News – HMS Collingwood Officers' Association

CommitteeAttendance: Most committee members were present; one apology was noted.
PreviousMinutes: The minutes from the last meeting were accepted without issue.
MembershipNumbers: As of 27 March 2026, there were 281 members (186 Active, 81 Country, 6 Full, 8 Honorary). Membership numbers had decreased slightly since the previous report.
DeceasedandResignedMembers: The passing of Lt Cdr Tony Crump was noted. Several resignations were recorded, including senior officers.

FinancialReport: The OA fund decreased from £5,804.45 to £4,874.09, mainly due to a £930 subsidy for Trafalgar Night. Wardroom charges increased by £5 per membership category, plus VAT.
MembershipFees: To offset increased costs, membership charges will rise by £6 (Country members: £19, Active members: £33 for 2026). Members will be notified by email.
MembershipCategories: The committee proposed merging Active and Country categories for new joiners, with existing Country members retaining their status. A constitutional change will be drafted.
TrafalgarNightSubsidy: Difficulty in predicting the required subsidy was discussed; efforts will be made to improve forecasting with the Mess Manager.
OASwordBoard: Gold lettering was purchased (£168), and a sword was donated for refurbishment.

Events: Fish and Chip Fridays continue. Trafalgar Night Dinner is scheduled for 30 October 2026, with the Hayling Shanty Crew to be re-engaged. The Christmas Committee lunch will likely be at the Ropemaker, with dates to be confirmed.
RemembranceParade: Lunch will follow the parade, with booking forms available online.
CommitteeAbsences: Lt Cdr Carr will be away from 10 Oct to 2 Dec 2026 and will need volunteers for event administration during this period.

Passes: Individual car passes for HMS Collingwood are being discontinued; pass renewal is ongoing.
OAJoiningForm: Needs updating.
NameBadges: A member suggested introducing name badges.
NextMeeting: Scheduled for Friday 19 June 2026 at 1100, followed by the AGM at 1130, due to availability conflicts.

These points reflect the committee’s focus on financial sustainability, membership management, and ongoing social engagement.

The document outlines the minutes from the HMS Collingwood Officers’ Association Committee meeting held on September 17, 2025.

Apologies and Previous Minutes

Financial Report

The OA account balance decreased from £6,622.74 to £6,207.70, with a significant transaction of £368.25 for a sword.
The last sword is currently being refurbished. New donated swords to be sought.

Membership and Social Report

Membership totals 300, including 203 Active members.
Upcoming events include monthly Fish and Chip Lunches and the Trafalgar Ladies’ Guest Night on October 24, with 41 attendees confirmed.
A Shanty Band will perform, and the Cumberland Guard will be booked for the event.

OA Secretary’s Corner

Pass renewals are progressing well, with a trial period for not needing car passes currently in effect.
Capt Palmer will compile a newsletter and is seeking content ideas.
An informal lunch for OA members post-HMS Collingwood Remembrance ceremony was proposed and agreed upon.

AOB and Future Meetings

The document outlines the minutes from the HMS Collingwood Officers’ Association committee meeting held on December 3, 2025.

Apologies and Previous Minutes

Matters Arising and Financial Report

Increased attendance at the 2025 Remembrance Day was noted, followed by an informal lunch.
Lt Cdr Rook reported a decrease in the OA account balance to £5804.45, with significant transactions including a £368.25 payment for a sword.
Ten membership Direct Debits were canceled, and an increase in WR Mess charges is anticipated.

Membership and Social Report

Membership totals 298, with 202 active members. Recent losses included three members who crossed the bar and two resignations.
Social events, including Fish and Chip Lunches and the successful Trafalgar Night, were discussed, with future events planned.

OA Sec’s Corner

New car pass requirements include a BPSS application and DBS check, with costs discussed. Capt Palmer will address membership pass issues with the XO.

Other Business and Next Meeting Dates

Category: News