Many will recognize the famous slogan, “Born in Birkenhead, but made in the Royal Navy.” For one local resident, those words are much more than a marketing campaign – they are a life story.
The Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) currently stands 47 members strong. While our shipmates hail from every corner of the United Kingdom, they are united by a singular, steadfast belief in this country. In the latest edition of Taku Talk, we sat down with one of our own to share a story of lifelong service with the people of South Holland.
Meet Shipmate Terry Day. Now 74, Terry was born in Birkenhead and entered the Royal Navy in 1968 as a cook. His service took him across the seas aboard HMS Eastbourne, HMS Ark Royal, and HMS Dundas before his discharge in 1974. However, his departure from the Navy was merely the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to others.
While working for Mersey Ferries, Terry’s instincts and bravery led him to save a woman from drowning. For this act of heroism, he was awarded the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Bronze Marine Medal, accompanied by a certificate from the Mayor of Wallasey.
Terry eventually moved his dedication to the shore, serving 30 years as a fireman, with 26 of those years right here in Spalding. Many locals will also remember him as the face of the Spalding Water Taxi, where he served as a river pilot for a decade.
Beyond his professional life, Terry’s resume of kindness is exhaustive. He has completed 115 blood donations, run the London Marathon, and learned sign language to better communicate with his community. He has completed five voyages on tall ships helping disabled youth and played a vital role in raising over £4,000 for prostate cancer research. When the pandemic hit, Terry didn’t step back; he served as a vaccination support volunteer and a lifeline for the lonely through check-in and chat services.
Today, Terry remains an active pillar of the RNA, serving as our conference delegate for many years. When he isn’t advising the local branch on national matters, he and his wife, Shirley, can be found singing with the Spalding Community Choir. He has even captured his journey in his autobiography, “It Started With A Bang.”
Terry represents the very heart of the Spalding Royal Naval Association. We are a group that cares passionately about our country and our neighbors. If you would like to meet Terry, Shirley, and the rest of our members, we invite you to join us.
We meet at the Constitutional Club in Spalding on the second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm. Whether you are looking to join as a full member or an associate, we would love to see you there.
Rodney Grocock
Vice Chairman – Spalding Royal Naval Association
Email: rodney@rodneygrocock.co.uk
Tel: 01775 713989