Saturday 9th March 2024
“RNA Branch AGM”
Venue: New Headingley Club, Leeds
The Annual AGM meeting takes place and is chaired by our Vice President. All branch members are requested to attend. This will start at 1100.
Saturday 4th May 2024
“Royal Navy versus The Army”
Venue:- Twickenham
The Army v Navy match is the final fixture on the Senior XV Rugby Union calendars of the Royal Navy & the Army and the last of three matches that together construct the Inter-Services Championship. The men’s match has been an annual fixture since 1907 which was then held at the Queen’s Club in West Kensington.
The men’s fixture has taken place every year since 1907, with three exceptions: There was a break in play between 1915-1919 due to the first world war, and then again between 1940-1945 due to the second world war. Most recently there was a break from 2020-2021 due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2022 match will be the 103rd Army v Navy Senior XV match for the men.
The women’s fixture was introduced in 2003. In 2023 the women’s match will be held at Twickenham Stadium for the second time. The match will be the 19th Army v Navy Senior XV match for the women.
The Army Navy Match has become a reunion event, a day for members of the armed forces both currently serving and veterans to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
The event has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, in 2015 the event saw its first ‘sell out’ crowd and tickets to the event have become increasingly sort after. Tickets now sell out in just a few hours and the crowd exceeds 80,000 each year.
Proceeds from the match go to the Royal Navy Rugby Union (registered charity 1165153) and the Army Rugby Union Trust (registered charity 1149105).
Friday 14th June – Sunday 16th June 2024
RNA Conference (AGM) – Cardiff
Saturday June 30th 2024
“Flag Raising Ceremony”
Councillors Jane Dowson, Caroline Gruen and Mohammed Iqbal, and members of the armed forces and veteran’s associations – under Parade Marshal, Jeff Gantschuk – have arranged a short parade and flag-raising to mark the start of the annual Armed Forces Week. This prestigious event takes place at Victoria Gardens on the Headrow. The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band are available, who did it last year.
Saturday June 30th 2024
“Leeds Armed Forces Day 2024”
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Leeds will celebrate Armed Forces Day on Sunday 25th June, 11am – 4pm with a free event on Briggate in Leeds City Centre. The day will include a parade, stalls, stands and exhibitions, plus activities for the whole family to get involved with. The Army, Navy and Air Force will all be present.
Celebrations will begin a week earlier, with a flag-raising ceremony at Victoria Gardens in Leeds on Saturday 17th June at 11am.
For the most up-to-date event information, please visit the LCC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LeedsAFD
Parade – route TBC. Will be led by the West Yorkshire Police band.
Entertainment – Daisy Belles and the City of Leeds Pipe Band are pencilled in.
Dishforth Military Wifes Choir are available
Static Spitfire booked in.
Full details of events will be provided by Leeds City Council and this will be found on their website shortly.
Event details may be submitted to change dependent on Coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.
July – September 2024
“SummerTrip Destination and Date TBD”
Saturday October 2024 (Date TBC)
“Trafalgar Night Dinner“
Venue: Sand Moor Golf Club, Leeds
The Royal Navy hold an annual dinner to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at the “Battle of Trafalgar”. These take place at all Royal Naval Bases, ships, and submarines wherever they are in the world. The Royal Naval Association also commemorates this anniversary.
The event will be attended by Members of the RNA, The Captain and crew of our affiliated Royal Navy submarine, the ship’s company of HMS Ceres, other military services and our guests.
If you are interested in attending our Trafalgar Night Dinner then please contact Paul Walker via 07980 989096 or John Rance on 0113 2263677. Our evening follows naval traditions such as “Splicing the main brace” (Tot Time) etc.
Sunday November 10th 2024
“Remembrance Sunday”
Venue: Leeds City Centre & St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Headingley
Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 12th November this year, is a day for the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
Serving members of the armed forces along with former service veterans will march through Leeds City centre and the parade will form opposite the museum which will be followed by the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph on The Headrow.
December 2024
“Carol Concert and Christmas Fuddle”
Venue: HMS Ceres
The Leeds RNA Christmas gathering will be held jointly with HMS Ceres.
There will be a carol concert held at the church close to Carlton Barracks. This will be followed by a buffet for HMS Ceres Ships Company and RNA Branch Members and guests. Timings are to be confirmed nearer the Christmas period.