VETERAN and service groups came together for a night of friendly rivalry and fundraising when Dorchester Royal Naval Association held its annual charity skittles tournament at the town’s Trinity Club.

Teams from Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland Royal Naval Associations, the Weymouth & Portland Fleet Air Arm Association, the Royal British Legion and sponsor Drumgrange Ltd took to the alleys.

After a closely fought contest, the trophy went to a hybrid team of six Dorchester RNA players, alongside one from the Royal British Legion and one from Drumgrange, proof the night was about coming together as much as competing.

Drumgrange, a Portland-based defence and technology company with long ties to the Armed Forces, sponsored the evening once again, presenting a cheque for £500.

The sponsorship covered the £350 catering, with the balance adding to proceeds from the raffles to give a total raised on the night of £561.78 after expenses.

Teams and supporters from across Dorset’s naval and service community gather at the 2026 charity skittles tournament

All funds go toward the branch’s £1,000 target for its 2026 charity, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, which supports serving personnel and their families.

Mark Bradbury, Weymouth & Portland Fleet Air Arm Association social secretary, said: “Nights like this are what the naval family is all about. Different cap badges, one good cause and a lot of laughter down the skittle alley.

“Our thanks go to Dorchester RNA for organising it so well and to Drumgrange for their continued generosity.”

Dorchester RNA chair Jim Armstrong thanked Drumgrange for its sponsorship and all the team skittle players and supporters for their raffle prize donations, generosity and good spirit throughout the evening.