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Huntingdon & District Branch attend Huntingdon’s annual Riverside Gala

Karl Webb , , ,

On Saturday 7th June 2014, members of Huntingdon Branch attended the annual ‘Riverside Gala’ at Huntingdon. The day started with rain, thunder and lightning, but by the time shipmates Pete Aston (Hon. Treasurer) and Karl Webb (Hon. Secretary) had set up the gazebo, the weather began to improve.

Huntingdon & District's stall, dressed for the Gala
Huntingdon & District’s stall, dressed for the Gala

June is going to be a busy month, the Riverside Gala, Dedication of the Naval Services Memorial, and Armed Forces Day will have members of Huntingdon Branch in attendance.

S/Ms Karl Webb and Pete Aston manning the stall
S/Ms Karl Webb and Pete Aston manning the stall

With a long day ahead, S/Ms Pete Aston and Karl Webb were joined by S/Ms Graham and Becky Murray providing support manning the stall. With the weather improving by the hour, more residents and visitors to Huntingdon came to enjoy the day’s celebrations.

With the weather clearing, visitor numbers grew
With the weather clearing, visitor numbers grew

One of the highlights of the Riverside Gala is a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial flight, or other historical aircraft. This year two aircraft wowed the crowds, a Spitfire and a Hurricane.

A Spitfire and a Hurricane came to say hello
A Spitfire and a Hurricane came to say hello
Spitfire and Hurricane flypast
Spitfire and Hurricane flypast

After the flying display, it was back to business. S/Ms Graham and Becky Murray looked after the stall while S/Ms Pete Aston and Karl Webb gave out RNA hats to Huntingdon residents and visitors to the Gala.

S/M Pete Aston hands out RNA hats as S/Ms Graham and Becky Murray look after the stall
S/M Pete Aston hands out RNA hats as S/Ms Graham and Becky Murray look after the stall

The staff from Wood Green were delighted with their ‘gizit’.

Everyone wants an RNA hat
Everyone wants an RNA hat

…so were the ladies from the Rotary Club (note the novel use of ‘two’ RNA caps as a utility belt).

...so do the staff from the Rotary Club
…so do the staff from the Rotary Club

Not one to miss out, the Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Bill Hensley, also wore his cap with pride.

S/Ms Becky and Graham Murry and Karl Webb with the Mayor of Huntingdon
S/Ms Becky and Graham Murry and Karl Webb with the Mayor of Huntingdon

By the end of the day, shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch were able to spend time with members of the public, there were a number of former naval personnel amongst the crowds; we shall hope to see them again very soon, each was sent away with an RNA ‘goody bag’, membership forms and details of our monthly meet.

Once again, Huntingdon & District Branch spent a day promoting the values of the Association and reminding former sailors of the RNA motto: Once Navy, Always Navy.