17 Shipmates from Portland Branch attended the 49th reunion of the No 4 Area Royal Naval Association over the weekend of 6th to 9th March at the Durrant House Hotel in Bideford.
The programme for the weekend began on Friday evening, in the Ballroom, with a hot/cold buffet dinner followed by entertainment, bottle raffle and dancing.
On Saturday, Shipmates were at their own leisure during the day; a quiz was held in the “Sir Richard” room in the morning, won by the guest branch from No 3 Area, Aldershot, and later on in the evening, Shipmates then mustered in the Ballroom for the Gala Dinner; Grace was said by S/m Rev Martin Kirkbride.
On completion of dinner a number of toasts were proposed, acknowledgement was given for all the hard work from the great team of Shipmates who organised the weekend and a number of Announcements and Awards were made which included:
No 4 Area Presidency
It was with great honour that Portland branches S/m David White MBE MSM formally handed over the role of Area No 4 President to the new incumbent, S/m Malcolm Day, President of Chard Branch. After many years of sterling service to the Area and at National level, S/m David has now stepped down from the position.
Jacqui Ward Trophy
Presented to the lady shipmate who had contributed most, selflessly within a Branch during the previous year. This year the 2025 trophy was won by S/m Sherylin James of Chard Branch. As S/m Sherylin was unable to attend the weekend to receive the trophy, the trophy was presented by S/m DNCM Peter Shoesmith and S/m Deputy Area Chairman Ben Cartwright to S/m Helen Day who collected it on behalf of S/m Sherylin.
Certificate of Appreciation
A Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding service and support was presented by S/m Area Chairman and No. 4 Area NCM Warwick Belfitt to our very own S/m Monica White, in recognition of her unwavering support to her husband, S/m David, throughout his years of dedicated service at National, Area, and Branch level. Our sincere thanks to you, Monica.
On Sunday morning, Shipmates who could, made their way to St Margaret’s of Antioch Church, Northam, for a Service of Remembrance hosted by Revd Jules Harris, Rector St Margaret’s, and Revd Martin Kirkbride, Padre RNA No 4 Area, Chaplain D118 Association.
Later, after lunch, Shipmates learnt who had won the Rum Raffle and enjoyed an afternoon of Horseracing hosted by S/m’s Fay and Mike Lawton ably supported by their team of “Bookies” and “Jockey’s”.
Monday morning and road works – It doesn’t matter what your GPS say’s, all roads lead to the A35 🙄😒🤣
Images by kind permission of S/m’s Dick Moon (Chard) & Bob Featherstone