Thanks to the powerful ‘Letters to the Editor’ section of this and many other local newspapers across the country, I have collected lots of sailors – not just ‘any old sailor’ but those who have served at HMS Collingwood in Hampshire, or served in the Electrical Branch of the Royal Navy. What have I done with them? Put them in contact with their old shipmates from when they trained or served together in the Electrical Department on various ships throughout the fleet via the newsletters and membership lists.

We have also received photos and books for the archives before they were consigned to the scrap heap.’ Reunions are very popular for members and their wives or partners and are booking up fast. Next April we will be joining with other associations for a 70th anniversary of the launch of HMS Cavalier at the dock where she has been preserved and restored.

Two associations are welcoming new members – the Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association, whose website can be found at www.rneba.org.uk, and the HMS Collingwood Association whose website is at www.hmscollingwoodassociation.com. Or contact me and I will forward letters to the appropriate membership secretary.

Mike Crowe, mike@rneba.org. uk, or 7 Heath Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 8PG.