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Farewell Good Knight

On 16th December 2005 RFA Sir Tristram made her final voyage from Marchwood to Portsmouth , then it was ‘finished with engines’ for the very last time after almost 40 years service.

Some of our members were lucky enough to be on this final voyage, which culminated in a first class reception on board, hosted by the current Captain and crew.

Sir Tristram will be based in Portsmouth to train Special Forces personnel, replacing the ageing HMS Rame Head.

More sad news

As we go to press we have learned that RFA Grey Rover is to pay off in early March 2006.

We have been informed that there may be a possibility for former crew members to participate in the final send off. To this end if any member who has served on the ship is interested in this event, please let Peter or Mike know A.S.A.P..

When we find out more we will let all interested parties know the arrangements.

Navy V Army Rugby

As reported in the last issue we will try and block-book tickets to this event in May if there is enough interest.

That said could those who are interested please let Peter know by the middle of March so that we can begin negotiations over price.

Oral History Project

Our new project as reported in the last issue is rather unique and one that we hope will add to the RFA Association archive.  The idea is to record



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significant events, particular deployments and special memories of our members.  Initially this will be done on tape cassette and later transferred to CD.  The working title of this project is “Voices from the Fleet”.

We are still looking for volunteers to start the ball rolling. For full details drop me a line or an e mail and I will forward the proposal.  For those members who are not that active nowadays a visit to record your memories can be arranged.  Please let me know if you are interested.

Welcome to Sukey Cameron

We are honoured to report that Miss Sukey Cameron, the Falkland Island Government Representative in London has kindly consented to be an Honorary member of both the Association and the London Branch.

Sukey has also kindly agreed to be a special consultant for the forthcoming Falklands 25 book, and I am sure that the membership of the branch will join the committee in giving her a very warm welcome.

 

Merchant Navy Day

Once again we are looking for volunteers for this year’s Merchant Navy Day parade at Tower Hill, this

 

year it will be on Sunday 3rd September.

If you can spare the time please let Peter or Mike know.

Falklands 25 Project

The proposed book on the RFA in the Falklands is moving along nicely.  We would still like to hear from anyone who served on any ship during the conflict, anyone who was attached to STUFT ships, or indeed anyone who was at the ‘Mad House’.  All memories and recollections of events will be very welcome as we would like to make this book something we can all be very justifiably proud of.

If you would like to contribute to this project, please let Peter or Mike Know.

Branch Web Page

We are now on the web.  Please have a look at our page on:

www.rfa.graphical.freeuk.com

and access our branch page at the RFA Association button on the left of the home page.

And Finally

If you have an e mail address please forward it to Mike Day at

Rfaa.london.mike@btinternet.com , so that we can send news of events to you a bit quicker.

Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting is 12th April at 1300, at our usual venue of the Marine Society.


Contact Details

This newsletter is edited by your branch chairman and I can be contacted with comments, suggestions or to sign up to our many events and projects at:  Peter Robinson, Tel: 01322 448788 after 18:00 and weekends, e-mail: engine-room@tiscali.co.uk, or my address in the membership book.  I am not the one in Northern Ireland .