As many of you know, this monthly column is named “Taku Talk” after HMS Taku, the T-class submarine adopted by Spalding during World War II. Much of her fascinating memorabilia can still be viewed today in Ayscoughfee Hall. Recently, Shipmate Terry Carter contacted me after reading a book that features our famous adopted submarine, and … Read more
The Spalding Royal Naval Association (RNA) organised and hosted a poignant service to mark the 82nd Commemoration of the D-Day landings on Saturday, 6th June 2026. The event took place at Ayscoughfee Gardens, drawing a strong showing of support from veterans, service personnel, and the local community. Due to intermittent showers, the service was moved … Read more
The Deep-Sea Secret of the Silent Service Good morning to you all. It is a pleasure to share that we now have 47 members serving the Spalding branch of the Royal Naval Association. We are also very fortunate to have several submariner shipmates amongst our ranks. Submariners have always been viewed a little differently from … Read more
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 … Read more
I am delighted to share news of two recent successes involving the Royal Naval Association here in Spalding. First, we proudly celebrated one of our most dedicated shipmates, Yvonne Crawford. Yvonne is a long-standing Associate Member of the Spalding branch and the wife of our late Chairman, Keith Crawford MBE. Over more than 47 years, … Read more
As we reach this very special time of year, my latest Taku Talk monthly report reflects on a season that means so much to so many of us. It is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and look forward to Christmas, a period of reflection, gratitude and goodwill. The Spalding Royal … Read more
This month’s TAKU Talk focuses on recruitment and achievement, two areas in which the Spalding Royal Naval Association continues to go from strength to strength. The Spalding Branch is proud of what it does and what it has achieved, particularly in the way it honours and shows respect to the fallen. Our commitment to remembrance … Read more
The Spalding Royal Naval Association remains the only veterans’ association still operating in South Holland, Lincolnshire. This enduring presence is why the Association continues to play a leading role in supporting all military parades and services across the district, ensuring they are carried out with the dignity, precision and respect that our fallen deserve. This … Read more
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