Royal Naval Association - Rayleigh

06/06/2026

Today 6th June we remember the sacrifice of so many that took part in the landings at Normandy. Their sacrifice can never be forgotten nor can the debt that we owe.

28/05/2026

I would like to thank our Public Relations Officer SM Eddie Hardiman AKA Steady Eddie for all his hard work in producing our new RNA Rayleigh Branch Promotional Cards.

These are an upgrade from our original Promotional Cards and have turned out really well. We are hoping to distribute them at various events and display them in local museums and libraries.

Let me know what you think of them.

28/05/2026

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 27th May 26 we had a speaker Paul Hunt who is a historian. He gave us a great talk on the WW1 artifacts he has collected over the years.

The talk was very informative and he made it personal by recounting the lives and history of the people that were linked to his artifacts.

He had everything from a set of cavalry officers spurs to a bugle that was used at the battle of the Somme.

We would definitely recommend Paul if anyone is looking for speakers. Contact me for his details.

Mike Sandbrook
Chairman/Secretary
[email protected]

23/05/2026

On Friday 22nd May 26, RNA Rayleigh branch visited the Purfleet Heritage & Military Centre. We started by having a brew and a chat with the 4 guides who were very knowledgeable and
friendly.

They gave us talks on the building itself which was purposely built gun powder magazine storage with 5ft thick walls, then moved on to some of the other amazing exhibits.

We were there for a few hours but to be honest we had no idea how much was actually there and didn't get to see it all as we had a lunch booked at Willow Farm.

So we will definitely be booking to go back again in the future.

The Purfleet Heritage & Military Centre is a charity run by volunteers who are keen to preserve our history. They are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays so as the kids are off for half term this would be a fantastic place to visit.

Please support this great charity so that we don't lose it. Spread the word, it's a great day out.

https://purfleet-hmc.org/

Thanks to our Social Secretary (Visits) SM Grahame Ward for organising the visit and everyone who came along on the day.

14/05/2026

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 13th May 26 we had another Quiz Night.

Once our Chairman/Secretary SM Mike Sandbrook gave the opening prayer and minutes silence we went through the Agenda covering branch business.

We then had a 15 minute Stand Easy before starting our Quiz.

These are hosted by SM's Trina & Mike Sandbrook and are always fun and full of banter.

We had 35 members attend in 7 teams. The winners were named 'Nosy Aren't You' which says it all.

They won a tub of Quality Street.

We then moved on to our Raffle hosted by our Social Secretary (Events) SM Dawn Roberts.

We ended the evening with our Vice-Chairman SM Brian Dobinson giving the closing prayer and wishing everyone a safe journey home.

At our next branch meeting on Wednesday 27th May we have Paul Hunt giving us a presentation on World War 1 which should be very interesting.

Guests are welcome.

03/05/2026

A number of RNA Rayleigh Branch members and their guests attended the annual Army v Navy Rugby at Twickenham on Saturday 2nd May.

Great result for the Navy winning 36-41. Back to back wins against the Army for 52 years!!!

Was a great day out, good laughs, good mates and a good few beers!!!

03/05/2026

Wellbeing Wednesday: Where Everyone Is Welcome: Prostate Cancer Awareness

Wednesday 13 May | 7.00 – 8.00 pm

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet it is often misunderstood and, too frequently, talked about too late. As part of our Wellbeing Wednesday programme, we are pleased to host a rescheduled Prostate Cancer Awareness session, open to everyone.

This session aims to raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and encourage open conversation about a condition that affects hundreds of thousands of families across the UK. Importantly, while prostate cancer affects men, this session is open to both men and women, recognising the vital role that partners, families, and friends play in awareness and early support.

For more information, visit the RNA website:

Wednesday 13 May | 7.00 – 8.00 pm Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet […]

27/04/2026

On Friday 24th SMs Mike Sandbrook and Brian Dobinson attended the Lads Lounge event in Ashingdon that was arranged and hosted by RRAVS (Rayleigh, Rochford Association for Voluntary Services).

This was an event aimed at raising awareness around Men's Mental and Physical Health. Anyone could pop in and talk to the people from the various agencies that were present. We were there hoping that we would find some Armed Forces veterans, so that we could tell them about the RNA and how, maybe they could benefit by joining us.

There were 3 short talks by people who spoke about their mental health issues, and how they dealt with them. These talks were very personal and enlightening.

Other agencies present included:

Andys Man Club - A voluntary agency who can help men with depression and suicidal thoughts

The Robin Cancer Trust - they had information around being aware of and how to check for Testicular Cancer

Trustlinks - a voluntary organisation who help with mental health and wellbeing using gardening as a method.

Rochford Primary Care - They were checking weight and blood pressure.

I have attached some photos of cards and leaflets from some of the organisations who attended and contact details of support services that are available

23/04/2026

SM Brian Dobinson attended the Rayleigh Town Council St Georges Day flag raising today. Sun was shining and the wind was blowing, which was good for flag flying! SM Marianne Vernon (Leader of Rayleigh Town Council) aised the flag following a short reading.

23/04/2026

Happy St Georges Day