The Solent Branch

The Solent Branch was formed in 2005 and welcomes members from any part of the country. While it is centred on the Southampton / Portsmouth area, members regularly attend our gatherings from as far afield as Banbury (to the north), Brighton (to the east), Dorchester (to the west) and the Isle of Wight (to the south).  We move our gatherings around the area to give members the opportunity to travel less distance if they prefer, but venues on the south coast corridor predominate.

We meet several times during the year for social pub lunches; we hold a Summer Banyan & BBQ; we have our AGM in September (which is the only gathering with a formal agenda); we meet on Remembrance Sunday to lay a wreath at the RFA Falklands Memorial in Marchwood ( the only memorial raised to the RFA by a local community, and which we much value), and we always have a Christmas Lunch in Portsmouth.  We hold raffles to raise funds for the Association, and we have a good fund-raising record here in the deep south.  The Branch is still run mainly by the founding committee, and we welcome interest from other members to join us to provide continuity, and to refresh the programme.

If you think the Solent Branch might hold some interest for you, come along to one of our gatherings.  Meet old friends and old enemies! No ranks…first names only! Many lanterns swung! If you live in our area you can receive our newsletters and other info by registering with the Secretary, Alan Williamson on 02392 510842.  We look forward to seeing you (wives, partners, etc. all welcome).

Stuart Pearce

Branch Chairman