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

Message from Area Secretary:

“It is with sadness that Bridport branch reports the death of S/m Chris Barnes, late Treasurer of Bridport branch. RIP Shipmate. His funeral details as below:

Thursday 24th September 2026 at 1400. To be held at St John’s Church, West Bay, near to Bridport. The wake is still being finalised but will be promulgated when known.

Attendance of Shipmates and Standards from other branches would be greatly appreciated.

If attending, then please contact Bridport branch secretary who will liaise with the family.”

Members of the Branch attended the Memorial Service at All Saints Church, Portland, on 15th August 2026.

Yesterday lunchtime, representatives from the Portland Royal Naval Association (RNA) and the Portland Sea Cadets gathered at the popular Corner House Inn to attend a special presentation ceremony.

The event was held to distribute the proceeds from a highly successful “Death of the Tot” fundraising day, which took place at the Corner House Inn on 1st August. The traditional naval-themed event was organised to raise vital funds for chosen local charities.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the patrons and organisers, both the Portland RNA and the Portland Sea Cadets were presented with a whopping £578.88 each to support their ongoing work in the community.

Pictured above are S/m Dorian, S/m Nige, Lieutenant (SCC) Rachel, S/m Dusty, S/m Ian, and Amy.

Speaking after the presentation, RNA Branch Chairman S/m Dusty expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Amy and Dorian for their hard work in organising the event, as well as everyone who attended and contributed to making the fundraising day such a massive success.

And here’s all of us…

Many of you will know that our good friend and Shipmate Steve Skerman Crossed the Bar on 2 August 2026.

Being RNA through & through, Steve requested an RNA led cremation with blazers and medals, Standards to be paraded if available.

The Funeral, to be held at Weymouth Crematorium at 11:30 on Friday 18 September 2026, will be conducted by Rose Funerals (Sam Wilding) and officiated by Michelle.

The funeral will be live streamed, the link is watch.obitus.com  Username is wanu3354, P/w 216935

Refreshments will be available in the main hall at the Masonic after the Funeral from 13:00.

Donations can be made in Steve’s memory for RNA Portland Branch or Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, c/o Rose Funeral Service, 23 Shrubbery Lane, Wyke Regis, DT4 9LY. Tel 01305 785832 or online via www.rose-funeral.co.uk

Our thoughts are with his family. RIP Steve.

Shipmates, the Semaphore Circular Monthly
Newsletter for Friday 7th August 2026
is available here.

Portland are fairly prominent in this months issue!

RNA Open Day Brings Shipmates Together in Portsmouth

The Royal Naval Association recently welcomed shipmates from the Portland and Torfaen Branches to Central Office for a special RNA Open Day in Portsmouth.

The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for members to meet the Central Office team, hear the latest updates from National Chair Andy Christie, and spend time catching up with fellow shipmates. Throughout the day, old friendships were renewed, new connections were made, and there was no shortage of dits, laughter and good company.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success, including Area 3 President Soapy Watson, and Steve for their support and contributions throughout the day.

The Royal Naval Association remains committed to supporting shipmates, preserving our naval heritage and fostering lifelong friendship across the naval community. We are also grateful to the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, whose grant funding helped make this activity possible.

More images available in the Gallery.

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.

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