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Meetings held at the
Atherton Arms: Second Thursday of every Month 20.00hrs
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Once
Navy always Navy
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Atherton Royal Naval Association was commissioned as a Branch on
the 8th of November 1983, and in 2008 saw us celebrate our 25th
Anniversary.
The idea of a local RNA. goes back a bit further than that. As
we know people get chatting at social occasions and down at the
local pub and it came about that there were quite a few ex-matelots
resident in the Atherton area. They came from a variety of
backgrounds and covered a wide range of age groups.
The Secretary-elect at that time, Shipmate Jack Richards, wrote
to the RNA. Headquarters in London for guidance, and from humble
beginnings the Branch held its first meeting in June,1983. There
were five further founder members present - Frank Wilson, Fred
Wilcox, Tommy Proctor, Mike Needham and Jack Gibbons and others
soon joined them. Before long things snowballed and the
membership began to grow.
Monthly meetings were held at the Sailors & Soldiers Club in
High Street, Atherton, on the second Thursday of each month.
This meeting date has continued ever since, but sadly to say,
the Sailors & Soldiers Club is no longer in being and closed
down in the September of 2001. Meetings are now held at the
Atherton Arms,
Tyldesley Road, Atherton, which is close by. (see pictures
below,
click on pictures for map)
On the 12th August 1986, Commander M.E. White, Royal Navy,
approved the Branch's request to be affiliated to the Swiftsure
Class Submarine
HMS
SCEPTRE.
Over the years we have had some memorable times on board the
Sceptre and have attended a re-commissioning at Devonport and a
re-dedication at Rosyth. As recently as June, 2001, we were able
to visit Faslane and Rosyth to commemorate the centenary of the
Submarine Service with our friends on board Sceptre. Members of
the Sceptre's ship's company have visited us to celebrate our
tenth anniversary and to join us on Remembrance Sunday's.
HMS SCEPTRE
was also affiliated to the town of Wigan and when the
Wigan Branch of the RNA. was formed in the mid 90's they also
became affiliated to the vessel.
We try to organise trips and ships visits whenever possible and
have recently been on board HM Ships Lancaster, Orwell,
Northumberland, Albion and Cromer to name but a few, and also
have ties with, and have visited a number of other RNA. Clubs in
our area.
Several of our branch members belong to other Associations
including the LST & Landing Craft Association, the Ton Class
Association, HMS Collingwood Association, The Engine room
Association and the St Austell Bay Association, so there is
always something to chat about. We also have close ties to the
Wigan Sea Cadet Unit,
T.S. SCEPTRE.
Currently the branch has 15 Members and we are always willing
to accept new Members and Associate Members. If you are already
an RNA. member visiting the area please come along to one of our
meetings and help to
"Swing the Lamp".
Our meetings are in the back room of the Atherton Arms
and are on the 2nd Thursday of each month, meetings commencing
at 20.00hrs |
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We provide help and camaraderie for ex-servicemen in Atherton and
the surrounding area |
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Contact: click on Email logo for official of choice |
Please sign our "Guestbook" below |
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Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism, and Comradeship |
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