THE Portland Branch of the Royal Naval Association hosted the September 2017 Number Four Area meeting at the Conservative Club, Easton.

The meeting was opened by the Portland Town deputy mayor, councillor Charlie Flack (a former CPOMA and now a Portland branch member) accompanied by his wife Maria.

Councillor Flack gave an abridged version of the history of Portland.

The standard was marched on by the Area standard bearer Ben Cartwright and Shipmate Chaplain the reverend Geoffrey Walsh offered prayers.

Maureen Sherren, from the association, said: "It was encouraging to see so many branches attending – Axminster, Bridgwater, Bridport, Chard, Christchurch, Dartmouth, Dorchester, Falmouth, Ferndown, Frome, Launceston, Liskeard, Plymouth, Saltash, South Bristol, Torbay, Torpoint &Rame Peninsula, Weymouth and Portland.

"During the meeting our president David White presented a cheque for £2,300 to Geoff Robertson on behalf of Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved British Forces children.

"Geoff went to great lengths to enlighten us on the mission of the charity.

"A presentation by Tim Corke of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity outlined the works of the RNRMC and how as branches and individuals we can contribute.

"DNCM Shipmate Gutteridge then read a report of proceedings from the National council.

"The president closed the meeting, but not before he had presented me with a £200 cheque for the Portland branch."

"Our branch has benefited greatly from this weekend's activity both financially and from publicity in the local area with new members keen to join."

Branch chairman Dan Sherren said that without the support of the local businesses and community the success would have not been achieved, and thank all those who contributed to this event.