St Neots & District Branch: Navy’s 3 in 1, oils the wheels for local good causes

For over 40 years St Neots and District branch, Royal Naval Association has attended community events between May and November. Every year the branch promotes the association and local good causes chosen by its members.

Despite the recession our local community kindly donated £999. At our December meeting in the RAFA club the donations were distributed equally between three chosen good causes for 2013.

Presentations were made to:

St Neots Sentinels

Represented by Mrs A. Steel and Mrs M. Palmer who are sponsored by Mrs Terry Brown from the RNA.

Formed 32 years ago the Sentinels have performed every year at local events. Children, girls and boys, of all ages from 4 years old enjoy the fun and recognition this brings for them locally.

St Neots Armed Forces Day Committee

Represented by Karen Pollecutt, PA to the Town Mayor is sponsored by Tom Mumford RNA Branch President.

St Neots held its first Armed Forces day in 2012. Next year, 2014 will provide a day of recognition in the town for our servicemen and women. Regatta meadows will be the focus of a myriad of interactive events on 5th July.

East Anglian Air Ambulance

Represented by Peter Plant (Accredited volunteer for St Neots) is sponsored by John Gibbs from the RNA.

Peter brought us up to date about the work of the East Anglia service. During 2013 more than 1350 sorties were flown, on average 12 per day. There are two helicopters, one based in Cambridge and the other in Norwich. Running costs are £2,250 per sortie.

This year we are first to introduce night flying. Training is right up to date with learning provided by the likes of Professor Tim Hodges a Colonel in the army reservists.

Did you know every year the Air Ambulance Service needs to raise voluntary donations of £7.6 million to keep the service viable?