate Members. If you use on line banking you can pay your Subscriptions direct into the Derbyshire Submariners HSBC Account, just contact the Treasurer for full details. I would appreciate payment by 31 December 2014 to close the Branch books and make sure everything has gone through the banking system at the end of the financial year 31 January 2014 to get the books closed and audited at the end of our financial year. ** As voted at DS AGM includes £2.50 to cover admin of SA Memberships & cards. It would also be appreciated that ALL On-Line Members carry out an annual ‘Check Report Email’ which confirms that we are in touch via email two ways. I will follow none replies up in January 2015 if not received renewals therefore if you do not intend to rejoin DS/SA I would be grateful to be notified, so as not inconvenience you with unnecessary contact Terry Hall, Derbyshire Submariners Membership Secretary 69 Station Road, STANLEY VILLAGE, Nr Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6FB SAIL WELFARE NEWS (BENEFITS 4th QUARTER UPDATE 2014 Sail kindly supplies us with their Benefit updates. SAIL who focus mainly on fishermen and merchant seafarers, but they are able to help serving & former RN & RM personnel via referrals from the White Ensign Association (WEA). (http://www.whiteensign.co.uk). However primarily SAIL is a specialist telephone advice service for merchant seafarers, fishermen & their families and dependants. The seafarer’s advice and information line (formerly known as Seafarers Benefits Advice Line) is a UK based advice service operated by Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux Ltd (GCAB) on behalf of Seamen’s Hospital Society. They provide free independent impartial and confidential advice by telephone, email post or fax. SAIL posts updates on Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Seafarers.Advice (Cut and paste to Browser) ADVICE AREA SUBJECT WHAT’S HAPPENING Benefits Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Universal Credit (UC) Benefits Bedroom Tax Benefits Checking on Claimants Debt Payday Loan Companies Debt Advice at Food Banks Housing Dept Management Companies (DMC) Housing Revenge Evictions Financial Private Pension There are huge delays in assessing PIP applications, averaging around 8 months. We are advising many ex-seafarers suffering with this issue. PIP is replacing DLA Latest government figures show there are still less than 10,000 claimants across the UK. We’ve yet to see our first seafarer with UC. UC is designed to have a massive impact, replacing six benefits (including Tax Credits) for working age people Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party have all pledged to scrap the Bedroom Tax The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is using data from HM Revenue and Customs to check the ‘real-time’ income of 300,000 benefit claimants. Separately, DWP inspectors are doing unscheduled home visits to a small number of randomly selected benefit claimants Wonga announced it was writing off the debts of 375,000 of its clients – a massive number given that there are only around 2 million payday loan clients in total. This is undoubtedly good news, as we’ve seen the hugely damaging impact of rolled-over payday loans on the finances of a number of seafarers The Trussell Trust, which runs over 400 food banks across the UK, announced it would be offering debt advice at it food bank The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating a number of DMC over the fees they charge. Two rules for debt advice – never pay for it (SAIL and many charities can help for free); and always get advice from a FCA-regulated organisation The government backed a private members bill outlawing ‘revenge evictions’ by private landlords, where tenants are evicted after asking landlords to do repairs to their property From April 2015, up to 25% of a pension pot can be taken as a tax-free lump sum and the remainder can be taken as a taxed lump sum. There is plenty of free advice available to help make an informed choice on this vitally important financial decision Benefits For further advice please contact the relevant benefits centre as these benefits are handled by a mixture of local authorities, JobCentrePlus, HMRC and Dept Work & Pensions, NOT SAIL Sail have kindly given permission for their article to printed in this newsletter for information only PLEASE PRINT ALL INFO FEDERATION OF NAVAL ASSOCIATION (FNA) AGM /REUNION /SOCIAL WEEKEND TO BE HELD AT GRAND BURSTIN HOTEL FOLKESTONE FRI 8th MAY TO MON 11th MAY 2015 £96 PER PERSON 3 NIGHTS HALF-BOARD ALL ACCOMMODATION EN SUITE Surname…………………………………………………… First Name …………………………………….. Address ……………………………………………………………………………………..……………………… ……………………………………….………………………………………………………………..Postcode…………………….… Tel No ……………………………………... E-Mail…………………………………………… Name of other persons in your group ………………………………………………………………………………………….......... Total Number in party …….... Car Reg…………..………... Rooms Required. Double …...... Twin…..…. Single………… Special requirements (Diet/Mobility/Etc) Please note there are no walk in showers at this venue ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… Single accommodation is limited so some may have to share. If you are willing to share please indicate here Yes / No To Book. A Deposit of £25 per Person is required with this order form made out to Derbyshire Submariners for DS group booking before 6 November (You can pay in full if you wish) to DS Treasurer or to book direct send to Robbie Robson Federation of Naval Associations. 12 Rainton Street, Old Penshaw, DH4 7HQ Tel: (0191) 584 7058 Cheques to; FNA, email [email protected]. Full payment by either method is required by 1 March 2015 In your own interest please make sure you have your own Travel insurance FNA PROGRAMME Frid 8 May – Mon 11 May 2015 (Please See comments page 20 Col 2) Frid 09 May 14:00 15:00 1400 - 1500 Arrival at Grand Burstin, Meet and greet. Parking is available, (please note your Car Registration No. on the Booking Form). All of the delights of Kent area are at your disposal for the weekend. This weekend is run on a very informal level with the minimum of any pomp or circumstance. No Frills; No Drills. 18:00 Evening meal. Rest of the evening 'swinging the lamp' in general and socialising. Entertainment is supplied by the venue Sat 10 08:00 8am - 9am Breakfast May O/C F.N.A. Annual General Meeting. Please note. All are invited to attend, but only one delegate from each Fully Paid up Association of the FNA, or Ships Company Member is/are eligible to vote on FNA matters 18:00 UP SPIRITS, followed by Dinner, then followed by entertainment laid on and socialising Sun 11 08:00 8am - 9am Breakfast May O/C Free to relax, do as you wish. Visit friends in the area, etc. A visit to the Hythe RBL Club for those wishing to partake of `Jacks Dinner Time Sesh`, which is a tried and tested pastime, where many world problems are discussed, but invariably never solved 18:00 Evening meal, followed by entertainment laid on Mon 12 08:00 8am - 9am Breakfast May Depart for home Pastures This itinerary is a general guide and is subject to change where necessary and in regard to timings. A Raffle for Association Funds will be held over the weekend and drawn Sunday after Church service. Raffle prizes donated will be most welcome. SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION AGM & MIXED REUNION SOCIAL WEEKEND PLEASE PRINT ALL INFO TO BE HELD AT THE HOLIDAY INN, LEICESTER, LE1 5LX FRI 27th MARCH TO MON 30th MARCH 2015 £145 PER PERSON 2 NIGHTS HALF-BOARD / £125 Per Person if sharing a room £205 PER PERSON 3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD / £160 Per Person if sharing a room Surname …………………………………………………… First Name ………………………………………. Address ……………………………………………………………………………………..……………………… ……………………………………….………………………………………………………………..Postcode…………………….… Tel No ……………………………………... E-Mail…………………………………………… Name of other persons in your group ………………………………………………………………………………………….......... Total Number in party …….... Car Reg…………..………... Rooms Required. Double …...... Twin…..…. Single………… Add any other supporting information or requirements on separate sheet if necessary and submit all applications to Dave Barlow, Submariners Association, 84 Holbeck Park Ave, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0SB. Tel; 01229 831196 Make cheques payable to ‘Submariners Association’ only please. Car parking is NCP and is £5 per day. Note Full 4 page A4 Information Sheet & Booking Forms including Food choice available on request from Secretary DERBYSHIRE SUBMARINERS DIARY 29 Oct Luncheon Club Bartlewood Lodge, Spondon 02 Nov Derby Festival of Remembrance Cancelled + 04 Nov RBL Park Rd, Ilkeston Children’s Svc. 10am + 04 Nov RBL Kirk Hallam Children’s Svc. 11am + 06 Nov DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Fri 10am-12am 07 Nov Annual Chaddesden Park Children’s Svc. 9:30am+ 09 Nov Remembrance Sunday Derby + 11 Nov Armistice Day 11/11 Submariners Services 10am Meet Main Entrance to convoy to 1st Grave ERA John Brooks C16 & Sig Charles Buttle C25 * o/c for 11am. Nottm Road Soldiers Corner + 11 Nov DS Armistice Day Coffee Morning Jubilee Club O/C Soldiers Corner but Subject to Permission 26 Nov Ilkeston Rugby Club Service of Remembrance Luncheon Club Kings Corner, Oakwood 05 Dec DS Meeting. Jubilee Club Chad, Fri 12:00 06 Dec Over by Christmas Concert Long Eaton £10 Ring 01332 812067 for booking and tickets 17 Dec DS Christmas Lunch The Park Chaddesden Details and order form on Page 19 Oct DD 180 Legend The Post of DS Standard Bearer is at present vacant. However, + TH as Asst Standard Bearer is filling in where possible and * PJ is assisting where possible. 19 Jan 14-17 Mar 20 Mar 27-29 Mar D&DExSvc AGM Council House, Derby Ton Spring W/E Chatham Run Ashore! RMA Coffee Morning, Council House, Derby 10am SA AGM & Mixed Reunion Leicester See Page * King James Bible Isaiah Chap 56 v 11 (From Pg 12) Verse 11. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Many old mature ex communicators will remember when HM Ships always had a bible on the bridge, mainly used for sending signals, or from many a Senior Officer to send a rebuke to a Junior Officer if it was thought he had transgressed and to give them the task of a suitable reply. The senior Chief Yeoman or in latter years Chief Radio Supervisors became quite knowledgeable on quotes and many had their own cribs to cover most situations. I will dig my own crib out sometime! The last time I used it was in the early 2000’s for a Church Magazine article!! DERBY STANDARD ANSWER Following a verbal request to one of our members that our original SOCA Standard, (Now properly laid up) was requested back by an ex SOCA member as he had paid for it at the time, our President has dug through his records and provided me with a Derby Telegraph report from 1980. It reads as follows; Submariners Dig For Standard. Thirty men, including one who served on submarines from 1925-30, attended the first meeting of Derby Branch of the Submariners Old Comrades Association last night. Within a few minutes the new members had collected £132.50p to buy a branch standard. It is thought the Standard in question requested back is the one known as the Derby SOCA Royal Standard from the 1980’s. But nobody remembers where, when, or who laid it up? What is known, and stated categorically by founding members still part of DS is; it was one big embarrassment at the time, and buried quickly! I did not join SOCA until 1991, and was not Sec until 1997, without a date guideline, and someone with the time to trawl the historic archives it will remain a mystery I am afraid. End of Standard Dit COLD WAR PINS & OTHER SLOPS . The Cold War pins are available from me as treasurer as per the article on page 6 of this newsletter. Other Slops in stock include: Ladies Dolphins with bow, Enamel Poppy with Dolphins, Tie Pins (just over 2’) Black representing Swiftsure Class and P&O Submarine (2 of each available) all at £4 each. All of course sold on first come first served basis Stop Press 22 Oct Their has been a delay in the supply of these Pins. FNA REUNION STOP PRESS The Weekend Papers 19/10 advised that Britannia Hotels had 130 rooms booked to illegal immigrants causing distress to paying guests. I understand the FNA Committee have been assured this practice has been stopped, but they are seeking stronger verification and assurances and seeking the position in Folkestone before considering if the Reunion does need to be moved to another place or venue. Members will be kept informed of developments. 13 Apr D&DExSvc Meeting Council House, Derby 23 Apr St. Georges Day Parade and Celebration Derby Current and 1 year Back Issues on Derbyshire Submariners Web Page www.godfreydykes.info/DERBYSHIRE_SUBMARINERS_PAGE.htm 24 Apr DS Coffee Morning 13th Anny Freedom of City 10am & www.britishlegion-derbyshire.org.uk/D&DexSA/Derbyshire Submariners.htm 8-11 May FNA Reunion Folkstone (See Page 19) 27 Jun Armed Forces Day UK 01 Aug Dieso Boat Reunion, Plymouth 03 Sept Merchant Navy Day 14 Sept D&DExSvc Meeting Council House, Derby 21 Oct Trafalgar Day NEWSLETTERS ONLINE Views & comments of this newsletter do not always reflect the official policy, or the decisions of the Derbyshire Submariners Terry Hall, Newsletter Editor Derbyshire Submariners 69 Station Road STANLEY VILLAGE Derbyshire, DE7 6FB [email protected]