Royal Naval Association - Rayleigh

03/09/2026

At our RNA Rayleigh branch meeting on Wednesday 2nd Sep 26 we had a guest speaker Lt Charlie Hadley from the Westcliff High School for Boys Combined Cadet Force Naval Cadets.

Charlie gave a very informative presentation on his background and courses he had to complete to carry out the role as Lead Instructor for the Naval Cadets.

He is responsible for 90 Naval Cadets throughout their time at the school. He explained all of the courses and training the cadets go through at each level and the adventurous training available to them.

He was very proud to say that his CCF Naval Cadets were the only ones in the country to be invited down to London for the parade as their marching was at a very high standard.

RNA Rayleigh branch have had a close relationship with the Charlie and his Naval Cadets for the last 2 years. We have a shield for the best Naval Cadet of the year which is presented by our RNA Rayleigh branch Chairman.

We have also been teaching the Naval Cadets how to play Uckers, which they seemed to enjoy very much. Although, a few did resort to LUDO at times the way they were knocking pieces off the board.

We look forward to working closely with Charlie and his CCF Naval Cadets of Westcliff High School for Boys moving forward as it benefits both organisations.

We are now waiting for Charlie and his partner Caitlin to join RNA Rayleigh branch. If not, we may have to bring back the Press Gang!

03/09/2026

On Wednesday 2nd Sep 26 members of RNA Rayleigh branch were on our stall in Rayleigh Town Centre meeting the local residents and telling them all about RNA Rayleigh branch.

We had a great laugh and some very interesting conversations. We even helped a lovely pregnant lady out shopping with her mum confirm the name of her baby due on New Years Eve. We look forward to welcoming young George as a new RNA Rayleigh branch member in due course. All part of the service.

We will be following up with those that were interested in visiting us at the Royal British Legion, Rayleigh.

03/09/2026

On Merchant Navy Day, the Royal Naval Association encourages all branches and members to fly the Red Ensign in recognition of the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy.

Their service has been vital to our nation's history, security, and prosperity. Let us honour their legacy and show our support by proudly raising the flag that represents Britain's merchant seafarers.

Fly the Red Ensign. Honour the Merchant Navy.

Merchant Navy Day, observed annually on 3 September, recognises the vital contribution of the UK’s merchant seafarers to the nation’s […]

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

A very special place in Essex that deserves to be remembered. 🌳

Did you know there is a Living Memorial in Rettendon, Essex, dedicated to the servicemen and women who have lost their lives serving our country?

Operation Sweet Pea – The Living Memorial remembers the fallen from World War One to the present day, with memorials also dedicated to those who lost their lives serving in the Fire & Rescue and Police Services.

🌳 Hundreds of trees
🕊️ Names of the fallen
📖 Stories of the conflicts they served in
❤️ A place to remember and reflect

Created by Peter and Frances Theobald, the memorial began after they witnessed the fallen being brought home through Royal Wootton Bassett from Afghanistan. What started with a few trees and memorial plaques has grown into an incredibly moving and peaceful place.

It is FREE to visit all year round, and donations are welcome to help maintain and improve the site.

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

If you've never been, why not take some time to visit? Walk among the trees, read the names and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Some places should never be forgotten. 🇬🇧

👉 Please SHARE this post and help spread the word about this remarkable memorial. You never know who might see it and decide to visit.

Lest We Forget. ❤️

31/08/2026

On 3 September, join us in marking Merchant Navy Day by flying the Red Ensign.

This simple act recognises the vital contribution of Merchant Navy personnel, past and present, and celebrates the strong and enduring bond between the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy, including the many RNA members who have proudly served in the Merchant Navy.

31/08/2026

On Wednesday 2nd September 26, RNA Rayleigh branch are in Rayleigh Town Centre meeting local residents. Come and have a chat with us. Find out who we are and what we do. Who do you know with links to the Royal Navy? Bring them along to meet us.

31/08/2026

Guests always welcome at our Royal Naval Association Rayleigh branch Meetings. If you know anyone with Naval links that live in Rayleigh or surrounding areas let them know about us. It would be great to meet them.

18/08/2026

The Royal Naval Association Rayleigh branch meet at the Royal British Legion every other Wednesday evening. Visitors and Guests are always welcome. Come and say hello!

Find our meeting dates and events on our Website; rnarayleigh.org.uk

17/08/2026

On Sunday 16th Aug 26, members of RNA Rayleigh branch attended the Gurkha Festival in Purfleet on Thames, Essex.

We put up our RNA Stand ready for the 1000 start along with many other organisations including the Sea Cadets from TS Dragon.

The days events were organised by the Purfleet Military & Heritage Centre & Gurkha community who did a fantastic job ensuring everyone had a great time.

It was great to see the youngsters competing in the Field Gun competition. The gun was a little lighter than the real thing but everyone enjoyed the event and well done to all those who took part.

Our RNA Rayleigh branch Chairman SM Mike Sandbrook was very pleased to meet Kishor Limbo President of the Thurrock Nepalese Gurkha Community.

Some of our members managed to wear 2 hats on the day as they also brought their classic cars along.