Welcome to the Portland Branch of the
Royal Naval Association
Our core values: Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism, Comradeship
Our Branch was formed on 8th March 1956. The Isle and Royal Manor of Portland has had a long association with the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm. Portland Harbour and the surrounding sea areas were the main training base for the ships and aircraft of the Fleet throughout most of the the twentieth century. Even though the Navy has now moved its bases further afield, the area still has a large contingent of retired naval servicemen and women, who welcome the opportunity to meet up and ‘spin a yarn’ with old shipmates.
We also maintain close ties with ‘our’ namesake ship HMS Portland, and also the Sea Cadets at TS Penn.
We have 94 Shipmates, plus 6 from Bridport and Dorchester making 100 in total. Included are 6 Life members, 1 Serving member, 1 Honorary member and 86 paying members. The Association has over 20,000 members across 300+ branches in the UK and overseas. We are one of the 34 Branches which make up the Number 4 Area (South West Flotilla) of the RNA.
We meet up on the first Wednesday of every month at 20:00 in the Masonic Hall, Victoria Square, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1AL.
All serving and former members of the armed forces and other like minded people are welcome. Details of types of membership and how to join can be found here.
Social Programme
We run a very active yearly programme which include weekend trips away, an annual dinner/dance, social evenings and attendance at events in the local area. We also take part in an annual weekend of celebration at the No. 4 Area Reunion Rally held in Bideford.
Our Social Secretary does a sterling job to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
Charity Fundraising
Each year a local charity is nominated by our members. Funds accrued during the year from raffles and social functions are donated to this charity. A representative from the nominated charity is invited to attend one of the monthly meetings to receive the monies collected.
Wellbeing Support
We have two Branch Wellbeing Officers. They are both volunteers who help the Branch to advise members and their dependants on personal matters, such as pensions, compensation, health and social security benefits and other subjects affecting their wellbeing. They can also help arrange assistance for our members and all others who serve in, or have served in Our Naval Forces and their dependents who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress.
How to contact us
If you wish to contact us, you can click on the heading link above or please see the Branch Information on the right hand side of the screen.