There was a short journey after to the parking area in Utilita Bowl before Shipmates found their seats in the popular West side of the stadium which offered a magnificent view of the days matches.

The first match was Hampshire Hawks ladies vs Lancashire Thunder ladies which Hawkes won in emphatic style, with Hawkes scoring 135-1 (14.3) after putting Lancashire Ladies in to bat first and restricting them to 131 all out (19.4 overs). Hampshire Hawks ladies won by 9 wickets, a result that took them to the top of the Vitality Blast Women’s Table.

A break was taken for further replenishment of fluids and lunch after which the men’s game commenced with Hampshire Hawkes vs Kent Spitfires, who had previously beaten Hawkes by 7 wickets. Batting first, Hawkes manages a respectable
190-3 (20 overs). Kent Spitfires returned with a blistering run rate which was curtailed by some excellent bowling with several wickets being taken in quick succession to restrict Spitfires to 171 all out (19.2 overs), Hawkes won by 19 runs!

Shipmate Nigel then had to endure the parking exit ‘rush’ with 3 lanes converging to exit onto the main road and head West. Shipmates eventual reached home having had an excellent day out.

Many thanks to S/m Dave for organising the trip but who sadly could not come with us, to S/m Nige for driving the minibus without whom the trip would not have happened and to S/m’s Dusty, Dodger, Roger, Doc, Lynne, Vaughan, Steve and Bob for the excellent company.

Since the dedication of the memorial on 4th July 2021, the Portland RNA has proudly taken on the duty of remembrance, ensuring the sacrifice of those lost is never forgotten.

Shipmate Bob Featherstone piped the ‘Still’, marking a one‑minute silence, followed by the ‘Carry On’. Branch Chairman, Shipmate Dusty Miller, then delivered a short heartfelt reading, after which Shipmates raised a small libation in honour of Fallen Comrades.

The Portland RNA remains committed to preserving naval heritage and supporting veterans and their families through unity, loyalty, and comradeship.

On Tuesday 16 June 2026, 7 members of Portland Branch RNA gathered with members of the local Submariners Association to remember those that perished in 1955 on HMS Sidon.

Launched in 1944 and built by Cammell Laird, HMS Sidon served with the Royal Navy in the post‑war years. On 16 June 1955, while alongside in Portland Harbour, an experimental torpedo exploded on board, sinking the submarine and taking the lives of 13 submariners.  The boat was later raised but too badly damaged to return to service, and she was finally laid to rest as a target in 1957.

Today, the Portland community, the Royal Naval Association and the Dorset Submariners Association continue to honour the men of Sidon and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

We will remember them.

On the evening of 3 June 2026, 43 Shipmates attended the Portland Branch General Meeting to hear Lt (SCC) Rachel Harris RNR Commanding Officer of the local Sea Cadets Unit, speak about the activities and achievements of the TS Penn Cadets and staff over the past year.

Rachel thanked the Branch for inviting her and for electing Portland Sea Cadets as the branch charity. She then went on to give a brief history of the Sea Cadets which was established in 1856 and the establishment of Portland Sea Cadets in 1956 in the old Boscawen area in Castletown. In 1995 in preparation for the closure of the Royal Navy in Portland the Unit moved to the old NAAFI shop in what was then the Westcliff Married Quarters Estate.

Rachel then spoke about the activities that the Cadets have access to in the Unit which included Catering, Engineering, Seamanship, Navigation and the core activity Boating; one of the Cadets had qualified as an RYA Dinghy Instructor recently and also one of the Cadets who had just turned 18 had spent a week on TS Royalist and had returned saying it was the best week of her Cadet career ever.

The Unit was also active within the local community supporting local civic events which in the last 12 months had included the 85th anniversary of the Foylebank tragedy, VJ Day 80 commemoration service, HMS Illustrious memorial service, November Ceremonies with parade and service at Portland Cenotaph, Weymouth Armed Forces Veterans Parade, Mayors Civic Carol Service and performing Ceremonial Sunset for the Royal Navy Sailing Association Annual CTP!

The Unit also undertook a three day visit to Ypres in Belgium where 14 Cadets and 5 staff joined with Weymouth and Yeovil Sea Cadet Units and proudly represented Sea Cadets at one of the daily Remembrance Services held at the Menin Gate where one Able Cadet said the Exhortation and another said the Kohima Epitaph, both Cadets being from Portland Unit, an experience never to be forgotten.

Competitions were also a strong point for the Unit with Cadets wining through to Area and National level Sailing, Windsurfing and Powerboat Handling competitions, indeed had the National Powerboat Handling Competition not been cancelled due to high winds last year the Unit stood a very good chance of lifting the trophy.

Duke of Edinburgh is also a strong point with 3 Bronze awards, 5 Silver Awards and 3 Gold Awards being achieved in the last 12 months. Cadets can also be awarded a BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Teamwork, Personal Skills and Citizenship when they reach the rate of Ordinary Cadet. Additionally, six Cadets had achieved the BTEC Level 2 Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community award in the last 12 months.

Also working in the background is the Unit Management Team without whom the Unit would not be able to operate. They ensure the Unit has the right facilities, equipment and undertake the fundraising activities to keep the ship afloat. The Units now has a new Galley, new Heads and Shower facilities which include disabled access which enables the Unit to conduct residential training activities. Planned later for this year is the roofing over of the yard and building of three new training rooms which will more than double the availability of training spaces.

Following her presentation, Branch Chairman S/m Dusty Miller thanked Lt Harris for her engaging talk.

Treasurer and Area Deputy National Council Member, S/m Pete Shoesmith, then said that in March 2026, Area 4 of the Royal Naval Association had held its annual reunion in Bideford and 18 members of the branch had attended. Throughout the weekend, Shipmates took part in a range of fundraising activities and raffles, all contributing to the reunion charity fund.

Branches were invited to nominate charities for the 2026 donations, and the following organisations were selected:

•  National Coastwatch Institute, Portland Bill — £1,000, proposed by Dorchester Branch
•  Combat Stress – Mental Health Services for Veterans — £1,000, proposed by Frome Branch
•  Devon Air Ambulance — £1,000, proposed by Helston Branch
•  TS Penn (Portland Sea Cadet Unit) — £500, requested and to be matched by Portland Branch

S/m Pete then invited Branch President and Area Deputy Chairman, S/m Ben Cartwright, to present a cheque for £500 to Lt Harris. Rachel expressed her surprise and delight at the donation, noting that the funds would be put to excellent use in supporting the Unit’s forthcoming classroom building development project.

Shipmates,

On Saturday 18^th April, fifty‑two Shipmates, partners, and friends gathered for the 2026 Annual Dinner; a particularly special occasion as it marked the 70^th anniversary of the Branch’s inauguration on 8^th March 1956.

Guests enjoyed a three‑course dinner followed by tea, coffee, and a series of traditional toasts. Toasts were accompanied by a glass of port served in a specially commissioned 70th anniversary glass, which Shipmates were invited to take home as a keepsake of the milestone year.

The Branch was honoured to welcome the National Council Chairman and N^o 3 Area NCM, Shipmate Andy Christie, as Guest of Honour. In his address, he reflected on the history of the Branch, the wider work of the Royal Naval Association, and the enduring values that continue to bind its members. He concluded by presenting the Branch with a framed certificate commemorating its 70 years of service and camaraderie. In return, Branch Chairman Shipmate Dusty Miller presented Shipmate Andy with a set of Rum Tankards as a token of appreciation.

The Branch continues to thrive, with a current muster of 97 members: 6 Life Members, 57 Full Members, 31 Associate Members, 2 Serving Members, and 1 Honorary Member. In addition, the Branch is regularly joined by 3 Affiliate Members from Bridport Branch, who remain valued friends and supporters of Branch activities.

Your Chairman commented:

“It was nice to see the Standard Bearer from Weymouth Branch in attendance along with a few members of the Portland Branch.”

The weekend commenced on Friday with Shipmates sitting down to a hot/cold Buffett meal in the Ballroom followed by entertainment, dancing and a Bottle Raffle.

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 our guest branch, 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 then a number of Announcements and Awards were made which included:

No 4 Area Presidency
It was with honour that S/m Malcolm Day, President of Chard Branch officially accepted the position of Area No 4 President from retiring incumbent, our own, S/m David White MBE MSM of Portland Branch, who after many years sterling service in Branch, to the Area and also at National level, was stepping down.

Jacqui Ward Trophy
Presented to the lady shipmate who had contributed most, selflessly within Branch during the previous year. This year the 2025 trophy was won by S/m Sherylin James of Chard Branch. Unfortunately, S/m Sherylin was unable to attend the weekend to receive the trophy so the trophy was presented by S/m No 4 Area 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. Well done Sherylin.

Certificates of Appreciation
Presentation of a number of Certificates of Appreciation for sterling service and support was made by S/m Area Chairman and No 4 Area NCM Warwick Belfitt, which included our very own S/m Monica White.

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 Horse-racing hosted by Fay and Mike Lawton and their team of “Bookies” and “Jockey’s”.

Monday morning and onwards to home.  Lots of roadworks and all roads lead to the A35!

The evening commenced with Colours and Divisions; Shipmates were honoured that the Mayor of Portland and Branch Shipmate, Councillor Charlie Flack was invited to inspect Divisions where he chatted to each of the Cadets.

On completion of divisions a short break for refreshments was had after which the presentation of awards began in earnest. Shipmate and Mayors Consort, Maria Flack, presented four Specialisation and Proficiency awards to Cadets with Shipmate Pete Shoesmith presenting another four. The evening moved on with Branch Chairman Shipmate Dusty Miller presenting Boating awards to Cadets and Shipmate Karen Miller presenting Best Junior Cadets awards. Shipmate Councillor Charlie Flack then presented Best Cadets awards to the Senior Cadets section. The presentations then concluded with Shipmate Dusty presenting the Portland Branch sponsored award the “Diamond Community Award” which was shared by no less than three Cadets, Ordinary Cadet Ruby and Cadets Alexander and Vinnie after which Shipmate Pete Shoesmith presented the other Portland Branch sponsored trophy “Barton Award”, donated by previous Branch President Shipmate Dick Barton, for Best Improved Piper to Ordinary Cadet Oscar. On completion of the awards, the evening was concluded with Evening Colours.

Shipmate Chairman Dusty Miller later said:

“it was a pleasure to be able to participate in the awards evening and that the Cadets were a credit to the Unit, the branch looks forward to supporting the Unit throughout 2026.”

Branch members attending:

Shipmate Chair Alexander “Dusty” Miller
Shipmate Treasurer Peter Shoesmith
Shipmate Membership Sec/Fundraising Karen Miller
Shipmate Mayor Councillor Charlie Flack
Shipmate Mayor’s Consort Maria Flack
Shipmate Chris Gover
Shipmate Kate Gover
Shipmate Alice Gover (Serving RN)
Shipmate John Harte
Shipmate Anna Harte
Shipmate Damien Hawkins (SCC)
Shipmate Bernadette Cranny

15 Members of the Branch gathered at the Cenotaph yesterday for the annual Armistice Parade to commemorate the cessation of hostilities, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, on the western front of WW1 and to remember all those who fought for freedom from oppression in Europe.

Shipmates Ben Cartwright and Micky Fox paraded the Branch and Ajax Association standards with the recitation being delivered by Shipmate Alex Oswald.  Shipmate Lin McCormack was behind the camera.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Today, over 35 members of the Portland Royal Naval Association Branch participated in the annual Remembrance Service at the Portland Cenotaph. The day began, for some, with breakfast at local hostelries before members mustered at the Drill Hall to march in formation to the Cenotaph.

Branch members unable to join the parade met others at the Cenotaph, ensuring a strong and respectful 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.

Following the wreath-laying and parade, members gathered once more to share a Tot and reflect in fellowship — a fitting close to a day marked by pride, remembrance, and community spirit.

Our Branch Chairman later commented:

“A big thank you to all those that marched (bimbled ) to the Portland Cenotaph and all those that attended.
Great to see so many of you and apologies if I did not get chance to say hello and thank you for attending.
Also a thank you to S/M Nige Rimell for laying the wreath and giving his Grandfather’s medals their first
run out since being remounted.

‘We shall remember them’”