The Dedication of the Standard for the Eastern Cyprus Branch of the Royal Naval Association
In March 2007, three members of the Royal Naval Association (RNA), who attended Episkopi, decided that it would be a good idea to form another Branch in the eastern end of the island. The new Branch was duly formed later that year and was commissioned in February 2007 by Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO RN. From that point fund raising began in earnest to purchase a Standard for the Branch.
The culmination of 20 months of planning and hard work came to fruition on Sunday 12th October 2008 when the Eastern Cyprus Branch dedicated their new Branch Standard.
The Branch Standard is the visible identity of the Branch and represents to the Branch Members their duty to their God, Their Sverign, their Country, to the memory of departed shipmates and to witness to the purposes and ideals of the Royal Naval Association.
The service of dedication was held in St Patrick’s Church, Ayios Nikolaos and was conducted by the Reverend Eric Freeman MA, the Branch Padre and President, in front of some 75 members and guests.
Standards from the RNA (Cyprus) Branch, the Royal British Legion (Larnaca) Branch, the Royal Engineers Association, the Royal Military Police Association, the Royal Air Force Association and the Scouts Association.
Honoured Guests included Lt.Col. Michael Dooley, Commanding Officer JSSU (Cyprus), Ayios Nikolaos and Mrs Dooley, the Sergeant Major, JSSU (Cyprus), WO1 (RSM) Sean Fleming, representatives from other organisations and associations and members of the Eastern Cyprus Branch.
The service was carried out with all due solemnity, a very poignant moment being the last post and reveille, played by Mr Bob Thomas and Mr Paul Aslet.
After the service a reception was held in the WO’s and Sergeants Mess, JSSU(Cyprus), at Ayios Nikolaos. The Branch should be very proud of their achievement informing and commissioning the Branch, purchasing and have the Standard dedicated , all in the space of just over two years. They are looking forward to parading the Standard at the Remembrance Day service on the 9th November in Dhekelia.
Eric Hirst
Chairman
Eastern Cyprus Branch
Royal Naval Association.
