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.

We are still looking for a Standard Bearer; could you be a Standard Bearer?

Message from your Chairman:

“I know we always got taught not to volunteer, but the branch is in need of a new Standard Bearer.

S/M Ben Cartwright will be stepping down after the Remembrance Day service after many years of fantastic service as Branch Standard Bearer; thank you Ben for your dedication and service you have given over the years.

You will get a good hand over from Ben and training will be given. If you volunteer and just want to do the Remembrance Day Parade and the like, not a problem. Just do what you are happy doing.

If you have any questions about the role please speak to Ben, I’m sure he will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

So, please contact myself or S/M Ben for any further information.”

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’”

10 members of the branch were amongst a congregation of over 30 who attended the HMS Illustrious Liberty Boat Disaster Remembrance Service on Saturday 18th October 2025 at 11am in Portland Salt Marina.

Everyone met to commemorate the disaster which happened 77 years ago in which 29 live were lost. At this Memorial to those who perished, members remembered too the acts of heroism and bravery embodied in the attempts to save those perishing and the constant dangers faced by those who “go down to the sea in ships and do business upon the great waters”. It is hoped that this Memorial will continue to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives that night, and be a reminder of the great debt owed by a maritime nation to its countless seafarers, especially those of the Royal Navy.

More images in the Gallery.

The Association would like to invite Branch members to attend a short service at 1100 on 18 October at the Memorial in front of Boatfolk’s offices, Osprey Quay.

A very nice service at St Andrews in remembrance of the Avalanche and Forest 148 years ago today. Was nice to see members of the Branch there.

Could you be a Standard Bearer?

Message from your Chaiman:

“I know we always got taught not to volunteer, but the branch is in need of a new Standard Bearer.

S/M Ben Cartwright will be stepping down after the Remembrance Day service after many years of fantastic service as Branch Standard Bearer; thank you Ben for your dedication and service you have given over the years.

You will get a good hand over from Ben and training will be given. If you volunteer and just want to do the Remembrance Day Parade and the like, not a problem. Just do what you are happy doing.

If you have any questions about the role please speak to Ben, I’m sure he will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

So, please contact myself or S/M Ben for any further information.”