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.

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

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

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,

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.

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!

Please see the below pdf for menu.

• Cost £30.00 per person for three course meal, tea or coffee with mint and a glass of port. Please pay in cash at March or April meeting.
• Entertainment: Steve Williams Disco.
• Guest of Honour: Andy Christie – Royal Naval Association National Chairman.

Shipmates, some relevant pointers from the message from Fay Lawton:

Entry to rooms is 1500.
There will be copies of the programme at Durrant House for all those attending.
There won’t be an Uckers tournament as such, but we will be bringing 2 boards if anyone would like a game.
Finally we look forward to seeing you and your standards at the church service,  Jules the Vicar is being transferred and this will be her last service, unfortunately she and her husband are unable to join us for Sunday lunch due to a prior engagement.

View the program for Bideford here

Shipmates.
Christmas Social, Saturday 20th December 2025 at 1930.
At the Masonic Centre, Victoria Square.
Entertainment: Georgy Broad.
£15.00 per ticket (including buffet).
>> Wrapped raffle prizes appreciated. <<
Please pay at the November or December meeting.
Thanks
Dave, Social Sec.