Christine 
On Friday 15th August 2025, the Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association held a poignant service of remembrance to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day at the WW2 Memorial in the Peace Gardens at Ayscoughfee Hall, Spalding. This years’ service was made especially memorable by the presence of our Guest of Honour, Shipmate … Read more
The Royal Naval Association attended the VJ Day Commemoration Service at the WW2 Memorial in the Peace Garden, Aycoughfee Hall, Spalding. Our guest of honour was shipmate Charles Giles at the ripe old age of 103. Shipmate Giles served in the Pacific Fleet and was present when the Japanese surrendered. Please find below my speech … Read more
During my time as Chairman of South Holland District Council, I had the privilege of meeting Jane Pearson, a passionate campaigner who worked tirelessly to bring Captain Matthew Flinders home to his birthplace of Donington. That vision became a reality, and although I have since retired from politics, I now have the honour of serving … Read more
Following the successful commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the D-Day Landings on 6th June, which began with a flag raising at the South Holland District Council Offices and continued with a Service of Remembrance at Ayscoughfee Gardens, I have been overwhelmed by the number of heartfelt messages received via Facebook and email. Veterans and … Read more
Friday, 6th June 2025 marked the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings, a defining moment in our nation’s history and a day that will forever be remembered for the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of those who took part.. The Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association, under the Chairmanship of Shipmate Richard Brown, was honoured … Read more
I served as a Conservative District Councillor for 14 years and as a Conservative County Councillor for 4 years. I was also a member of the Conservative Association for nearly 15 years. In May 2023, I took a step back from Politics and, after much reflection and witnessing the current state of our country, I … Read more
On Wednesday, 27th November, I had the privilege of attending the South Holland District Council full Council meeting, where I was presented with a badge recognising my service as Chairman of the Council. It was an honour to receive this award, and I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank South Holland District Council, … Read more
This weekend was a special time for South Holland as the community came together to honour those who served during Armistice events across the district. Members of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) Spalding Branch attended a series of commemorative events that were both moving and inspiring: Commonwealth Graves Service – Spalding Cemetery, Saturday, 9th November … Read more
Christine and I had a delightful time celebrating Trafalgar Day with lunch at the Baytree Garden Centre. We were warmly welcomed alongside shipmates, their wives, and partners from the RNA Association Spalding Branch by Keith Crawford MBE Chairman, as well as other association members. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, … Read more
Something extraordinary happened the other day. As the newly appointed PR and Recruitment member for the Spalding Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA), I received an unexpected phone call. The man on the other end of the line had recently moved to my village and mentioned that he was already a national RNA member, … Read more