RMA CoL Monthly Branch Newsletter - April 2026
- May 7
- 3 min read
Branch committee meeting Thursday, the 9th of April.
WELCOME & NEW MEMBERS/GUESTS.
It is always a pleasure to welcome new faces to the branch, and during May we were delighted to receive the following guests:
• Paul Rhodes
• Trevor Cannon – Royal Navy
• Dave Griffiths – Chelsea Pensioner
• Colin Rule – kindly introduced by our own member Jules Walker
A warm City of London Branch welcome to you all. We hope to see you again soon.
RECENT EVENTS.
Saturday, 28th March - Bootneck Brunch
Our ever-popular Bootneck Brunch continues to gather momentum and has quickly become a favourite social fixture.
Due to its growing success, the brunch will now take place every other month.
If you have not attended yet, I strongly encourage you to come along. It is a totally relaxed atmosphere, great company, plenty of banter, and an excellent way to stay connected with old friends while meeting new ones.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
Sunday, 10th May - Graspan Parade
Looking forward to seeing everyone for this year’s Graspan Parade on Sunday 10th May 🎺
Timings:
We will be gathering at 10:00 AM sharp, at the Guards memorial off Horse Guards, so please aim to be there in good time.
UJC Buffet:
If you’re planning to attend the buffet at the Union Jack Club, you’ll need to purchase a ticket (£36). Please see the attached link for details and booking.
Marching Only:
If you’re just joining for the parade/marching, you’ll need to register your details with RMA Central again, HERE.
Tuesday, 2nd June - Governor’s Review Royal Hospital Chelsea
Taking place in honour of Oak Apple Day - the date marking the Restoration of King Charles II, and the Monarch's official birthday, the Review reflects the founding ideals of the Royal Hospital as a home for veteran soldiers.
This formal parade will feature the Chelsea Pensioners in full ceremonial dress and will be inspected by the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL. Admission to the Governor’s Review is by invite only, but remains free of charge for Regimental Association members.
Timings: 0900-1300
Dress: RMA Rig with beret and medals
Very limited numbers.
Full details HERE.
Names to Tom Frearson tomafrearson@gmail.com
Saturday, 13th June - Bootneck Brunch
Our bi month brunch at the Victoria Taps. Join us for some scran and wets from 1030hrs.
Full details HERE.
Names to Tom Frearson tomafrearson@gmail.com
Wednesday, 24th June - Armed Forces Day Flag Raising
Join the branch for this annual event at Guildhall from 1430hrs.
Full details HERE.
Names to Tom Frearson tomafrearson@gmail.com
Saturday, 4th July - Branch Summer BBQ
Our annual Branch Barbecue will take place at Stephen’s Eyot on Saturday 4 July. Once again, your committee will be working hard behind the scenes to bring it all together, and it promises to be a fantastic day at a brilliant venue on an island in the River Thames.
Full details HERE.
Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com
Saturday, 11th July - Belgian Parade
We are pleased to confirm that the Belgian Parade has now been set for Saturday 11 July.
Full details HERE.
Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com
WELFARE.
It is with sadness that we report that Anne Ash, wife of Colin Ash, passed away on 9 April.
On behalf of the entire branch, our Welfare Representative Mac will be conveying our sincere condolences to Colin and his family at this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with them.
OTHER BUSINESS.
Branch Ties
A huge thank you to Peter Brown, who has secured a job lot of brand-new branch ties.
These will be available for purchase at the next branch meeting:
• £10 on the night
• £20 at any other time
Get in early before they disappear.
CLOSING WORDS
As always, the Chairman closed proceedings by asking all present to stand for the traditional toast:
ABSENT FRIENDS
⸻
Thank you all for your continued support, friendship and loyalty to this branch. The City of London Branch continues to thrive because of its members.
Per Mare, Per Terram.
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