Photos & Graphics of H.M.S. Hood
The H.M.S. Hood Association Photo Collection - Reunions & Gatherings, 1989-1990
Updated 06-Mar-2007

The Church of St. John the Baptist, Boldre, New Forest, has been associated with H.M.S Hood for many years. This is due to the fact that Hood's final Admiral - Lancelot Holland lived in the area and was a regular worshiper at the church in the years before the Second World War. On this page you will find photographs taken over the years at the Hood Association's former Annual Boldre Service. This is no longer an "official" Association gathering (we hold our own service at St George's Church in Portsmouth/Southsea), but it still serves as the largest public service of remembrance for Hood. This takes place in mid-May - generally the week before the annual Hood Association reunion dinner and service of remembrance which is always the Saturday nearest to 24th May.

Important Notice: These photos are the property of the H.M.S. Hood Association and may not be downloaded and/or used elsewhere without the Hood Association Committee's express permission.

The Reunion of 1989: Church parade Pompey Dockyard 1989. H.M.S. Hood Association and boys from TS Hood. Front row L to R: Ken "Nobby" Clark, Den Finden, Tom Hooper Second row L to R: Dixie Dean, Ted Briggs, Eddie Goggins. Others: man with stick in 3rd row: Arthur Ayling. To Arthur's right as we look at the picture and on the same row as him is "Mac" - Ernie McConnell.

JR (left) and Nobby (right) admiring a model of Hood that was presented to the Royal Sailors Home Club and is still kept there to this day.

An undated photo which appears to be from the early 1990s. Association Chairman JR Williams heads the muster in the centre of the front rank.

Royal Sailor's Home Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth, 12th May, 1990. Nobby's usual toast "The Ladies!" L to R: Den Finden, "Nobby" Clark, Dixie Dean, Mary Tilburn, Bob Tilburn

Another photos that we cannot date with any certainty. It appears to be early to mid 1990s and shows a "full muster" at the Reunion at the Royal Sailors' Home Club in Portsmouth. Click on the photo for a larger version with details of those members whom we can identify by name.

This photo was taken in the second half of the 1990s and shows a group of Association members enjoying a get together drink. Left to Right are: Peter Heys (then Vice-President), Jean Heys (then Secretary), JR Williams (then Chairman), Betty Turner, Ted Briggs (President, survivor), Dick Turner (Committee member) and "Mac" - Ernie McConnell

Hold on, Ted's taking charge! This is pretty much the same group as above except for Jim Taylor on the left of the picture who has joined having taken the photograph above.