The Morecambe Bay Submariners Association marked its 50th Anniversary on Saturday 10 January 2026 with a commemorative dinner at Morecambe Golf Club, made possible in part through funding support from Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital.
The event brought together 54 attendees, including Branch members, partners and representatives from the Barrow and Blackpool Submariners Association branches, providing an opportunity to recognise five decades of service, connection and support within the Submariner community.
Brigadier Peter Rafferty MBE DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, attended as Guest of Honour, alongside Councillor Roger Dennison, former Mayor of Lancaster and Armed Forces Champion, who joined as a guest of the Branch.
The evening also included moments of remembrance. Mrs Christine McGuinness and her son Jason attended in memory of their husband and father, a former Branch member who crossed the bar in 2024. Mrs Shirley Orton, wife of former member John Orton, was also remembered, with the Branch planning to mark the anniversary with her in the coming weeks.
Funding from RNRMC and Greenwich Hospital covered 50% of event costs. This support helped ensure the milestone could be marked in a meaningful and inclusive way for those connected to the Royal Navy Submariner community.
During his address, the Branch President formally thanked both charities, highlighting the importance of continued funding in supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families, and in enabling events that strengthen community connection and wellbeing.
The evening also recognised long-standing service within the Association. Dave Andrew, an inaugural Branch member from 1976, was acknowledged for his enduring commitment, while Keith Holmes, the Branch Standard Bearer, received the Submariners Association Patron’s Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of more than 30 years of dedicated service.
Speaking during the event, Brigadier Rafferty highlighted the ongoing importance of military associations, noting the significant contribution made by the North-West to the UK Armed Forces.
The anniversary event reflected both the proud history of the Morecambe Bay Submariners Association and the continued importance of charitable support from organisations such as RNRMC and Greenwich Hospital in enabling community-led activity across the Royal Navy family.
Follow this link for more information about how RNRMC provides support for Royal Navy & Royal Marines Serving Personnel and their families. Supporting You | The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
