The Morecambe Bay Submariners Association marked a significant milestone on Saturday 10 January 2026, celebrating its 50th Anniversary Dinner at Morecambe Golf Club. The evening brought together members, families, and guests to honour five decades of service, camaraderie, and continued contribution to the Royal Navy community.
The dinner was attended by Brigadier Peter Rafferty MBE DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, who joined as principal Guest of Honour. Also present was Councillor Roger Dennison, former Mayor of Lancaster and Armed Forces Champion, as a guest of the Branch.
The evening included moments of remembrance, with Mrs Christine McGuinness and her son Jason attending in honour 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 fondly remembered, with the Branch planning to mark the anniversary with her over the coming weeks.
In total, 54 guests attended the dinner, including Branch members and their partners, as well as representatives from the Barrow and Blackpool Submariners Association branches. The dinner funding was contributed to 50% from RNRMC and GH funding. Each member was also presented with a new Branch Polo Shirt to celebrate the anniversary for which RNRMC and GH donated a 50% contribution.
During his speech, the Branch President expressed heartfelt thanks to Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital for their continued and generous support, recognising the vital role both organisations play in supporting the Royal Navy community.
A special mention was given to Dave Andrew, an inaugural Branch member from 1976, who was recognised by Brigadier Rafferty for his longstanding commitment and support to the Association over the years.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came when the Branch Standard Bearer, Keith Holmes, was presented with the Submariners Association Patron’s Certificate of Appreciation by Brigadier Rafferty, in recognition of more than 30 years of dedicated service in the role. In his address, the Vice Lord Lieutenant highlighted the enduring importance of military associations, noting that the North-west contributes approximately 18–20% of the UK Armed Forces, despite Lancashire accounting for less than 9% of the UK population.
The evening was a fitting celebration of the Branch’s proud history, and a reflection of the strong bonds within the Submariner community. As the Morecambe Bay Submariners Association looks ahead, it does so with pride, determination, and a continued commitment to supporting both the Armed Forces and the local community as it marches into its next 50 years.
