28 NAVY NEWS, JULY 2008
Southend
Setting the standard
reflect
THE tables were turned at this year’s National Standard
Bearers competition, when the previous runner-up triumphed
over past
over the man who beat him.
S/M Bob Colburn, of Inverness branch, took the honours,
pushing Mick Kieran of Coventry branch into second spot.
The biannual competition was hosted by Chatham
70 years
branch in the Royal Engineers gymnasium at Brompton
Barracks in Gillingham.
Nine competitors took part, which meant that most areas
MEMBERS of the Southend- were represented .
on-Sea branch celebrated the Association president Vice Admiral John McAnally
70th anniversary of the founding attended the weekend, including the evening event when the
of their branch at the beginning of
silverware was handed out to the winners.
last month.
The weekend was rounded off with a small parade on
The branch started out with
Sunday to the Chatham Naval Memorial, led by the National
just three shipmates, but now
Standard and including area and branch standards.
claims to be one of the largest in
the country, with more than 400
● (Left) National Standard Bearer competition winner
members.
S/M Colburn (on right) with runner-up S/M Mick Kieran.
S/M Colburn later led the Sunday parade (right)
It has its own headquarters and
club in Prittlewell.
Picture: Alan Peckett
A service of thanksgiving
was held at St Mary’s Church,
Prittlewell, on the day of the
anniversary.
The branch standard was
rededicated, and the service
was conducted by the newly-
appointed branch chaplain, Rev
A tot for the Yacht
Shaun Conlon.
The mayor of Southend,
MORE than 20 former corporate event venues.
together with branch patron Sir
Royal Yachtsmen – or Yotties
Since she opened to the public
Teddy Taylor, attended, along
with around 100 shipmates and
– stepped back on board
on October 19 1998, Britannia has
their wives and partners.
Britannia for a special reunion
welcomed more than 2.7 million
visitors, and was recently awarded
A buffet lunch was provided at
at Leith.
the highest-ever grading for a
headquarters after the service.
Special guest was Dixie Dean,
visitor attraction by VisitScotland,
who served the last rum issue
the Scottish Tourist Board.
Busy in Bristol
on Britannia the day the ration
Britannia is owned by a self-
ended on July 31 1970 – and
funding charitable trust, which
THREE branches from the south-
visitors on board were treated to a
preserves and maintains the ship.
west were set for a busy weekend
re-enactment of the daily rum tot
Chief Executive Bob Downie,
as Navy News went to press.
ceremony.
who has been with the ship since
Bristol, South Bristol and
The men were also able to
she arrived on the Forth in May
South Gloucestershire branches
recount first-hand experiences of
1998 to be converted to a tourist
were manning stalls at the City
what life was like for the 240
attraction, said: “It was a great
of Bristol Veterans Day event,
members of the ship’s company
honour for us to welcome back the
which was scheduled to include
when Britannia was in service. Yotties to Britannia.
a presentation of badges, bands
The Royal Yacht served Queen “This ship holds a very special
and displays by Sea Cadets,
and country for over 40 years, and place in their hearts and it was
with the latter performing
this year celebrates ten years as an incredible opportunity for our
Ceremonial Sunset at the close of a five-star visitor experience, and visitors to hear their stories first-
proceedings. one of the UK’s most prestigious hand.”
www.navynews.co.uk
● Former Yotties toast the Royal Yacht with a tot of rum
Trophy
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