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The Royal Naval Association (RNA) has launched its latest branch in Caerphilly town centre, as former sailors look to reconnect and help each other.

The RNA has more than 11,000 members across 250 branches in the UK, with its latest now open at Caerphilly Conservative Club.

Former sailor now chairman of the branch, Paul Pritchard, explained what the RNA does: “It’s about getting like-minded people who’ve had shared experiences together and reconnecting over days gone by.

“The most important position we have here is the welfare officer. They might receive a call from a carer who is looking after someone with dementia and was in the navy. We’ll then find out all about their life, what ships they were on etc, get pictures and go see them.

“The smile on their face is amazing when they realise what they’re looking at. You see life behind their eyes if only for a short time.”

The club in Caerphilly, which opened in June 2023, was the idea of Mr Pritchard, who served in the Royal Navy for 25 years from the age of 15, and fought in the Falklands War.

Now 67, he told Caerphilly Observer how it all came about. He said: “There was a branch in Caerphilly a decade or so ago and after attending a few sessions at the Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub in Ystrad Mynach, I really wanted to bring something back to Caerphilly town.

“You need five members to create a branch, which we had back in February, so we got in touch with the conservative club and now we meet on the second Monday of each month.”

The club was opened by Caerphilly County Borough mayor, Cllr Mike Adams, alongside a host of former sailors.

On the day itself, Mr Pritchard said: “It was a special occasion for everyone and after the ceremony we all had some drinks together and managed to raise £168 for the branch through a raffle. It was great to see the banter back between everyone.

“We’ve since bought some polo tops with our logo on it to hopefully attract some new members young and old, we’re open to anyone who has served.”

For more details on how to get involved, call Paul Pritchard on 07488291282.