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They may be more than 500 miles from the nearest coastline,
but one branch of the Royal Naval Association is thriving
amidst the sands of Saudi Arabia.
The Riyadh branch was originally formed on the then British
Aircraft Corporation compound of Al Romazan, and when that
closed down several years ago they moved to new quarters
on the Al Izdihar Complex.
Currently boasting some 70 members, the branch is populated
by several ex-fishheads, WAFUs and booties (that’s
people serving in surface warships, Fleet Air Arm personnel
and Royal Marines respectively), along with a smattering
of ex-Crabs (RAF personnel) and civvies from all walks of
life who, although they never served themselves, fully support
the principles and ideals of the Association.
Being so far from the sea means there is not much opportunity
to carry out nautical activities, but the branch prides itself
on its fund-raising prowess, the proceeds of which are donated
to various UK charities, including King George’s Fund
for Sailors (KGFS), BLESMA and the RNLI.
The clubhouse opens twice weekly when fund-raising activities
take place, including functions, draws and “raising
the old right arm.”
Significant half-yearly donations are made to both KGFS
and BLESMA, augmented by fines for ‘sins’ such
as the non-wearing of badges and the like, and donations
are made to individual lifeboat stations when members go
back to the UK.
One member, who wishes to remain anonymous, recently won
around £2,300 in the Davy Jones’ Locker draw
and donated almost £500 each to the three charities.
The branch put a good deal of effort into the planning of
the 199th anniversary of Trafalgar, and as expected there
were some mortal headaches after the Immortal Memory was
honoured.
Fortunately October 21 was a Thursday – and therefore
part of the weekend in Saudi – so there was some recovery
time before the working week started again on the Saturday.
For further information on the RNA branch in Riyadh contact
secretary Terry Oak, Villa 12, Al Izdihar 2, PO Box 1732,
Riyadh 11441, Saudi Arabia.
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