Another exceptional event, filled with pomp, ceremony and fun, was held by the local branch of the Royal Naval Association at the La Laguna Hotel on the 21st October, the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the passing of our hero, Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson.
The Branch Shipmates (S/M’s) were once again proud and privileged to have Captain Stephen McGlory Royal Navy | Defence Attaché | British Embassy, as guest of honour at this year’s remarkable event. They were also delighted to have two branch S/M’s, Frank Goodman, Marine Engineering Artificer 1st class RN. Retd. and Helen Goodman, Radio/Communications Operator RNR. Retd; members for over 20 years and who had received their Certificates in October.
Among the merry band of ‘swash bucklers’ with branch S/M’s, families, friends and civilians were of course our ‘oppos’ the Royal Marines (up in the masts looking over us with their muskets).
Adding to the throng were representatives from the RAF and Merchant Navy, and by way of a special treat we had Peter Golding who was a Lance Corporal in The Royal Yeomanry, Territorial Army (TA) and John Hunt, who was a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers for 24 years, with their respective partners.
The evening commenced with a CAVA reception to the sound of naval military music, while everyone ‘got chatting’ and the ‘old sea dogs’ were able to ‘swing the lamp’ and tell a ‘yarn or two’.
The ensemble, whilst stood at their respective dining tables, were then treated to a spectacle of the six Standards being paraded in by S/M Bryan Dalton (Branch Standard), S/M Tom Patterson (Union Jack), S/M Mike Cockman (Spanish Flag), S/M Danny Kay (White Ensign), S/M Steve Hemingfield (on behalf of the RN submarine service) and a guest Michael Westhead, (on behalf of the Merchant Navy), which were all ceremonially received by the branch Vice Chairman, S/M Graham Shelton, and all to the sound of Hart of Oak.
Following the superb three course meal, we had the tradition of ‘passing the port ‘ to charge glasses in order to Toast Su Majestad Rey (King) Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain (which was taken standing) and His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom (which was taken seated in the traditional Royal Navy style). Prior to the final Toast to Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, the audience were treated to an enlightening and amusing account of the life of Horatio Nelson by Captain Stephen McGory.
Following the accolades to the team of S/M’s ,who had contributed to staging the event, including the table decorations and ‘rigging out’, was a special praise and round of applause to S/M Amanda Clancy, Petty Officer Writer RN Retd. who as the Assistant Social Secretary, lead organiser of the event.
A special thankyou and round of applause was made enthusiastically to Lilly and the Staff of the La Laguna for the spectacular service and delicious food.
The penultimate activity to the evening was the spectacular Raffle, superbly conducted by S/M Nicola Louden & S/M Kim Hemingfield and ably assisted by S/M Carl Louden,
The magnificent evening was then rounded of by much ‘frolicking on the dance floor’ to the harmonious sound of Rae Daniel and S/M’s happy chants of “looking forward to next year”.
Tony Jenkins, RNATB Chairman.
