Summer Party at Blackpool Sands on 25th June
The Society met 25th June this year at Blackpool Sands café, for their customary Summer Party. Twelve members chose to precede this with a guided tour of Sir Geoffrey Newman’s (D&K President) interesting garden nearby. Forty four members and friends attended the supper.
In the absence of D&K Chairman Robert Brooke, Anthony Downing, who is managing the D&K website, gave a short speech, with special thanks to Robert for his splendid guidance as Chairman and Lindsay Charlesworth, Hon. Sec., both, of whom, are the cement that hold everything together. He also gave a thank you to Leanne Baldock, who arranged the evening.
Paul Talbot, D&K Architecture/Planning adviser also does tremendous work for the Society.
In foreground, Sir Geoffrey Newman
Speaker outlines for November and December 2025
On Tuesday 14th October Commodore Jake Moores OBE DL presented his career at the Flavel.
Noteworthy was his superb delivery. He outlined the rigorous Naval interviewing processes especially when considering recruits for submarines often submerged for months. In retirement his noteworthy contributions to society were acknowledged by his enthusiasm audience.
Career Summary – Royal Navy
- Joined the Royal Navy in 1976, drawn by the challenge and precision of the Submarine Service — one of the most technically demanding and strategically vital branches of the Armed Forces.
- Chose to specialise in submarine warfare tactics and sonar operations, becoming a leading expert in undersea warfare.
- Successfully completed the legendary Submarine Command Course (“Perisher”) in 1989 — regarded as one of the toughest command qualifications in the world, where only a small fraction of candidates succeed.
- Went on to command three submarines across different generations of the fleet, each representing a distinct era in Royal Navy capability:
- HMS Odin (Oberon-class) – a diesel-electric patrol submarine used for covert surveillance and training during the Cold War.
- HMS Sovereign (Swiftsure-class) – a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), providing intelligence gathering, anti-submarine, and strike capabilities.
- HMS Vanguard (Vanguard-class) – the UK’s first Trident ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), forming part of Britain’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.
- These commands spanned the full spectrum of submarine operations — from stealth reconnaissance missions to strategic nuclear deterrence patrols.
- Later Commodore Jack Moores held key senior posts ashore, including:
- Commander, Britannia Royal Naval College (Dartmouth)
- Commander, Faslane Flotilla – leading operational submarines at HM Naval Base Clyde.
- Commander, Devonport Flotilla – responsible for training and readiness of major surface and submarine units.
- Retired in June 2013 after 37 years of service marked by leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the Royal Navy’s submarine force.
- Awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for outstanding service to the Royal Navy and national defence.
Post-Career Summary – Leadership, Industry & Civic Service Commodore Moores continues to mentor, inspire, and serve, promoting leadership, public duty, and the enduring values of the Royal Navy.
Appointed Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Devon and served as High Sheriff of Devon (2024–2025). Continued to apply his maritime expertise in industry and defence innovation:
Maritime Advisor, Babcock Defence & Security; Maritime Campaign Leader, Elbit Systems UK; Passionately engaged in community and maritime causes:
Chair, Dart RNLI Appeal; President, Dartmouth Sea Cadets
Trustee, The Britannia Association; Co-Chair, The Leaders Club
Chairman, Shrouds of the Somme – a nationally acclaimed installation honouring the fallen of the First World War.
Today, Commodore Moores continues to mentor, inspire, and serve, promoting leadership, public duty, and the enduring values of the Royal Navy.
On Tuesday 11th November, Marion Marshall exemplified journalistic dedication.
Marion served at the BBC for 39 years, with an outstanding 32 years anchoring the BBC World Service news bulletins. She was one of the most well-known voices on BBC World Service.
Her talk to D&K, in The Flavel Centre covered the early days of her career and after 39years of service, to retirement here in Dartmouth. It was informative and intriguing, highlighting aspects we could never have guessed at.
Over her career as a broadcaster, she presented bulletins, which are now woven into our lives, such as events- 31st August 1997 and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and 9/11/2001 with the attack on The Twin Towers NY.
Over her career, she presented stories about seven Prime Ministers and six US Presidents.
A fascinating talk and enjoyed b all.
9th December. Tim Freeman, is known for his clear, engaging presentations. He brings together science, education and outdoor adventure, particularly when presenting to the U3A Geology Group
D&K Committee August 2025 Minutes
DALAG (Dart Area Landscape Access Group).
D&K Officer Liane Baldock (LB) had circulated a paper regarding the closure of DALAG following the successful introduction of various local footpaths and bridleways, including the Diamond Jubilee Way to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. (The founding members are now either no longer with us or unable to continue due to age etc.). DALAG has about £500 in its current account and, as it is affiliated to the D&K, LB had suggested that the money be given to us but in the knowledge that there might be demands for expenditure for any future DALAG needs (printing leaflets etc.). Following discussion, it was agreed to accept the money into our accounts on the understanding that we would support any future DALAG type financial needs up to £500.
Blue Plaque
D & K Chairman Robert Brooke gave us further details of Vernon MacAndrew a distinguished yachtsman and donor to Dartmouth over many years who had moved to Dartmouth in 1932 and lived in Ravensbury House at Warfleet.
At the outbreak of war, Vernon MacAndrew offered his motor yacht Campeador to the Admiralty for patrol work, and he volunteered with two other members of the Royal Dart Yacht Club as officers. Despite being well over military age, they were accepted as Sub-Lieutenants in the R.N.V.R. under Commander Davey, late of the Royal Navy. They were at sea through the winter of 1939-40, patrolling the channel against submarines and minelayers. The yacht was never designed for winter service, and the 22 men must have been bitterly cold without the heating or ventilation systems necessary for it. On June 22nd, 1940 she hit a mine off the Isle of Wight and sank with the loss of MacAndrew and all but two of the ship’s company. It was agreed that a Blue Plaque in his memory would be appropriate. Suggested that RB approach DTC and Jonathan Turner from the History Society to pursue this. In addition, it was thought that Vernon MacAndrew’s contribution to Dartmouth over many years would provide an interesting talk to start our 2026 season. RB will liaise with Jonathan Turner and DTC to pursue this recognition and to determine whether or not to share the costs involved. The Committee decided that D&K would be prepared to underwrite the cost if others were unwilling to share.(Edit)