Royal Naval Association - Rayleigh

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Royal Naval Association - Rayleigh The Royal Naval Association (Rayleigh Branch). Meeting Venue: The Royal British Legion Social Club,
2 London Hill, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HP.

06/10/2026

Here's to the next 125 years.

On Tuesday 6th Oct 26 members of RNA Rayleigh branch visited the Fire Service Museum in Grays, Essex.We were met by the ...
06/10/2026

On Tuesday 6th Oct 26 members of RNA Rayleigh branch visited the Fire Service Museum in Grays, Essex.

We were met by the Fire Service Museum volunteers Dan, Mick & Murray who gave us a very warm welcome including teas/coffees & biscuits before Mick gave us a very interesting presentation on the history of the Fire Service.

He went through how insurance companies, and businesses would have their own private Fire Crews.

He talked about the Fire Service changes through World War 1 & 2 and how Royal Navy sailors were brought back from the trenches to man the Fire Stations during the Zeplin air attacks.

He then went through how the Fire Service has developed over the years to where we are today.

We were then treated to tours of the museum including all of the equipment and engines of the past.

It was a great day thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Our thanks to Dan, Mick & Murray for looking after us so well.

If anyone is looking for a day out for their groups or organisations I would definitely recommend a visit to the Fire Service Museum in Grays.

https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/essex-fire-museum

On Sunday 4th Oct 26 RNA Rayleigh branch had a working party at the Living Memorial, Rettendon giving Jim's Cabin a clea...
04/10/2026

On Sunday 4th Oct 26 RNA Rayleigh branch had a working party at the Living Memorial, Rettendon giving Jim's Cabin a clean and preserve ready for winter.

Thank you to Shipmates Brian & Lesley Dobinson, Keith & Dawn Roberts & Donna Howard for joining me today and for all your hard work. It was very much appreciated.

I would also like to thank RNA Rayleigh branch Honorary members Jackie Hammond & her partner Mike Jones for getting Jim's Cabin ready and the equipment needed to carry out the work.

https://www.rnarayleigh.org.uk/

https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/195064

Mike Sandbrook
Chairman & Secretary.

🌺 DID YOU KNOW? that the very first Poppy Appeal took place in 1921, just three years after the end of the First World W...
02/10/2026

🌺 DID YOU KNOW? that the very first Poppy Appeal took place in 1921, just three years after the end of the First World War.

Nine million poppies were ordered for people across Britain to wear in remembrance. They sold out almost immediately and the first appeal raised more than £106,000 to support veterans.

Have you considered helping the Poppy appeal yourself by hosting a collection box in your workplace or even collecting in the High Street, Train Station or your local supermarket? Just ask if you would like the contact email for one of the organisers.

This year’s Poppy Appeal begins on 22 October. Every poppy worn is a small act of remembrance, but together they create something incredibly powerful.

So whether you wear one, donate, knit or crochet one for a display, every poppy has meaning. 🌺 105 years later, we still remember.

RNA Rayleigh branch members will be out helping with the Poppy Appeal in Rayleigh High Street on Wednesday 28th Oct & 4th Nov. They will also be helping out at the local Asda, Sainsburys, Morrisons & Aldi.

Come and say hi and get your Poppy's.

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 30th Sep 26 we had a Musical Bingo night.We started off the night with o...
01/10/2026

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 30th Sep 26 we had a Musical Bingo night.

We started off the night with our Chairman/Secretary SM Mike Sandbrook giving the opening prayer before moving on to giving a summary of the recent Members Feedback Survey.

It was great to receive very positive feedback on how the branch is being run and the format of our meetings.

We received some great ideas for future visits and constructive views on our entertainment which have been taken onboard.

We then went through the rest of the Agenda with all committee members giving a short dit on their respective positions.

It was great to hear that with our latest 2 branch members, one being a WW2 RN Veteran that we now have 90 members.

After Stand Easy our Social Secretary for Events SM Dawn Roberts and her husband Treasurer SM Keith Roberts ably assisted by their daughter SM Donna Howard provided the evenings entertainment Musical Bingo.

This was the first time we had tried Musical Bingo and it proved to be very popular and enjoyed by all.

Dawn & Donna then called the raffle before our Vice- Chairman/Welfare & Wellbeing Officer SM Brian Dobinson ended the meeting with the closing prayer.

On Friday 25 September, members of the Submariners Association Essex Branch including their Chairman John Havis visited ...
25/09/2026

On Friday 25 September, members of the Submariners Association Essex Branch including their Chairman John Havis visited the Living Memorial in Rettendon.

We mustered at 1000 and were warmly welcomed with brews and cakes by Fran Theobald, who owns the Living Memorial with her husband, Peter.

Mike Sandbrook, Chairman of the Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch and a fellow Submariners Association member, spoke about the branch’s connection with the site. He paid tribute to its late Chairman, Jim Hammond, who acquired the flagpoles, anchors and slabs. After Jim crossed the bar, a cabin was erected in his memory (Jim's Cabin at Hammond's Quay) and became a museum.

Fran then told us how the Living Memorial began, how it has grown and what is planned for its future. She and Peter have made it a welcoming place for local veterans’ associations and continue to support the memorial services held there each year.

Mike led a tour of the site and its memorials before we returned for another brew and a chat. It was an informative and enjoyable visit for everyone. Thank you to Fran and Peter for their hospitality. ⚓

The Living Memorial is free to visit and open seven days a week.

📍 White House Farm, Main Road, Rettendon, Essex, CM3 8DL

⚓ Do You Miss the Camaraderie, Banter and Friendship of the Naval Family? ⚓The Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch i...
20/09/2026

⚓ Do You Miss the Camaraderie, Banter and Friendship of the Naval Family? ⚓

The Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch is looking for serving and former members of the:

🔹 Royal Navy
🔹 Royal Fleet Auxiliary
🔹 Women’s Royal Naval Service
🔹 Royal Marines

If you live in Rayleigh or the surrounding area, come along and meet us. Whether you served for a day or an entire career, you will receive a warm welcome from people who understand the friendships, traditions and sense of belonging that come with being part of the Naval family.

We are a friendly and active branch, offering comradeship, social events, visits and continued support for one another and our local community.

📅 Next meeting: Wednesday 30 September 2026
🕢 Come along from 7.30pm
📍 Royal British Legion Club, London Hill, Rayleigh

There is no obligation to join just come in, have a drink and meet the Shipmates. You may walk through the door as a stranger, but you will leave as part of the Naval family.

Please share this post with anyone who has served in the Naval Services.

Contact: [email protected]

⚓ Once Navy, Always Navy ⚓
Unity • Loyalty • Patriotism • Comradeship

⚓ RNA Rayleigh Branch Visits the Living Memorial ⚓On Friday 18 September 2026, members of RNA Rayleigh Branch visited th...
20/09/2026

⚓ RNA Rayleigh Branch Visits the Living Memorial ⚓

On Friday 18 September 2026, members of RNA Rayleigh Branch visited the Living Memorial in Rettendon for our annual Afternoon Tea.

This has become a much-loved event in our calendar, giving Shipmates the chance to relax, socialise and enjoy one another’s company in this very special setting.

Our wonderful hosts Frances Theobald, Rob Jordan and his dad Peter, together with Jacqueline Hammond (daughter of our late Chairman Jim Hammond) looked after us superbly. We were treated to tea, coffee, Pimm’s, sandwiches and cakes until we were fit to burst!

Peter also entertained us with a fascinating game of “Guess What the Object Was Used For?”, featuring some weird and wonderful Victorian artefacts from his collection.

RNA Rayleigh Branch works closely with Fran and Peter Theobald, the owners of the Living Memorial, supporting their continued efforts to maintain and expand this unique and important place.

During the afternoon, our Chairman, Shipmate Mike Sandbrook, was proud to present a donation of £365 to the Living Memorial Charity on behalf of the branch.

Many of our members also took the opportunity to explore the grounds and visit the many memorials, including the RN/RNA Memorial. This is where we will hold our annual Remembrance Service on Monday 9 November.

Thank you to everyone who made the day so enjoyable. We are already looking forward to returning next year.

If you have never visited the Living Memorial, we warmly encourage you to come along and discover this very special place for yourself.

Follow the Living Memory Memorial Facebook group for opening times and upcoming events:

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/693340432857398/

📍 The Living Memorial
White House Farm
Main Road, Rettendon
Essex, CM3 8DL

⚓ Once Navy, Always Navy ⚓

On Saturday 19th Sep 26 members of RNA Rayleigh branch visited T Cribb & Sons Funeral Directors.I know that sounds wrong...
19/09/2026

On Saturday 19th Sep 26 members of RNA Rayleigh branch visited T Cribb & Sons Funeral Directors.

I know that sounds wrong in so many ways but it was their stables at Middlebrooke Farm, RM4 1HL.

That's where they keep their lovely horses and carriages used for funerals. They have an amazing collection of vintage carriages & vehicles.

We were greeted with tea, coffee & biscuits before Peter & Sarah gave us a very informative talk on the history of Cribbs Funeral Directors and all of the carriages & horses.

We had an excellent day and would like to thank Peter, Sarah, Albie and all their staff for looking after us so well.

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 16th Sep 26 we had 2 great speakers Karen Bainbridge & Steve Cole.Their ...
17/09/2026

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 16th Sep 26 we had 2 great speakers Karen Bainbridge & Steve Cole.

Their presentation was on Beyond the Big Guns: The Human Face of Jutland Through Family History.

Karen started off by listing all her family who had served in HM Armed Forces in all 3 services right back to the Battle of Trafalgar.

When talking about the Battle of Jutland she had a relative that was sunk on the HMS Black Prince.

Steve then took over and gave a very informative overview of the Battle of Jutland including the sinking of the Black Prince & Queen Mary.

The presentation was very much enjoyed by all our members.

Karen works at Southend High School for Boys and organises a Veterans lunch every year where we get to sit and talk to the young boys about military service and Remembrance.

Address

The Royal British Legion, 2 London Hill
Rayleigh
SS67HP

Opening Hours

8pm - 10pm

Telephone

+447447092661

Website

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