Extracted from Area 4 NCMs report Sep 26.

A message from your Chairman

It is with a very sad heart that I have to report that S/m Roger Howes MBE crossed the bar suddenly on 19^th October.

There will not be a funeral but a celebration of his life. Date to be confirmed.

Thanks
Dusty

The special evening welcomed guest of honour Cdr Louis Wilson-Chalon RN Ret’d and his wife, who were joined by 48 shipmates, partners, friends and family. Those in attendance enjoyed a traditional menu featuring a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains or a vegetarian option, and 3 desserts or cheese and biscuits, followed by tea or coffee and a traditional glass of port. The complete evening was delivered for just £30 per person, with the night beautifully capped off later in the evening’s by our featured entertainer, Donna.

Branch Chairman Dusty later remarked:

“Many thanks to S/m Dave for organising last night’s Trafalgar Dinner. Brilliant night as always.“

More images from the evening can be found in the new Gallery.

A message from your Chairman:

I am sad to report that S/M Arthur Copus ‘Crossed the Bar’ last week.

You can safely say he was a character and he was a big supporter of the Branch even when he could not attend meetings due to his health. He will be sadly missed.

The funeral will take place at the Weymouth Crematorium on Friday 13th November at 1430.

12 members of the branch were amongst a congregation of over 30 who attended the HMS Illustrious Liberty Boat Disaster Remembrance Service on Saturday 17th October 2026 at 11am in Portland Marina.

Everyone met to commemorate the disaster which happened 78 years ago in which 29 lives were lost. The service was led by RNA Area 4 Chaplain, Rev’d Martin Kirkbride and members remembered the acts of heroism and bravery embodied in the attempts to save those who perished and the constant dangers faced by all who “go down to the sea in ships and do business upon the great waters”. 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.

Bodmin Branch is hosting Ian Whitehead on 6th November who will be giving a talk on Admiral Bligh – any other Branches or shipmates in the area who would like to come, please do so. It is free, the drinks are cheap. The venue is Bodmin Bowls Club start 19:30.

If anyone is interested, could names be forwarded to S/m Annette Laurie (annette.laurie@blueyonder.co.uk). They can get some nibbles in and would love to see as many as possible. Shipmates will be made most welcome.

In these days when Branch numbers are dwindling, we all strive to do things to encourage attendance and joining up – if Branches don’t support each other, as at the recent Liskeard Anniversary Parade, then unfortunately the decline sets in.

We have an invitation from Dorchester Branch to attend a talk being given at Dorchester Branch RNA on 14 October 2026.

“Members are invited to a talk by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at our branch meeting on 14 October 2026 at the Trinity Club, Trinity Street, Dorchester.

Our branch meeting will start at 1900 and it is expected that the talk will commence at 1930.

Regards,
Roy Dean
Secretary, Royal Naval Association Dorchester”

Shipmates, the Semaphore Circular Monthly
Newsletter for Friday 2nd October 2026
is available here.

Shipmates,

Away Weekend Thursday 8th to Monday 12th October to Daish’s Hotel, Shanklin. We’ll be there in 7 days time.

Pickup approximate times:

• • • • • Bridport bus station 0900 – Vaughan, Carole & Sue.
        • Portland, Victoria Square, bus stop near chippie at 0945 for the other 31.
        • We are booked on the 1400 ferry from Pompey.

As we are sharing the coach, we have no say in a possible lunch stop. The driver may decide to go directly to the ferry terminal, although I would expect a comfort stop at Rownhams Services. You may want to take a packed lunch.

I issued luggage labels to most of you at the September meeting. I’ll have labels for the rest at the October meeting. Please make sure you use the Daish’s labels marked DT for luggage being stowed in the hold of the coach and porters will take it to your hotel room. Most important to use these labels for the return journey so that your luggage is stowed on the correct coach.

The weekend is completely informal. Hope that everyone has an enjoyable time.

Regards
Dave
Social Sec

Original post here

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, 8th March 2027 – Booking details with costs below:

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION No.4 AREA REUNION
FRIDAY 5 MARCH TO MONDAY 8 MARCH 2027

BOOKING INFORMATION

2 nights package Fri buffet to Sun Lunch or Sat Gala Dinner to Mon b/fast. Cost: £180.00 pp

Those that request 2 nights only, please let me know if it’s Fri & Sat or Sat & Sun that’s required.

A number of single rooms are available with no supplement; all rooms have baths with shower over or walk in shower on request.

A £20 deposit per person is required by Sat 21 November 2026. Please note that the £20 deposit is non refundable as we will already have incurred expenses at that point.

The account name for payment is: No 4 Area Reunion Fund

Bank transfer to:          Sort Code 30-95-08           A/C Number 01009530

The Reunion Treasurer would prefer one bank transfer per branch where possible.

Those of you who haven’t been before, it’s a fun weekend with a full entertainment programme.

All branches have their own table for the whole weekend, but tables seat 10 so smaller branches might have to share.

Travel is self drive.

Please contact your Reunion Rep, S/m Pete Shoesmith to make a booking, with £20 deposit pp, at the Oct & Nov branch meetings.