06 May 2024
May 2024
TCA PATRON
On 3rd May 2024 His Majesty King Charles III graciously consented to continue as Patron of the TON Class Association, thus maintaining the role he has had since February 1994, as HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, formerly Commanding Officer of HMS Bronington in 1976.
White Rose Group
On Saturday 20th April the White Rose Group met at the Premier Inn, York North West. Thanks to Terry for organising and obtaining a generous discount.
Present were: Terry Foreman, Alan Hewitt, Clive Dennison, Trevor Dixon, Pincher Martin, Dave Parrish, Phil Fluke and myself, Allan Brown.
I gave an update on the March Committee Meeting held in Portsmouth and Phil Fluke brought along an historic Schermuly line-throwing rocket and accessories, as used by the Coast Guard in times past.
The small rocket enabled the Guard to send 175 yards of light buoyant line to a ship in distress close to shore. The line acted as a messenger for heavier rope which enabled a Breeches Buoy to be rigged and so to bring the crew to safety. ( See photos ).
The rig could also be used between ships so that a ship afloat could assist or tow off a ship aground. In the 1920s it became compulsary for ships over 800 tons to carry Schermuly gear..
Phil also suggested that next time we all bring some photos of our time in the RN.
Afterwards we were joined by our ladies and some of Trevor’s family for a meal.
Date for our next meeting is Saturday 6 July.
Another date for the diary is Sunday 8 September when we plan to attend the Remembrance Service at Eden Camp Museum.
SpiDesIgn Runners up in Business Awards
TCA offers congratulations to SpiDesIgn, who built and maintain the TCA website, on becoming Runners Up in the Suffolk County Business Awards presented on 11 May at Suffolk County Showground in Ipswich.
SpiDesIgn were nominated in the Small Business Sector, Professional Services Category.
Pictured below at the awards ceremony are (Left to Right): Neil Cattermole Graphic Designer, Sharon Maugham Admin Manager and Paul Strandoo Senior Web Developer.
Owner/Directors Richard and Kelly Gurteen were unfortunately not able to attend the ceremony due to a prior family commitment.
SpiDesIgn are a key supplier to TCA, providing us with an excellent service maintaining our website and keeping it safe from spammers, hackers, phishers and viruses. Details of our security arrangements are obviously not made public, but they include Anti-virus protection and monthly checks on Images, Links, Contact and Application Forms, Recent Updates and a Triple-Layer Back Up. They are on call to us for Technical Support seven days a week and we have regular liaison meetings.
Peter Down, TCA Webmaster
Area Representatives
TCA has vacancies in many areas for Area Representatives to co-ordinate communication, representation and social activities for members in their Counties/Regions.
Contact Secretary Matthew Salisbury for details of the role.