On Sunday 27th January 2019 members of our Branch, who are also N0.4 Area officials, Charles H Thompson (Area Life Vice President), David White (President), Pete Shoesmith (Deputy Chairman) and Ben Cartwright (Standard Bearer), attended the ceremony of the laying-up of the Axminster Branch Standard at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Membury. They joined shipmates from around the No. 4 Area, together with all from the Axminster Branch for this sad occasion.
And from our President…
On Sunday 27th January 2019 Charles H, Pete Shoesmith and myself in the company of Dave and Monica White travelled to Membury in Devon to sadly witness the Laying Up of the Axminster Branch Standard.
It was held at the village church of St John the Baptist and was conducted by the Reverend Geoff Walsh, No4 Area Chaplain, with David White reading a lesson.
During his address the Chaplain gave us an insight to the 3 former naval personnel laid to rest within the church grounds
Bill Sheppard, Branch Chairman and Secretary, carried the Standard and it was delivered up at the altar rail with due reverence to the Chaplain who laid it upon the Altar.
During the singing of the hymn “The Day Thou Gavest Lord is ending”, better known as the Evening Hymn, the Standard was returned to Bill Sheppard and was carried to its final resting place after which the bugler then sounded “Sunset”.
There were about 25 Shipmates present from 5 local Branches plus all the Members of Axminster Branch. On completion we retired to the rear of the Church where we were treated to tea and stickie buns prepared by the Branch Ladies. Axminster Branch invited all those who attended to join them in a tot, at the font, giving the Church Warden a mini fit.
Ben Cartwright
President
RNA Portland Branch