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21 Monks Way AUTUMN 2011 NEWSLETTER The Very Reverend Dr. John Hall, Dean of Westminster Abbey, has given permission for us to hold our Remembrance Service at the Abbey on SATURDAY 26th NOVEMBER. Survivors, members and guests are requested to enter the Abbey by the west door no later than 1430 and proceed to the seating in the centre of the nave. Prior to Evensong the Abbey staff will direct us to seats in the choir stalls for the service. For people who have never been to this service I find it one of the most moving celebrations at which to be present. On completion of Evensong we retire to the nave seating for our service in memory of all those who died in HMS BARHAM and we also remember all those survivors and Association members who have passed away during the year. The service starts with the parading of our standard for the final time by CPO Bob Woodgate and is followed by the laying of the wreath. The wreath is again being made and very kindly donated by Pat and Alan Pickett, thank you. If any member or members of the Association wish to lay the wreath please let me know. After the service the book of remembrance will be open for inspection. Last year three survivors were among the ninety seven members and their friends who attended the service. This is well up on some previous years and is very pleasing that so many wish to support our service and keep the name of HMS BARHAM and their loved ones in their memories. Some members have planned to meet at the Methodist Central Hall restaurant for a light lunch and get together before the Abbey services. The Union Jack Club has again kindly given permission for members and their friends to use the club’s bar and restaurant after the Remembrance service. The Union Jack Club is in Sandell Street on the east side of Waterloo railway station. The guestbook on our website has a steady stream of entries from members of families who served in HMS Barham, but for whom the Association had never had any contacts. We would welcome any of them who wished to come to the Remembrance service. On the following Sunday 4th December the "HMS BARHAM Survivors Association standard will be laid up at St.Ann's Church in H.M. Dockyard ,Portsmouth.during the normal 10.00 Sunday service conducted by the Reverend Keith Robus. For all those wishing to attend the arrangements are enclosed. Some Seventy one members of the Association including survivors Mr Jack Nealon, Mr Richard Laland and Mr Ted Clow attended the dedication of the HMS Barham Memorial Stone at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 11th June of this year, The service was conducted by the Revd Keith Robus, who kept us all in tune for the hymn singing. Keith had a word with a higher authorityand the rain held offfor the serviceand then poured. At the arboretum there are already two oak trees and a seat in memory of those lost in HMS BARHAM. One tree is situated in the Royal Naval Review, the other tree, seat and stone are placed near the "My Remembrance Day Poppy Garden." With the very impressive new Armed Forces memorial to all those killed since World War Two and the various other memorials the arboretum is well worth a visit. At this point I should like to thank all members of the NMA staff for their kindness and help given during the day. The Association would also like to thank Pat and Alan Pickett for the beautiful wreath which was supplied at very short notice and was admired by all who attended the service, and finally to Mr Harry Mouatt who made and erected the stone at the Arboretum. Next year we will again ask the Dean of Westminster Abbey if we can hold our service on Saturday 24thNovember. The arrangements will be advertised on our website www.HMSBARHAM.com. I would like to thank all those who have been in contact with the Association for their support and gifts. I would also like to thank Bob Woodgate for parading our Standard on so meny occasions. Finally I particularly wish to thank Ray and Diana for organising such a successful day in June and for all the hard work they have put in for the Association over many years. Yours sincerely, Michael Stratton-Brown Chairman |
last updated: 13 July 2013 |
andrew gillespie