Fleet Air Arm Association – Weymouth & Portland Branch
Celebrating camaraderie, heritage, and support through memorable naval experiences and lasting friendships.
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Portsmouth Visit Report: 26–28 March 2025
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Day One: Setting Course for Gosport
Members departed from Weymouth and Portland in lift-shared convoys. First stop: a private visit to the HMS Sultan Helicopter Museum, followed by check-in at the Ibis Portsmouth Centre Hotel and a lively social evening.
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Day Two: Heritage and History in Action
The group explored the Historic Dockyard, visited HMS Alliance Submarine Museum, Priddy's Hard, the Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower, and the
Powder Monkey Brewing Company.
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Day Three: Victory, Free Time, and Farewells
A final breakfast before returning to the Historic Dockyard to visit HMS Victory, explore other maritime exhibits, and grab some gizzits before the journey home.
A Celebration of Naval Heritage
The Weymouth & Portland Branch of the Fleet Air Arm Association (FAAA) completed a successful and memorable visit to Portsmouth—a city steeped in naval history and significance. Taking place from 26th to 28th March 2025, the trip brought together 20 members for a two-day immersion in maritime heritage, shared stories, and enduring friendship.
This gathering exemplified the heart of our branch values: celebrating our shared naval background, supporting one another—especially our widowed members—and reinforcing the unshakeable camaraderie that defines our Association.
The historic HMS Victory, flagship of Admiral Lord Nelson, was one of the highlights of the Portsmouth visit, allowing members to walk the decks where naval history was made.
Day One: Setting Course for Gosport
HMS Sultan Helicopter Museum
First stop: a private visit to the HMS Sultan Helicopter Museum, generously arranged by Neil Crocker and hosted by Jim Masson.
This hidden gem of aviation history proved a real highlight, evoking nostalgic memories for many of the attendees.
A special guest invitation was extended to H.J. Baker Ltd, one of the trip's key supporters.
Departure
On Wednesday 26 March, members departed from Weymouth and Portland in lift-shared convoys. Spirits were high as old friends reunited and new bonds began forming en-route.
Hotel Check-in
Later that afternoon, the group arrived at the Ibis Portsmouth Centre Hotel, where check-ins were smooth, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.
Evening Social
The evening was inevitably a lively social with laughter and dits, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Day Two: Heritage and History in Action
Morning Muster
The group mustered, "having had" a hearty breakfast, at the Historic Dockyard Gates, where Dave MacAskill from the Royal Naval Association (RNA) kindly facilitated access.
Harbour Crossing
The weather, thankfully cooperative, allowed for a harbour crossing to Gosport, beginning a full day of exploration.
HMS Alliance Submarine Museum
"It was incredible to see the confined spaces and conditions submariners endured," said one member, "it brought home the sacrifices made."
Priddy's Hard and Explosion Museum
A thrilling reminder of the scale, innovation, and firepower that defined naval dominance.
Powder Monkey Brewing Company
The perfect informal setting for refreshments and relaxing before returning to Portsmouth.
Old Ships, New Connections
A Remarkable Coincidence
One of the trip's most amazing moments came from Phil Norris (In photo 5th from Left), who shared a remarkable coincidence with Peter Foster, a fellow member he'd only just met on this visit.
Phil's Story
"I was chatting to Peter Foster, who I did not know until this trip to Pompey. We got chatting and he asked where I came from, I told him Bolton. He told me he'd been to Bolton with the Navy when he was on HMS Dido. Freedom of the town, as she was Bolton's adopted ship."
50 Years Later
"Well as it turned out, I was a Bolton Sea Cadet and we sailed on the Dido from Pompey to Liverpool and marched in the freedom parade. So over 50 years ago he and I were on the same ship in 1973—he was on the flight, and I was a Sea Cadet."
Moments like this, where experiences intertwine are what make these trips so fantastic. They show our lifelong connections, sometimes only discovered decades later.
Day Three: Victory, Free Time, and Farewells
By mid-afternoon, bags were packed, and the journey home began. But these weren't farewells in the final sense—just the end of this chapter in a much longer story.
Planning, Support and Thanks
Behind The scenes
This trip came together thanks to the vision and effort of Vice Chairman, Paul D'Arcy, who shaped the programme and drove it forward.
Financial Management
Branch Treasurer Russ Conway managed the practicalities and financials throughout.
RNA Support
Special thanks to Dave MacAskill and Sarah Bewley from the RNA, whose support, particularly during the demanding lead-up to the CONA Conference, demonstrated the very spirit of inter-association cooperation and solidarity.
RNA "Thriving Together"
Their work through the "Thriving Together" initiative truly lived up to its name, making this visit not just logistically successful, but emotionally resonant.
Financial Support and Acknowledgements
RNA Chairman Support
Bill Oliphant donated £200 to support 20 RNA/FAAA members.
Museum Access
Museum entry arranged through RNA contacts.
Branch Contribution
Weymouth & Portland FAAA branch provided a grant to cover parking for all, supported by H.J. Baker.
Special Access
HMS Sultan Helicopter Museum visit was made possible by Neil Crocker and Jim Masson.
Thanks to thoughtful planning and generous support, the cost of the visit was significantly reduced for all participants.
Left: Thanks to Dave MacAskill RNA Engagement Lead, now the proud owner of a FAAA shirt, presented by Russ Conway
The Spirit of the Trip
Connection
Rekindling friendships and forming new bonds
Heritage
Celebrating our shared naval background
Support
Being there for one another, especially widowed members
From the outset, this visit wasn't just about sightseeing, it was about connection. Whether sharing lift journeys, raising a pint, or walking the decks of Victory, the true treasure of the trip was in the fellowship it rekindled.
"This trip really brought everyone together," one attendee remarked. "It reminded us why we joined the Association in the first place."
For some, it was their first group outing since bereavement; for others, it was a chance to reconnect with their past in the company of shipmates who understand what service life meant. These shared experiences—grounded in trust, humour, and mutual respect—define the essence of the FAAA.
As one member put it, "The camaraderie, the shared memories, and the banter—this is what keeps us going."
Quotes for Reflection
Alex Mclean
"That was one very good gig. Fantastic planning and execution, thank you !!"
Ron Knight
"This was a fantastic idea many thanks to all the organizers really great visit with great company"
Pete Foster
"Thanks for a good experience, company was great. Also thanks to those who organized this BZ"
Mark Davey
"Great trip well organised and excellent banter!"
Steve Kershaw
"Thanks all - good company and well executed! Excellent time"
Gary Mitchell & Chris Watson
"Excellent trip, great company, thanks for organising BZ"
Dave Jones
"Splendid 3 days thanks to all"
Phil Norris
"Thank you everyone for such a friendly three day Pompey adventure. Great company one and all. BZ."
Tony Boyle
"Absolutely fantastic"
Jeff Davies
"I echo all the great comments, a fabulous few days special thanks to the organisers"
Ian Poulton
"Simply a great few days, well organised, and a fabulous time. Thanks to all. A great effort."
Allan Castle
"I just loved the whole thing, thanks to everyone for a great time."
Jeff "Ted" Edwards
"Safely home. Huge thanks to Darce, who was ably assisted by Russ and Jim for organising. Fabulous time. Lots of laughs, dits and a few beers. Thanks to everyone who came along. Haven't laughed so much in a long time"
Bob Guest
"Back to reality. I'd like to say what a good few days it has been. Lots of visits, dits, walking and of course copious amounts of ale. Well done those who took charge and for the organisers of said trip. For those who didn't go this time, make sure you put your name down for the next trip."
Looking Ahead

Honour our naval heritage
Celebrating our shared history and traditions
Support one another
Being there for fellow members in all circumstances
Plan future events
Creating more opportunities for camaraderie and connection
This Portsmouth visit reaffirmed the core mission of the Weymouth & Portland FAAA Branch: to honour our naval heritage, support one another, and enjoy life through shared experiences. It showed the value of getting together in person—not just for the history or the photos, but for the sense of belonging it renews.
Plans are already in motion for the next group event. If this visit proved anything, it's that the Fleet Air Arm spirit is very much alive and well—and when we come together, we lift one another up.
Bravo Zulu to all.