The document outlines the minutes from the HMS OA AGM held on June 19, 2026.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Capt Jim Palmer thanked the committee for their hard work during the past year, with particular appreciation for Cdr Nick Quine, who has stepped in to support the Association while the Secretary has been unwell.
The Chairman highlighted the success of the Association’s move towards lower-cost social activities, particularly the monthly Fish & Chip lunches and the Remembrance lunch, both of which have proved popular and affordable. Trafalgar Ladies’ Guest Night remains the Association’s flagship event.
Members were advised that two ceremonial swords have recently been donated, ensuring the continuation of the Association’s annual Sword Award.
Following meetings with HMS Collingwood’s new Commanding Officer and Executive Officer, the Chairman reported that the Association continues to enjoy strong support from the establishment, despite ongoing access challenges.
Treasurer’s Report
The Association remains in a healthy financial position.
- Closing balance increased from £6,622.74 to £7,025.50.
- Annual income increased to just over £13,000.
- Expenditure rose primarily because of increased Wardroom levies and higher subsidies for social events.
Following an increase in Wardroom charges, annual subscriptions are now:
- Active Members: £33
- Country Members: £19
Members discussed the proportion of subscriptions passed directly to the Wardroom and the future of Country Membership.
Membership Report
Current membership stands at:
- Active: 180
- Country: 79
- Full: 6
- Honorary: 8
Total Membership: 273
This represents a reduction from 298 members last year.
Members also remembered seven colleagues who had “Crossed the Bar” during the year
Social Event Report
The Association reported another successful year of social activities.
Highlights included:
- A well-attended Trafalgar Night with over 100 guests.
- Continued popularity of the monthly Fish & Chip lunches.
- Greater participation in Wardroom social events.
Upcoming events include:
- Wardroom Summer Ball – 25 July 2026
- OA Trafalgar Ladies’ Guest Night – 23 October 2026 (date changed)
- Remembrance Lunch – 11 November 2026
- Wardroom Christmas Lunch – 16 December 2026 (provisional)
Members also discussed marking the 80th Anniversary of the Weapons Engineering Branch with a commemorative lunch in September.
Committee Elections
All existing committee members were re-elected.
Cdr Nick Quine was elected to the committee and, subject to approval of the revised Constitution, will become Amenity Passes and ID Secretary, overseeing the increasingly complex access and pass procedures.
Constitution Changes
Members unanimously approved a revised Rules and Constitution. The principal changes were:
- Removal of references to vehicle passes.
- Recognition that Wardroom payments are now card only.
- Creation of the new Amenity Passes and ID Secretary role.
- Increase in the permitted size of the committee.
- Closure of Country Membership to new applicants (existing Country Members are unaffected).
Looking Ahead
The Association remains financially secure and continues to adapt to changing circumstances by providing affordable social opportunities while maintaining close links with HMS Collingwood. Membership has fallen slightly, largely reflecting changing Wardroom arrangements, but the committee remains committed to offering value to members and preserving the traditions of the Association.
Next AGM: Friday 18 June 2027 (provisional), 11:30.
