WHO WE ARE
The Association was formed in 1948 and was then known as the RNVR Club (Sussex). Its aim was to keep ex- RNVR officers in touch and meetings were held in various local public houses. However this lack of contact with the regular Reserve became increasingly evident and in 1956 membership was widened to all serving and retired RNVR officers and meetings were then held in the wardroom of HMS SUSSEX under the new name of the Sussex RNVR Officers’ Association.
In 1958, following the re-organisation of the Reserves, the name was further changed to the Sussex RNVR & RNR Officers’ Association. Although membership was open to all serving and retired officers of the Service, it was decided not to reflect this in the title as members were still predominantly from the Reserves. However over recent years, particularly with the greater integration of the RNR with the RN, it was considered appropriate to amend the name again to its present form.
Membership of the Sussex Association of Naval Officers (SANO) is open to all serving and retired officers of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, the former Women’s Royal Naval Service, and their Reserves. Also, it is open to officers of the Merchant Navy, RFA and Sea Cadet Corps. The principal objectives of SANO are:-
- To provide a lively organisation for maintaining contact between serving and retired officers.
- To maintain the spirit and traditions of the Royal Navy.
- To preserve contact with the Royal Navy.
- To offer a varied and interesting social programme.
- To give links to related organisations.
- To provide access to benefits and services from other organisations.
- To support selected naval charities.
The programme of activities is a mixture of lectures, visits and social gatherings ; with three formal dinners each year, Ladies Night, the Annual Dinner and the Trafalgar Night Dinner. Most meetings are currently held at the Territorial Army Centre, Dyke Road, Brighton.
The current key office holders of the Association are:-
President – Captain DTL Bairdow BA VRD* RNR
Chairman - Commander JM Wright RD RNR
Hon. Secretary – Lieutenant Commander DI Colwell MBE VRD** RNR
Further information on SANO may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary at :-
5 Plainfields Avenue, Patcham, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 8RJ
Telephone: 01273 – 555564 E-mail: douglascolwell@aol.com