NAVY NEWS. MARCH 1991 Options
Frank and Jean are in the chair FRANK Maynard (85) served in the Royal Marines from 1921 until 1945 and now lives with his wife, Gwen, in Copnor, Portsmouth. He is totally blind and his wife Gwen is crippled with arthritis in her knees and is also very deaf. Both have mobility problems, particularly in negotiating the stairs in their home. Their occupational therapist, Mrs Sara Lawbuary, identified the need for a stairlift to be installed in the Maynards' home and she wrote to the RNBT asking if the trust could assist in helping to purchase a Usability lift, costing £1,634. The grants committee was happy to help in this case and made an immediate grant of £600. They approached the Royal British Legion, Civil Service Benevolent Fund and the Royal Marines Welfare Fund who granted £350, £324 and £200 respectively to meet the outstanding balance. The installation of the lift has improved Frank and Gwen's life immeasurably and the grants committee were grateful to the other organisations for assisting. Former AB George Jones (67), who served in the Royal Navy from 1942 to 1952, lives with his wife, Jean, in Tewkesbury.
Jean suffers from mylo opathy, a complaint very similar to multiple sclerosis, and she is paralysed, spending most of her time either in a wheelchair or reclining chair. She is totally dependent on her husband for everything and because she was unable to get in and out of the family car, even with help, George could not take his wife out to get her away from the small flat where they live. Jean's physiothrapist recommended a rotating car seat so that she could be swung into the car from her wheelchair. A Carmobility seat, designed for people such as Jean, was found but as the cost of the seat was totally beyond George he approached SSAFA who then asked RNBT if it could help. The grants committee indicated its willingness and on discussing the case with the Royal British Legion, the RNBT granted £404 towards the seat with the Royal British Legion donating the balance of £346. In his letter of appreciation, George wrote to the committee saying the kindness of the RNBT and the Royal British Legion would always be remembered by both himself and Jean.
BOXING CLEVER LAST year, the RN Boxing Team took part in a tournament in Liverpool at which Mainstay Industrial Services raised a considerable sum for local charities. In recognition of the RN Boxing Team's contribution to the evening the firm sent them a
George Jones looks on as wife Jean get comfortable in her Carmobility seat.
Valiant survivor of Jutland JAMES Cusick (95), is a former AB who served in the Royal Navy from 1915 to 1919 and who was on board HMS Valiant at the Battle of Jutland. James served in HMS Valiant which was pan of the Fifth Bailie Squadron of the Grand Fleet under the command of Admiral of the Reel, laler Lord Jcllico. who, in 1922, was responsible for ihe formation of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust following the amalgamation of the Grand Fleet and other kindred Funds.
Weekly annuity James' case was brought to the notice of the RNBT by SSAFA Sheffield and the grants committee were delighted to be able to award a regular weekly annuity of £5 is his favour using the Jetlico (Greenwich Hospital) Annuity Scheme ad-
ministered by the trust. James believes that he is the only surviving member of the Fifth Battle Squadron who fought at Jutland and it is fitting that after so many years, the RNBT, which was founded by Lord Jellico, is able to help once more, one of the men who served in the Grand Fleet.
cheque for £150 which the boxers decided to donate to the Trust, at the same time passing Season's greetings to RNTB. The Trust is very grateful to the RN "pugilists" for their very generous gesture in supporting the work of the RNBT.
made grants and Annuity payments of
£1,180,273 during the Financial year 1989/90
Will YOU give James Cusick.
Death of President ALL those associated with the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust have been deeply shocked and saddened by the recent death in office of the Trust's President, Vice-Admiral Sir James Kennon, KCB, CBE. During the seven years of his presidency, Admiral Kennon made a significant contribution to the work and development of the Trust. He was a most kindly and charitable man, who will be very greatly missed.
YOUR support? Grants Committee: 2a Tipner Road, Portsmouth, Hants PO2 8QR General inquiries: Head Office, High Street, Brompton, Gillingham ME7 5Q2