HMS Decoy 106 Club Chairman

Mr D Braithwaite Hon Treasurer Mr D Worthington Acting Secretary.          Mr. D Worthington 1 Tredis Cottages Tredis Torpoint Cornwall. PL11 3ER Mob. 07857689290 Email. dgw@tredis.co.uk 

                                             Spring Newsletter 2025 Welcome to this the Spring Newsletter of HMS Decoy Association.  Sadly I was not present at the Reunion held at the Queens Hotel Paignton in April, so all information from that meeting is second-hand, but I am reliably informed, accurate. The following were in attendance:- “Ginge” Braithwaite, Ralph and Joan Hall, Dave Worthington, Emma Brogan, David Brogan, Alfie and Lynda Singleton, Tina and Eddie Fisher, Clive and Pauline Thompson, Jim and Jill Harvey, Mick and Craig Hamilton,  Sandy and Sue Sandel, Mark Worthington and Martha, Steve and Val Worthington, ‘Spider’ Kelly, Pete and Lorraine Austin, John McCarthy, ‘Brum’ Southern, Bob Phillips Tom and Terri Milne, Ken Turnbull, Denis LaTouche, Terry ‘Bagsy’ Baker and Laura, Mick Heaney, Andre Pierre Fredericks, Colin Ward, ‘Knocker’ and Jackie White, ‘Smiler’ and Anita Huntley, Jackie and Malcolm Humpage, Roger ‘Bogey’ Knight, Paul Godby and Son, and finally ‘Paddy’ Halligan. If I have missed you off, it was because your name was not on the list passed round at the AGM when traditionally all those present make their presence known by writing their names on the sheet. This was described to me as a good turnout, and where all seemed to enjoys themselves, so much so that we have gained new associate members from the Worthington, Thompson, Godby and Baker Clan. A member who put in a brief appearance was Alan Bishop on his way down to his daughters, where a family emergency had prevented him from being there for the week-end. The AGM was held at the appointed hour 1000, and by all accounts was over and done within about half an hour which must be something of a record? Ralph Hall had previously announced (some months ago) that he was standing down as Secretary, and Malcolm Humpage has taken over the Almoner/ role from Alan Bishop. Dave Worthington has assumed the job of ‘Acting’ Secretary in the absence of anyone volunteering for the post at the AGM. Should you fancy taking on the position of Hon Sec talk to ‘Worthy’ as I know he does not need the job, he has been the Hon Treasurer for more years than he cares to mention, and has done a brilliant job at that position where we have not had a subs raise since the inception of the 106 Club, and it is all down to his ‘short arms and deep pockets’. Seriously though, if you think you could handle the job of Hon Sec he will gladly hand it over to you. Several have done it over the years, and they would gladly pass on any tips and or advice should you need it. I mentioned earlier that we have recruited new members, (all associate) which is just as well, as it was brought to my attention a few days ago of the members that we have lost since covid, namely: Tony Brown in January  2022, Dave Farrow in July 2022, Charles Crichton in November 2022, Don Brown in March 2024 Frank   Kirby in September 2024, Dave Hawkes in January 2025 and Mick Judge in March 2025, all of which reminds us that we need some younger members to switch off the lights when we ‘oldies’ have gone..... This of course brings us on to what some of the senior members have often referred to as ‘Endex’, or the end of the Association. My understanding of the situation is this has loosely been discussed but put on the ‘Back Burner’ to be reviewed annually, but unlikely to happen before perhaps 2030!!! Reunion 2026 will again be at the Queens Hotel Paignton. Our regular hotel in Blackpool has raised prices to such an extent and also introduced parking charges that have made it unattractive, indeed far too expensive for the type of hotel that it is, whereas the Queens have again offered us very good terms to return and little persuasion was needed from the membership to agree. Basically the reunion will be from 17 th  – 20 th  April 2026 with the option of the Thursday prior as usual dependant on room availability which happens if the coach tour companies do not fill all their allocation (usually they do not, and leave some rooms available for us to take advantage of) I will enclose a booking slip with this newsletter that will contain all information required to book for next year.