Weymouth, Portland and District Branch Monthly Meeting Monday 14 th July 2025 At The Admiral Hardy Public House, Weymouth Commencing at 19.30pm Apologies: - Chrissie Payne, James Smith, Betty Port, Karl Stockwell, Denis Mould, Seamus Donelly, David Parsons, Tom Pearce, David Hearn, Linda Peaston, Chris Carr. Obituaries: - Graeme Gilbert (Gilly) Chairman: - David Knight Chairmans Report - Minutes of last meeting approved. David Knight attended Veteran’s Day at Dorchester Armed Forces Day. At present there is no national report, and the question was asked if we needed a national president for the branch? The constitutional rules are being investigated by Tammy and Paul (Vice Chairman). David Knight will speak with David Parsons and ask if he would write a piece for the Full Ahead Magazine covering all aspects of what Weymouth Branch actually does to represent the Merchant Navy ie France. Vice Chairman: - Paul Cooper Paul has some receipts for the treasurer. He paid £65 to send the National Standard back to Scotland but we can claim this back from Tim Brant (National) Treasurer: - James Smith Branch account balance stands at £3810.53 no outstanding debt. Welfare: - Chrissie Payne Chrissie checked on everyone’s welfare before seeing to her own! Hope you’ve had a nice cruise! Future Events: - Sea Sunday at All Saints Church on 20 th July 2025 service starts at 9.30am. Uniform to be worn. Vice Chairman Paul Cooper has arranged with our Padre Betty Port for our new branch standard to be blessed and dedicated at the service. The new branch standard was kindly donated in remembrance of Eamon Smythe by his family. Wednesday 3 rd September 2025 Merchant Navy Day. Dorchester service at 9.30am. Weymouth service TBA but hopefully 12 Midday (Vice Chair Arranging) Muster will be at 11.45 in this case. Uniform to be worn. Sunday 7 th September 2025 Tower Hill London. £18 per person, nontransferable. Early 6am start. Names to Tammy as soon as possible please. Uniform must be worn. VJ Day Friday 15 th August Dorchester TBC Monday 15 th September 2025 Battle of Britian RAF Memorial at Bowleaze Cove. Uniform to be worn Time TBC Wednesday 8 th October 2025 National Seafarers Service St. Pauls Cathedral London you will need to purchase your own train tickets leaving Weymouth on the 9.30am Train. Vice Chairman will have the tickets for the service. A.O.B: - We would like to thank Mrs Linda Peaston for the donation of £280 from the late Gareth Peaston’s funeral. The Merchant Navy Garden has plenty of poppies, now awaiting new stones Thank you Lida Newman. Our August social will be held at The Mariners Bar and Kitchen on Monday 11 th August from 6pm, The bar will be open but please bring your own nibbles or picnic baskets. Partners welcome. Michelle will not be able to cater due to being open until 5. No raffle was held due to very few members attending. Prizes donated will be added to the August social so please remember to bring something with you and plenty of cash! Next Meeting 11 th August at The Mariners Bar and Kitchen Meeting Closed at 20.00pm.