A great time was had by all who attended this year’s Reunion in Stoke on Trent although numbers attending were low, a concern discussed at the AGM. The evening started with the help of the local Sea Cadets and ended with some great entertainment.
IN MEMORIUM
Mick O’Neil the Associations Chairman has Crossed the Bar on September 19th, his funeral will take place in Middlesbrough on October 11th. The Association Standard plus three local Members will attend together with other Organisations including the RBL, RNA and local Sea Cadets.
Large numbers expected to attend funeral of HMS Jupiter Association chairman
John Rogan-GAZ
9 October 2024·2-min read
-Credit: (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
Former naval colleagues, family and friends will gather in large numbers to bid a final farewell to a key figure of the HMS Jupiter Association this week. The HMS Jupiter, launched in 1967, was adopted by Middlesbrough in 1975.
This Leander Class Frigate, built on the Clyde, served globally and made her last visit to her adopted town in April 1992 before being decommissioned later that year. The HMS Jupiter Association commemorates the ship's ties to the town with annual reunions, with next year marking its 50th anniversary.
His Majesty King Charles, who has fond memories of his service on the ship, recently renewed his Patronage of the Association. One regular attendee was local lad Michael 'Jock' O’Neil, who sadly passed away after serving as Association Chairman for three years.
His funeral will take place at Teesside Crematorium on Friday (October 11), with Standard Bearers from the HMS Jupiter Association, the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion in attendance.
HMS Jupiter Association Secretary Ken Williams, who served on board from 1977 to 1985, paid tribute: "Jock O’Neil was a very valued member of the HMS Jupiter Association and for the last three years was our Chairman. He was very supportive of the Sea Cadets and a great character who enjoyed life to the full. He along with his wife Susan were a wonderful couple who attended many Association reunions, and he will be greatly missed."
Petty Officer Tracey Williams, of Middlesbrough Sea Cadets, also shared her memories: "I was introduced to Mick through his association with HMS Jupiter. He was a true gentleman and a great supporter of Middlesbrough Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets. Mick was able to provide us with raffle prizes for much-needed fundraising and would always pop by to say hello when we were out in parade. He will be missed."
The funeral is set to take place at St Bede’s Chapel at Teesside Crematorium at 2pm on Friday (October 11), followed by a wake at Middlesbrough Golf Club, on Brass Castle Lane.
For more information on HMS Jupiter and the work of the Association, visit www.hmsjupiter.co.uk. Anyone interested in attending next year’s HMS Jupiter Association 50th anniversary Reunion event is asked to contact Secretary Ken Williams on 07941 363931 or email kenwilliams191210@outlook.com.
The Not Forgotten Association Events
Please contact The HMS Jupiter Association Secretary to complete an Application Form.
We are thrilled to announce the return of our popular Summer Garden Party Drive In Tour for veterans and their guests. This year the Tour will be taking place between the 16th and 20th September at the following wonderful venues and we would like your veteran members to join us:
16th September – York Racecourse, York
17th September – Holly House Farm, Allensmore, Hereford
18th September – Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
19th September – Quex Park, Birchington, Kent
20th September – Helmingham Hall, Stowmarket, Suffolk
The Garden Parties take place whatever the weather – come rain or shine – and we are extremely grateful to the owners of the wonderful venues for giving us this opportunity to entertain veterans and their guests in their area. All we ask is veterans make their own travel arrangements to and from the venue.
Outside timings are 12.30pm – 5.15pm.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of Pimm’s or non-alcoholic alternative. A delicious hog roast will be served followed by tea, coffee and cake.
Our new fabulous show features Tribute Acts, songs from the musicals and much more and will be hosted by the lovely Annie Riley and equally lovely Max Fox. The popular Singo Bingo will be making a return and there will also be a fun game of Kings & Queens and a raffle for anyone wishing to taking part.
Veterans are asked to bring along picnic chairs, blankets and any additional refreshments they may require. Dress code is smart casual dependent upon the weather.
Patronage of the HMS Jupiter Association
THE NOT FORGOTTEN ASSOCIATION GARDEN PARTY
HMS Collingwood D Day Afternoon Tea with Entertainment
Thursday 6thJune 2024
The Not Forgotten are commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D Day in a variety of ways. One of the events we have organised is an Afternoon Tea with Entertainment at HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham Hampshire PO14 1AS and we would like to invite you to nominate 4 veterans and 4 guests to join us.
Approximate timings for the event are below but at 11.15 hours there will be a fly past by a Lancaster Bomber and if your members would like to come along and enjoy the Mess a little earlier to watch the fly past please aim to arrive at 1030 hours. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.
1230 hrs Guests arrive for those who are not arriving early to watch the fly past (a cash bar will be available)
1300 hrs Welcome Drink of Pimms or non-alcoholic alternative
1330 hrs Entertainment by Lloyd Ellery
1415 hrs Afternoon tea is served
1515 hrs Lloyd continues to entertain
1600 hrs Raffle Draw
1615 hrs Guests depart
All guests will be required to bring photographic ID with them and would you be kind enough to send me their names and email addresses so that I can send them a form for completion.
We will be running a small raffle for anyone wishing to take part.
Dress code is lounge suit or blazer with tie, day dress/trouser suit. Medals are optional.
If you would like to attend please let me know asap please.