The Clarence Valley unit of the Naval & Mariners Association Inc will hold their by-monthly meeting on the rear-deck of the Maclean Hotel, Saturday  October 3 to commence at 1100.

As with all community groups we have had a forced closure during the months of the Covid 19 pandemic. At the AGM held on August 1, the committee was returned unchanged except for the appointment of one new director, that being Jim Gilvear, an ex-merchant seaman. The 2020/21 Board of Directors were appointed as follows: president – John Bloom; V/P – Peter Pritchard; hon/secretary – Roger Jones; hon/treasurer – Laurel Burr; director/welfare – Trevor Plymin; directors – Jim Gilvear, Jean Meaney, Gloria Bloom. Foundation Member, Patron &WW2 Veteran, Val Preston was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Association.

To be discussed, a proposed “Splice the Mainbrace” on December 1 to commemorate the loss of HMAS Armidale in 1942 and the grant of the Victoria Cross to O/D Seaman, Teddy Sheean.

Our catering operations at IGA Supermarket are still “on hold” due to the Covid pandemic, hopefully these restrictions will be lifted in the near future and we can begin operations again. Members would by now be aware that the company/club; Maclean/Lower Clarence Services Club Ltd has been liquidated. Much rumour and innuendo passed round and about but, the reason underpinning the loss of our club was simply, “no support from members, no club”. 

We issue an open invitation to all former and serving members of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Merchant Navy, and social membership for interested civilians. Annual membership is $10 and social members, $5. To those members who have yet to renew, fee’s are due and payable. For further information please contact the secretary Roger (Spike) Jones on 0498 150 627 or email; lenoxlad@bigpond.net.au                                                

 Roger Jones