Royal Naval Association - Rayleigh

14/06/2026

On the weekend of 12th to 14th June 26 our branch Chairman SM Mike Sandbrook & Vice-Chairman SM Brian Dobinson attended the Royal Naval Association National Conference in Salford, Manchester.

RNA Branches from all over the country came together to hear the Associations annual reports and way ahead.

Meeting old shipmates and making new friends made it a very enjoyable weekend.

The Conference was held at the Lowry Centre followed by a Gala Dinner at the Imperial War Museum (North).

The RNA is continuing to grow its membership and has a great vision for the future.

11/06/2026

On Saturday 6th June 2026 SM's Mike and Maria Burnham represented RNA Rayleigh branch at the Welsh Open Uckers Tournament.

They beat all comers in the doubles and brought the Trophy back to Rayleigh, in Essex.

SM Maria Burnham also did very well in the Singles.

BZ Shipmates.

11/06/2026

On Wednesday 10th June 2026 RNA Rayleigh branch held our Summer Buffet at the Royal British Legion. We had a good attendance of 54 members and guests who all had a great night.

The buffet provided my Myra Noakes of M & M Catering Essex was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We also had a raffle and music. Thanks to our Social Secretary (Events) SM Dawn Roberts and her team for organising and running this event and to SM Keith Roberts our resident DJ.

We look forward to seeing all our members again on Wednesday 24th June for a Social Night.

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 […]