As we approach Armistice Week, the Spalding Royal Naval Association (RNA) is preparing to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In this month’s TAKU Talk, I am delighted to invite you, your families, and members of the public to join us at three special Armistice events taking place across South Holland. We … Read more
Ahoy, Spalding! Have you ever wondered how our local naval veterans celebrate Britain’s greatest sea victory? If you’ve been keeping up with October’s TAKU Talk, you’ll know all about Admiral Lord Nelson and his legendary win at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. But while you might know about the big battleships, there’s a much … Read more
What a magnificent weekend it was at Baytree Nurseries for their very first 1940s event on the 22nd and 23rd of August. The atmosphere was alive with vintage charm, featuring live 1940s music, a variety of antique and craft stalls, energetic dancing, impressive military vehicles, and a wonderful selection of refreshments. The team at Spalding … Read more
On Sunday, 12th July 2026, members of the Spalding Royal Naval Association (RNA) had the distinct privilege and honour of attending a beautiful anniversary service at St Mary & The Holy Rood in Donington. The service marked the 2nd anniversary of the reinterment of one of Lincolnshire’s – and the Royal Navy’s- most legendary sons: … Read more
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