Submariners enjoy 2025 summer social occasion

By Lee Chambers

GOSPORT SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION followed up the success of its 2024 Summer Social by striking their “tried and tested” formula for the 2025 edition, which was held at the RNA Club in Gosport earlier this month. And it proved an excellent evening as over one hundred branch members attended alongside friends / family members in an event that will live long in the memory.

The evening was organised by the Social Sec team of Pinky Floyd and Jock England, who were well supported by the committee. It was started by chairman Stevie Thorpe and he welcomed the Guest of Honour, Gosport Mayor Kirsten Bradley and her escort Jon Bradley, to the social occasion in a short speech that preceded the evening’s festivities.

However Mr Thorpe didn’t miss out “Birthday Tots” with half of the committee members seemingly having birthdays this month, which may have been a coincidence for those who attended. The buffet was then declared open and guests were able to enjoy an excellent Hog Roast served by Calshot Catering, who were also responsible for 2024’s buffet too. Again, if it’s not broke don’t fix it!

Entertainment was later provided by Jenny June as a returnee from last year, where she was one half of The Petites. She started with soft music whilst people were eating before steadily working up to many dance floor belters in the second set, which brought guests onto the floor. One nameless committee member showed the Mayoress how to do the three basic matelot dances while barely shuffling the feet. She was visibly impressed and one dance seemed to be plenty before she politely excused herself!

The excellent singer took a short and well-earned break while Jock did the raffle. Much to the delight of the winners and usual grumblings from the losers, it turned out there were in fact no losers. This was because Mr and Mrs Adi and Karen Mawby collected the used tickets to use at a children’s raffle at QA Hospital in the near future.

Overall it was a brilliant evening that the Gosport Submariners Association will find it hard to beat in the summer of 2026. Grateful thanks must be paid to all those who organised it and particularly the members / guests who turned up to enjoy themselves throughout the event. More photos can be seen online via this link.

PICTURED BY GOSPORT SUBMARINERS ASSOCIATION: Members and guests enjoy the hog roast social held at the RNA Club recently.