Can You Help Make a Difference? – Support Needed for Upcoming RNA Activities

As your National and Area Welfare & Wellbeing Support Co-ordinator, I am reaching out to ask for your help with several upcoming events and activities over the summer. These opportunities not only allow us to promote the Royal Naval Association but also provide meaningful support to serving personnel who may benefit from a friendly face, a listening ear, and the camaraderie that makes our Association so special.

Every bit of help, whether it’s a few hours or a full day, really does make a difference.

HMS Raleigh H Unit Health Fayre
15 July | 1300–1600

We will be attending the H Unit Health Fayre at HMS Raleigh to promote the RNA, raise awareness of the support we provide, and engage with recruits and staff.

This is a great opportunity to showcase the Association and encourage future membership. If you enjoy meeting people and talking about the work we do, your support would be greatly appreciated.

HMS Raleigh Leave Period Support
7 August – 6 September

During the summer leave period, a number of recruits remain at HMS Raleigh, many of whom are Commonwealth recruits unable to travel home.

Thanks to previous support, we’ve been able to provide opportunities for them to get away from camp, socialise, and experience a little of what Cornwall and Devon have to offer. During the Easter leave period, activities included:

• Go-karting
• Visits to the China Fleet Club
• Transport to the Torpoint Ferry and local attractions

As I will be on leave for part of this period, I am looking for people who may be able to help with:

• Driving a minibus
• Assisting with transport arrangements
• Supporting or supervising activities
• Suggesting and helping organise new outings and events

If you have ideas for activities that would appeal to young recruits, I’d love to hear them. Sometimes the simplest outings can have the biggest impact on morale and wellbeing.

RNSA Yeovilton Families Day
23 July | Time TBC

We will be running an RNA stall/gazebo at the RNSA Yeovilton Families Day and are looking for volunteers to help set up, welcome visitors, and share information about the Association.

This is always a fantastic opportunity to engage with serving personnel, veterans, families and supporters, while raising the profile of the RNA within the wider Naval community.

How You Can Help

If you can support any of these events, please get in touch. Whether you can offer a few hours, a full day, transport support, or simply some fresh ideas, your contribution will be valued and appreciated.

Together we can continue to demonstrate the very best of the RNA, friendship, support, and shipmate helping shipmate.

Thank you in advance for anything you can do.

Shipmates, the Semaphore Circular Monthly
Newsletter for Friday 3^rd July 2026
is available here.

The next VB will be held at the Masonic Hall, Victoria Square on Sunday 5^th July.  Details in the poster below.

Link to Booking Form  payment details as follows:

Account Name – Dorset Freemasonry Veterans Breakfast Club
Sort code – 04-14-50
Account Number – 65240335

Reserve this weekend in your diaries.

The next No 4 Area Reunion will be held at Durrant House Hotel, Northam, Bideford EX39 3QB on:

Friday 5th, 6th, 7th, March 2027

This is planned to be with the more formal style of Gala Dinner with Guest of Honour and top table on the Saturday evening, preceded by a wine reception.

More details will be published when available.

Shipmates, the Semaphore Circular Monthly
Newsletter for Friday 5^th June 2026
is available here.

We have received a thank you letter from our hosts at Portland Masonic Lodge thanking us for our donation for continued use of their facilities.  You can see a copy of the letter HERE

Shipmates

An email received from Portland Town Council which may be of interest to Members.

Portland Town Council will be holding an event on Thursday 18^th June 2026 to commemorate the life of Councillor Sandy West.

Sandy was loved and well respected across Portland, which she represented as a Councillor for nearly 25 years, including serving as Mayor on more than one occasion. We hope that you will take this opportunity to share your memories with others that knew her.

Thursday 18th June
18:00 – 20:00
Islanders Youth and Community Centre, 53 East Weares Road, Portland DT5 1ES

RSVP:
Kindly reply if you will be coming along as we do need to confirm numbers.

With kindest regards,

Hilary Brown
Deputy Clerk
Portland Town Council
Portland Community Venue, Three Yards Close
Portland, Dorset DT5 1JN

Office: 01305 821638
Mobile: 07422 688 859
Email: deputyclerk@portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.portlandtowncouncil.gov.uk

Message from PTC;

On Saturday 6th June 2026, the Mayor of Portland will be laying a wreath to commemorate D-Day at the American Memorial in Victoria Gardens at 2.00pm.

Please note that this will not be a formal service as we do not have a minister available, but all are welcome to attend the wreath laying.

The next VB will be held at the Masonic Hall, Victoria Square on 7 June.  Details in the poster below.

Link to Booking Form  payment details as follows:

Account Name – Dorset Freemasonry Veterans Breakfast Club
Sort code – 04-14-50
Account Number – 65240335

Shipmates, the Semaphore Circular Monthly
Newsletter for Friday 1^st May 2026
is available here.  We’re in the Branch News again.