Laying up the Standard

In a poignant service held at The Lord Mayor’s Chapel, the Standard of the Bristol Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) was laid up.  The Bristol Branch, one of 34 RNA branches in the region, joined forces with the South Bristol Branch as numbers of veterans in the branch dwindled.  Standard bearers and members from the region, which stretches from Bournemouth to Cornwall and up to Bristol, attended the service alongside the Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, the Lord Mayor Cllr Mrs Lesley Alexander and Sea Cadets from TS Adventurer.  The Lord-Lieutenant passed the Standard to the Lord Mayor for display and safekeeping in the Chapel.  After leaving the Chapel, seamen, their friends and families retired for a light lunch at the RAF Club in Henleaze. The RNA, whose motto is “Once Navy, Always Navy,"  provides a network of support, companionship and guidance for veterans and their families where members can reflect on their time in the Royal Navy and in civilian life in the company of fellow shipmates and their families.  The oldest serviceman attending the service at the Lord Mayor’s Chapel was 96 years old.  Veterans and their families are welcome to join the South Bristol Branch of the RNA.