Submariners enjoy special Christmas social occasion

By Ron Gordon

OVER eighty members of the Gosport Submariners Association Branch attended a special Christmas social event to begin the festive season on December 4; where they were joined by partners, invited guests and seven members from the Portsmouth Branch at the RNA Gosport.

The evening was kicked off with a welcome speech from Chairman Steve Thorpe MBE, who ran through the programme for assembled guests. He explained that the aim of the event was for everybody to have a wonderful time and there would be fundraising for good causes; including the Chairman’s charity of Elson Heroes and the branch widows.

Members and guests were then invited to tuck into a wonderful buffet provided by Sue Wallis (Buffet on a Budget); who was a PO WRN Steward from 1979 to 2001. A few drinks were drunk before a presentation was given for Keith Davison, who had served at the RNA for 23 years and a small token was given to him from the branch as an appreciation of his service.

The audience then sat back and relaxed enjoying wonderful entertainment by the Rocks N’ Groynes, who sang many of the old favourites. They even got audience participation with two members, Colin Mould and Les Catlin, joining the group for a singalong along with Shelia Davies (wife of Peter Davies). A share of £100 from the fundraising would go to the band’s charity, Children with Cancer”.

Steve then proceeded to raise funds using his auctioneer skills and “dit spinning” to auction off a range of submarine related memorabilia which had been donated by members; which raised a magnificent £320 combined

Another huge contribution of £240 was raised through the raffle run by Willy Wilmhurst. Members and guests were furthermore extremely generous with other donations which made an overall total of £862 raised throughout the evening.

Steve and members would like to thank all those who attended / supported the event; which provided to be an enjoyable night that raised crucial funds for multiple charities. Special mentions go to Sue Wallis for providing the buffet and the excellent performance by Rocks N’ Groynes. Everybody look forward to many more well supported social events in 2024.

Anybody wanting to join the Gosport branch of the Submariners Association are asked to contact Ron Gordon by emailing: rongordon58@gmail.com. However all members must either be former or current submariners.

PICTURED: Members, families and guest attend Christmas social event which further raised money for multiple charities.