Naval gala day

The Central Coast sub-section of the Naval Association of Australia held its annual gala day at Woy Woy Leagues Club on March 18.

Over 220 people attended the event, including Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd, Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews, Labor candidate for Robertson Ms Trish Moran and the Ettalong Hardy's Bay RSL sub-branch president Mr Percy Lee.

The day began with a church service by Naval Chaplain, Rev Max Sainsbury, who also gave a talk on HMAS Hawkesbury.

President of the Central Coast sub-section, Mr Gorden Clunes, welcomed other Naval Association sub-sections, including; Rooty Hill, Nirimba and Newcastle.

Other special guests included representatives of the Royal Navy Association (Wrens), and the merchant navy, as well as Naval Association state secretary Jean Munro, the Naval Association vice-president Rough Jardin, and widows of departed members.

Also attending the gala day was 100-year-old Mr Albert Flint, who served in the Royal Navy, and was a 14-year-old sailor in the Battle of Jutland, in First World War.

Guests were entertained by the Ettalong Beach Pipe Band and several members of the audience.

The Leagues Club provided lunch and afternoon tea.

Mr Horrie Young was the winner of the day's main raffle, which was a wooden clock, from "The Krait".

The Gala Day will be held again next year.

Newsletter, March 28