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.

⚓ A shared naval heritage, a moment of Remembrance and a 5–0 victory.Founded in 1951 by Royal Navy veterans following th...
01/11/2026

⚓ A shared naval heritage, a moment of Remembrance and a 5–0 victory.

Founded in 1951 by Royal Navy veterans following the Second World War, White Ensign Football Club recently contacted the Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch to reconnect with its naval roots. Since then, we have been working together to build a relationship that benefits both organisations.

On Saturday 31st October 2026, RNA Rayleigh and the Royal British Legion Great Wakering were honoured to attend White Ensign’s final home fixture before Remembrance, against Wormley Rovers at Burroughs Park, Great Wakering.

Before kick-off, RNA Rayleigh Chairman Mike Sandbrook and Standard Bearer Brian Dobinson joined RBL Great Wakering Chairman John Woodcock and Standard Bearer Dave Mead in leading the officials and teams onto the pitch for a short Remembrance service. It was a poignant opportunity to come together and remember those who served and sacrificed.

The RBL were also collecting for the Poppy Appeal at the match.

The match kicked off at 3pm, with White Ensign delivering an impressive performance to secure a well-earned 5–0 win. The enthusiasm of the players and supporters made it a memorable afternoon.

Our thanks to White Ensign FC for their warm welcome and for honouring their naval heritage. We look forward to continuing our friendship and supporting each other in the years ahead.

⚓ Once Navy, Always Navy. 🌺

âš“ Two new Shipmates join RNA Rayleigh branch!At our branch meeting on Wednesday 28th October 2026, Chairman SM Mike Sand...
31/10/2026

âš“ Two new Shipmates join RNA Rayleigh branch!

At our branch meeting on Wednesday 28th October 2026, Chairman SM Mike Sandbrook gave the opening prayer before welcoming Royal Navy veterans Paul Glass and Mikey Sandbrook. Both have joined as Full Members, bringing our branch membership to 92. Welcome aboard, Shipmates!

Mike thanked everyone who helped weatherproof Jim’s Cabin at the Living Memorial ready for winter, along with those who hosted and supported our recent Bring & Buy Night.

He also thanked the members giving their time to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, collecting in Rayleigh Town Centre and at supermarkets across Essex. Your support is greatly appreciated. 🌺

Committee reports followed, with our Standard Bearer, SM Brian Dobinson, outlining the many Remembrance events at which Rayleigh branch will be represented. Social Secretary for Events, SM Dawn Roberts, shared details of our forthcoming Pickle Night on Friday 20th November and Christmas Social on Wednesday 9th December.

After Stand-Easy, members enjoyed a relaxed social evening and the opportunity to catch up before the raffle. Vice-Chairman SM Brian Dobinson then brought the evening to a close with the closing prayer.

Once Navy, Always Navy. âš“

❤️ REMEMBRANCE – SUPPORTING THE POPPY APPEAL 🌺Throughout this Remembrance period, members of the Royal Naval Association...
30/10/2026

❤️ REMEMBRANCE – SUPPORTING THE POPPY APPEAL 🌺

Throughout this Remembrance period, members of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) Rayleigh Branch have been keeping busy supporting the Royal British Legion and helping with this year's Poppy Appeal.

You can find our Shipmates out and about collecting in Rayleigh Town Centre, as well as at ALDI, ASDA, Morrisons and Sainsbury's in the surrounding areas.

It's been lovely to stop and chat with members of the public, many of whom have shared some wonderful and moving stories about their relatives who have served in our Armed Forces.

These personal connections remind us all why Remembrance is so important. ❤️

Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the generosity and support shown by the public has been absolutely amazing.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has stopped to chat, donated, or supported the Poppy Appeal in any way.

Every donation makes a difference, and your generosity is greatly appreciated.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. 🌺

⚓ RNA Rayleigh Branch – Proud to Remember, Proud to Support.

Happy Trafalgar Day everyone. Today we honour a true naval hero and all his men that defeated the combined French & Span...
21/10/2026

Happy Trafalgar Day everyone. Today we honour a true naval hero and all his men that defeated the combined French & Spanish fleet in 1805 ensuring Britain continued to rule the waves.

⚓ Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch visits White Ensign FC ⚽On Saturday 17th October, Branch Chairman Mike Sandbro...
18/10/2026

âš“ Royal Naval Association Rayleigh Branch visits White Ensign FC âš˝

On Saturday 17th October, Branch Chairman Mike Sandbrook, Vice-Chairman and Standard Bearer Brian Dobinson, and PRO Eddie Hardiman visited White Ensign FC at their home ground, Burroughs Park in Great Wakering.

A big thank you to Committee Member Bradley Medhurst for his warm welcome, tour of the ground and introductions to Club Chairman Josh Ferris, his partner and Club Secretary Kara, and fellow committee members Alan Day, Alan Cornelius, Brian Shorter and John Anstead.

We also met the Royal British Legion Great Wakering branch Chairman John Woodcock, Secretary Sandra Cooper, Marilyn Pond and Standard Bearer Dave Mead.

We enjoyed an entertaining Essex Senior League match against SOUL Tower Hamlets, with evenly matched sides and plenty of end-to-end action. White Ensign’s determination paid off in the second half, securing a well-earned 2–0 victory, with another goal ruled out for offside. 👏

Our visit also gave us the opportunity to prepare for the club’s final home game before Remembrance:

đź“… Saturday 31st October
âš˝ FA Vase: White Ensign FC v Wormley Rovers
📍 Burroughs Park, Great Wakering
đź•’ Kick-off: 3pm

RNA Rayleigh Branch and the Royal British Legion Great Wakering Branch will lay poppy wreaths on the pitch, accompanied by our Standard Bearers, as we come together to remember those who served and sacrificed.

ALL Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans can attend for the discounted price of ÂŁ6 on production of proof of service. Please come along, support the team and join us for this special occasion.

Our relationship with White Ensign FC has continued to grow since Bradley approached us to re-establish the club’s links with the Royal Navy. A heritage dating back to its founding by Royal Navy veterans in 1951.

Thank you to everyone at White Ensign FC for your hospitality. We look forward to seeing you again on 31st October!

âš“ Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism, Comradeship.

⚓ A lovely evening of fundraising at RNA Rayleigh! ⚓Our branch meeting on Wednesday 14th October featured a Bring and Bu...
16/10/2026

âš“ A lovely evening of fundraising at RNA Rayleigh! âš“

Our branch meeting on Wednesday 14th October featured a Bring and Buy Night, raising funds towards our Christmas Social on Wednesday 9th December.

Back by popular demand, Mrs Eileen McCabe led the evening, ably supported by her daughter, SM Marianne Vernon, and SM Alison Halpin.

Members and guests generously donated a wide variety of items, with plenty of browsing, buying and friendly conversation along the way.

A heartfelt thank you to Eileen, Marianne and Alison for their hard work, and to everyone who donated or bought items. Your generosity will help make our Christmas Social a special occasion. 🎄

Once Navy, Always Navy. âš“

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.

Address

The Royal British Legion, 2 London Hill
Rayleigh
SS67HP

Opening Hours

8pm - 10pm

Telephone

+447447092661

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