ON Anzac Day their numbers had dwindled even more than last year, and now the president of the Orange branch of the Naval Association says it is in danger of folding.
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President Graeme Harris said new blood of former serving navy personnel aren’t coming forward to march behind the white ensign and become involved in the branch.
“Unfortunately like many associations our membership is ageing,” said Mr Harris.
“We also have a number of older members who live out of town and find it hard to get in,” he said.
Naval Association member Dave Anderson joined the Royal Australian Navy when he was 15 and yesterday his 11-year-old son Mitch proudly wore his dad’s uniform from his days posted to HMAS Cerberus.
It fitted perfectly showing off the traditional seven creases on the bell- bottom pants.
Mr Harris said at the last meeting of the Naval Association held in Orange last week members decided a public appeal to ask people who may have served in the navy in the past to come forward, might be the way to ensure the branch will continue.
“We are saying to anyone out there who has served in the navy to come forward and join us - you will be made most welcome,” Mr Anderson said.
Mr Harris said he would not like to see the Orange Branch of the Naval Association go down the same path as other associations in Orange in the last couple of years that have folded because of lack of membership.
The Naval Association has had a proud history in Orange and was formed in 1956.
Sadly the men who were the driving force behind its formation including Frank Pritchard and Pat Bridges, to name just a few have passed away.
Membership now stands at just 20.
If you would like to join call the Orange Ex-Services’ Club ON 6362 2666 for details of the association.
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