New Barkby W.I
Vice-President, Jean Brutnall, welcomes members of New Barkby W.I to the institute’s July meeting.
After a period of time dealing with business matters, the speaker for the evening was Bill Haley. ‘My life on board the royal yacht, Britannia.’
Members were able to see all the different areas of the vessel (which is actually a ship, not a yacht, although referred to as a yacht), via power-point presentation. Bill had served in the Royal Navy for 27 years and was privileged to have been chosen to be part of the crew attending the British Royal Family.
The yacht was used for ceremonial occasions and for Royal honeymoons and entertained by the royal marines band. It was commissioned in 1954 and covered approximately half a million sea miles during voyages around the world. It was finally de-commissioned in 1997 and Queen Elizabeth II was piped ashore at 3.01pm, on the last day.
The yacht is now moored at the port of Leith, Edinburgh, ocean terminal. A fascinating insight into the whole part of the yacht, during its service.
Vote of thanks was given by Angela Montague.
The competition for a Memento of the Sea was won by Valerie Cobb with a necklace made from shells.
The raffle prize winner was Cilla Lane.
The next meeting is on Wednesday 6th August at Syston Community Centre at 07.30pm. ‘Balloon Modelling’ with John Parnell. Visitors are welcome to attend.
