Remembrance at Portland Cenotaph
On Sunday 8th November, 45 members of the Portland Royal Naval Association Branch participated in the annual Remembrance Service at the Portland Cenotaph. The day began at 09:00 for some with breakfast at a local Easton hostelry before members mustered at the Drill Hall, Easton Lane, to march in formation with other Community Groups, to the Cenotaph.
Branch members unable to join the parade met with others at the Cenotaph, ensuring a strong presence throughout the service. The ceremony was a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service, reminding all in attendance of the enduring values of freedom and sacrifice.
A wreath was laid by our Chairman Shipmate Dusty and the Standard was carried by Shipmate Pete, his first outing at Remembrance as our new Standard Bearer.
Following the parade, service and wreath-laying, many members gathered later to share a Tot and “swing a lantern” or two — a fitting close to a day marked with pride, remembrance, and community spirit.
Chairman Shipmate Dusty later said:
A big big thank you to all those that attended the Remembrance Parade and Service.
A fantastic turn out by the Branch on a nice warm sunny day.
I hope that those that attended the debrief in the Corner House had a good afternoon. I know I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Once again thank you all for making it a good day.
Chard Branch attend rededication of Good Shepherd Calvary Cross War Memorial
On Saturday 7th November Chard RNA Branch members with their standard and Patron attended the rededication and blessing of The Good Shepherd Church Calvary Cross War memorial by the Bishop of Oswestry.
The Cross has just been refurbished as a result of damage due to the past recent storms.
The service was well attended by local dignitaries, church congregation and former ex servicemen and women.
In addition to this a wreath was laid by the branches very own Patron Shipmate David Pond MBE on behalf of the Chard Royal Naval Association.
Our very own President, Standard Bearer and Shipmate Malcolm Day paraded our standard on behalf of the branch. It was an honour to be the first association to lay a wreath on the newly refurbished 1921 Calvary Cross War memorial in honour of those local men who never returned form the conflicts of World War I.
Report S/m Dick Moon
Images by S/m Dick Moon
Portland Branch Trafalgar Dinner
The annual Trafalgar Night Dinner took place on Saturday 17th October in the Masonic Centre Main Hall to celebrate the valour and victory of those who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar and also to commemorate the immortal memory of Horatio, Viscount Nelson, Duke of Bronte and Vice Admiral of the White and all those who fell with him.
The special evening welcomed guest of honour Cdr Louis Wilson-Chalon RN Ret’d and his wife Lorna, who were joined by 46 shipmates, partners, friends and family. Those in attendance enjoyed a traditional menu featuring a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains (including roast beef) or a vegetarian option, and 3 desserts or cheese and biscuits, followed by tea or coffee and a traditional glass of port. The evening was capped off later in the evening by our featured entertainer, Donna.
Branch Chairman Dusty later remarked:
“Many thanks to S/m Dave for organising last night’s Trafalgar Dinner. Brilliant night as always.“
Chard Branch Trafalgar Dinner
Saturday 17th October saw Chard Branch members attend the Hornsbury Mill for our annual Trafalgar Dinner of which some enjoyed their roast beef dinner with Yorkshire
pudding which totally hid the plate on which it was on! Was the chef a former bomb disposal operative as he certainly knew how to blow up Yorkshire Pudding’s that’s for sure?
This year although being low on attendance we did manage to run two raffles so were able to boost branch funds and our Patron’s Ukrainian humanitarian support funds, BZ to all taking part and contributing on the night.
Then on Sunday members attended St Thomas Church, Cricket St Thomas for the traditional Trafalgar Service officiated by our very own shipmate Father Michael.
Military Veterans Celebrate Trafalgar Way Ride Completion
Torbay Branch Newsletter September 26
Shipmates, posted on behalf of Torbay Branch:
“Fellow Torbay Area Associations & Friends please see the latest edition of our Branch Newsletter.
Please note the invitation to join us at our October meeting as we have a presentation by Sarah Henwood from the Personalised Care Team at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. This is related to the benefits of Cancer Screening.
This goes out to Branches and Associations around our Bay and further afield. I hope you and your members find it interesting.”
Pam’s 100 years of an amazing Life
Pam Warner of the Bridport Branch of the Royal Naval Association celebrated her 100th birthday on 4th September 2026.
She hosted an Open Door event at her home from 12 noon, and asked anyone who knew her to pop in and help her relive those memories and celebrate her milestones.
What a life she got to relive with them. She received a wonderful cake and a letter from The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff – General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM.
Happy 100th Birthday, Pam!
Torbay Branch Newsletter August 26
Shipmates, posted on behalf of Torbay Branch:
“This Newsletter goes out to Branches and Associations around our Bay and further afield. I hope you and your members find it interesting.
There’s not much in the way of social function invitations in this edition but if you would like to pass on or share invitations which would be of interest to other ex-service colleagues. please do let me know and I will add these to the next available edition.
“
@Ease – or so they tried!
The RNAMCC (Royal Naval Association Motorhome, Camping and Caravan) Group headed off for a festival in the countryside for yet another weekend or so of R&R. Members from Area 4 and several other RNA Areas around the country arrived in units big and small.
Aptly named the @Ease Festival, one organised by Veterans for Veterans – 
17 from the RNAMCC group attended and even managed to recruit 3 more possible members to their own group.
AT E@SE is a music & camping event for veterans, their families (including dogs) & supporters. All bands have Armed Forces links and all profits go to a chosen Military charity.
The Festival aims to be a gathering where you can be yourself and mix with other like-minded individuals – an ethos very much mirrored by the RNAMCC. It involved a LOT of socialising with quizzes, stores and slops to purchase, raffles, singing (some of it dubious) and sometimes just chilling with a glass of wine – read that as staying hydrated in our 4th heatwave of this year.
The RNAMCC group was the smallest of all those 
who joined in, but the wave of flags and ensigns shone bigger and brighter and they aim to attend again next year with even more members.
At E@se have their own Facebook page – full details can be found here
Further details about the RNAMCC can be found here or contact Ron Shilton (Lead Admin) rnamcc@outlook.com or Annette Laurie (PRO & Communications Lead) commsrnamcc@outlook.com
Veteran Petty Officer Malcolm Ratcliff
The recent funeral of veteran Petty Officer Malcolm Ratcliff, held at Bodmin crematorium, was well attended by various branch shipmates and RBL members.
While Malcolm wasn’t RNA, he was part of the West Country Gunnery Association and Area 4 were requested by RBL County Chairman and Area 4 Shipmate Mark Bardsley MSM to parade Standards.
He was married with two sons and lived in Looe. He was only 58 and taken far too early after a serious illness. The dress code was Hawaiian.
RIP shipmate.
Bodmin Branch Barbecue and Hands to Bathe
The Bodmin Branch of the Royal Naval Association held its annual summertime BBQ event this year.
Hosted by Shipmates Fiona and Gary Hawkey, over half the Branch members attended for an afternoon in the sweltering sunshine.
Hands to Bathe duly called, the paddling pool provided lots of fun for little ones and with plenty of shade for older ones, the venue backs onto the famous Bodmin and Wenford Heritage Steam Railway, which was unfortunately not running that day.
A full barbecue menu and salads were served up followed by a Cornish cream tea of scones, jam and cream were served but unfortunately, the age old question of jam first or cream first raised its head and was not settled once and for all.
Bodmin Branch is open to all serving and former serving members of the Royal Navy and any others who feel affiliated and align to the RNA ethos. Please feel free to get in touch, the shipmates would make you feel more than welcome. They meet on the first Friday of every month at Bodmin Bowls Club at 7.30pm
Contact S/M Annette Laurie Hon Secretary 07802896505 or annette.laurie@blueyonder.co.uk
RNA Open Day Brings Shipmates Together in Portsmouth
The Royal Naval Association recently welcomed shipmates from the Portland and Torfaen & District Branches to Central Office for a special RNA Open Day in Portsmouth.
The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for members to meet the Central Office team, hear the latest updates from National Chair Andy Christie, and spend time catching up with fellow shipmates. Throughout the day, old friendships were renewed, new connections were made, and there was no shortage of dits, laughter and good company.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success, including Area 3 President Soapy Watson, and Steve for their support and contributions throughout the day.
The Royal Naval Association remains committed to supporting shipmates, preserving our naval heritage and fostering lifelong friendship across the naval community. We are also grateful to the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, whose grant funding helped make this activity possible.
Over 100 Veterans and Families Gather in Oxfordshire
After almost a year in the planning by an amazing admin team and financed in part with a grant from the RNRMC (Royal Marines Royal Navy Charity), Naval veterans, RAF veterans, partners and a host of furry, four legged friends, descended on the Oxfordshire countryside from all over the UK and parts of Europe for the RNAMCC (Royal Naval Association Motorhome, Caravan and Camping) group’s annual Big Meet.
Hardwick Park near Witney played host to the gathering, held to rekindle old friendships, make new ones, remember old ‘oppos and have fun.
Reducing isolation and reaching out to be inclusive to all, the event started 5 years ago by 14 people all involved with the Falklands Conflict and who wanted to see if anyone else may be interested. Within two years the SCG (Sports & Comradeship Group) grew to over 700 members.
The Big Meet V for this year had a waiting list after all 67 pitches sold out fast, there was no stopping the 
attendees as The Rum Bosun introduced the Tot Time each day at noon and the following 5 days were filled with a whole host of events ranging from sing a long sea shanty time, scavenger hunt, ladies get together with quizzes, bingo, whose who? and the men’s beer and cider tasting sessions. The theme for this year was Beach Party / Hawaiian / Caribbean and the colours of the outfits were vibrant. With an interesting pirate or 2, many, many questionable Reggae outfits and a little bit of the old Hawaiian thrown in, the Limbo competition took place and some went over, not so many went under.
The Horse Racing evening raised funds from which a donation of £100 was made to Scarves for Falklands Veterans who produce items in the SAMA colours and Darwin the giant penguin was donated by attendee Dawn Easterbrook – and is now the Group’s mascot.
More funds were raised after three days of raffles took place with everything from bottles – of everything you could imagine (Including household detergent) to teddy bears, penguins, a solar light “Tommy” and more. The generosity of people donating was second to none.
Sunday saw a Remembrance Service take place with a short service, wreath laying and placing of small crosses for those still held dear in people’s memories.
The beach BBQ (but not quite on the beach!) was catered for by the crazy chefs for the day whilst others played giant Jenga, Connect 4 or tried their best at the limbo competition. 
When it got too hot, shipmates just took themselves off for a swim in the onsite lake which proved a welcome relief in the temperature which ranged between 25 and 33 degrees over the days.
While the gentlemen enjoyed a few drinks together, the ladies didn’t miss out having their own afternoon of high tea, cakes and sandwiches. All dressed up in their finest and while the bubbles flowed once they reached their limits of gastronomic delights, they invited the chaps over from their lowly corner of the field to come and join in and devour the rest of what was left. The ladies afternoon evolved from feedback from last year where a WRENs event took place but it was felt that the non Wren ladies may have felt left out – not so this year – all ladies in it together, as they say!
Call rounds happened morning noon and night. The flags were flying amazingly, while the slop stores did a roaring trade.
One of the highlights of the whole event was Defaulters with the miscreants being brought before Table, charged, always found guilty and receiving their punishment of dried biscuit coated in strong chilli sauce. Evening colours took place on the Monday evening before shipmates weighed anchor and departed on the Tuesday.
The aim of the meet was achieved, get together with old friends, make new ones, enjoy the comradeship and empathy of those that “get us”, feel included, and never alone and whether you are 10 years old (the youngest helper and OD Danny from Czech Republic) or almost 90 years old, whether you are in a wheelchair, have a tent or a motorhome – everyone is welcome and ALL are included.
Thanks again to the RNRMC for enabling us to 
put this event on and we will be back for Big Meet VI in 2027 – just follow us on Facebook at Royal Naval Association Motorhome Caravan and Camping Club or email Ron Shilton – RNAMCC@outlook.com or Annette Laurie – commsrnamcc@outlook.com
New member welcomed to Chard Branch
Last night Chard branch President was on hand to welcome our latest associate member (former British Army veteran) Chris Brandes to the branch. S/m Malcolm Day presented Chris with his RNA welcome pack and Identity card at the beginning of a quiet social evening.
Part of the evening saw the drawing of the ‘Pick a ship’ raffle draw which had been running for the past 3 months with the winning ship drawn out belong to the new member S/m Chris the second one drawn belonging to S/m Paula and the third one to S/m Bill with the branch receiving a donation from the proceeds.
Images by S/m Mike Kirkland
Report S/m Dick Moon