Over the weekend of 17-19 June 2022, the Royal Naval Association will host an inspiring series of commemoration events to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War, combined with its 2022 Annual Conference & AGM, to ‘Reunite, Relive, and Remember’.
This isn’t just a weekend for those who took part in the Falklands War; it’s an opportunity for our entire membership to pay their respects to those who were lost and who contributed to the effort, whether serving RN, RM, RFA, Merchant Navy, Dockyard workers, spouses, or children of those serving.
Unlike previous recent RNA AGM/ National Conferences, the events of the weekend will not be centred on a single venue. Delegates and attendees should therefore seek their own accommodation in Portsmouth. To help, a list of accommodation venues and websites is attached.
The RNRMC is supporting this activity and Branches are invited to apply for grants for transport for Branch members to be able to attend the F40 weekend. More details can be found at Falklands 40 Fund | The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (rnrmc.org.uk)
On the Friday, our Special Interest Groups will gather in their clusters to take part in activities around the Portsmouth area. All our members are invited to be involved in this, whether they’ve joined a Special Interest Group yet or not. We’re hoping that there will be an activity to interest everyone and plans are still being developed to bring more to the programme over the coming months. If you don’t find something that sparks your interest but have an idea for an RNA group/activity you would like to be the Group Leader for then please do get in touch with us and let us know. Email us at: [email protected]
The Special Interest Groups are a new initiative from the RNA, so these events will be an inaugural activity for most, meaning you can be involved right from the start! Each group has its own Group Leader for you to email and express your interest to.
Golf – The RNA Golfers will be gathering at Southwick Park Golf Course on Friday 17th June for bacon butties and 18-holes across the land that Churchill and Eisenhower plotted the D-Day landings from. To be involved in this, please express your interest to their Group Leader, Colin Dinsdale - [email protected]
Cricket – Are you a cricketer? Would you be keen to join an RNA Cricket team? The Royal Navy’s Burnaby Road will be hosting a cricket match for us, against the Royal Marines Association, and we need a team! The match will start at 1300 on Friday 17th June, with refreshments served at around 1630 on completion. Clearly, this will also be a great spectator event and the bar will be open throughout. To be involved in this, please express your interest to Gordon Williams - [email protected]
Riders – The RNA Riders branch will be gathering in Portsmouth (location TBC) and rallying out to Sammy Miller’s vintage bike museum in the New Forest on Friday 17th June. Whether you’ve been involved in the group previously or would like to join as a new member, anyone on two wheels is welcome. To be involved in this, please express your interest to Simon Zammit - [email protected]
Fishing – The RNA Fishing SIG will be hosting a social coarse fishing event on Friday 17th June at Southwick Park Lake. Whether you’re an experienced fishermen or new to the sport, everyone is welcome. It’s a beautiful and extremely peaceful place to spend the whole day or just a few hours. To be involved in this, please express your interest with an email to [email protected]
Classic Cars – The RNA Classic Car SIG will be meeting at RHS Wisley on Friday 17th June for a car rally down to Portsmouth, avoiding the A3 by taking A and B roads for a steady amble. All classic cars, their drivers and passengers are welcome to get involved in this. To express your interest in participating in this, would you kindly advise Group Leader, Mike Burnham [email protected] by 23:59Hrs 15 March 2022 of your:
· Intention to participate
· Your joining point
· Your Vehicle make & Model
· Your Vehicle Registration Number
Camping & Caravanning –
We are still confirming location details, but the RNA Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Group will be hosted at a site in the Portsmouth area. If you would like to become a member of the group and camp over the weekend, please express your interest to their Group Leader, Ron Shilton - [email protected]
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On Friday evening, the RNA Special Interest Groups and all other Shipmates will reunite at 1900 for the Band of the Royal Marines to Beat Retreat at the steps of the Guildhall, followed by evening drinks reception on HMS Warrior*. Members will be invited to walk to HMS Warrior or call taxis from the Guildhall taxi rank. For those less able, the RNA minibuses will also be running a shuttle from the Guildhall to Victory Gate.* Please note, Portsmouth City Council will run a separate Civic Event that evening primarily aimed at Falklands Veterans – further information on how to apply for this event will be announced in due course.
Saturday’s events will be hosted in a marquee in the rear garden of the HMS Nelson Wardroom. An abbreviated National AGM will take place in the morning, with delegates gathering at 0830 for breakfast rolls with formalities starting at 0900.
This will be followed by an RNA Falklands Forum with a panel of Falklands veterans, representing different aspects of the Conflict.
Throughout Saturday afternoon we will have wellbeing support and guidance available for all Shipmates if required. Wellbeing experts will be on hand to give immediate support and signpost to ongoing initiatives. If you have any wellbeing concerns ahead of the event, please get in touch with our Wellbeing Programme Manager, Lynda Pearson to discuss them in confidence. [email protected]
Model Making – The RNA Model Makers group will be displaying their crafts in HMS Nelson’s Wardroom during the AGM and the Falklands Forum. If you’d like to join their group and display a model of your own, please express your interest to their Group Leader, Gary Daisley - [email protected]
After a short break (time for a siesta and a dhoby), members and guests will be invited back to the marquee at HMS Nelson Wardroom at 1930 for an 80s themed dance and buffet dinner. With a live band and 80s tunes playing late into the night, this is an event not to be missed!
On the Sunday, in Old Portsmouth, those connected to the Naval Service are invited to march with their Shipmates with the RNA National, Area and Branch Standards for a 1100 Service of Remembrance at the Falklands memorial in the Hot Walls. This will be followed by the City of Portsmouth unveiling a new memorial and presenting the RNA, RMA, and Falklands Veterans with Freedom of the City scrolls. Commemorations will conclude in Portsmouth Cathedral with a short service, the permanent laying up of the RNA Standard, as well as civic refreshments. Final timings and instructions for this element of the weekend will be published over the coming months.
