RMA CoL Monthly Branch Newsletter - January 2026

Branch committee meeting Thursday, the 8th of January.

WELCOME & NEW MEMBERS/GUESTS.

A very warm welcome to our new members and guests here at the Union Jack Club. It’s great to have you with us this evening. May I extend a particular welcome to Ian Ardis, Dave Litchfield, and Jason Garland we hope you enjoy the evening and very quickly feel part of the branch.

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RECENT EVENTS.

Monday, 8th December - Christmas Carol Service

I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to everyone at the Union Jack Club for the tremendous effort that went into making it such a special occasion from the organisation of the service itself to the mince pies and mulled wine afterwards. It was a fitting way to mark the season and was very much appreciated by all who attended. I would also like to offer a personal thank you to Hugh Player, CEO, for his continued support.

Please see a full write up HERE.

Tuesday, 23rd December - Harold Cornish Funeral

The branch was represented at dear Harold Cornish funeral on Tuesday 23rd December. His son Geoff asked for x2 pall bearers to help carry the coffin. Both myself and John Allingham were honoured to help.  Peter Brown carried our branch standard, John Long and Sue Sauter completed the attendance from the branch. Gone But Not Forgotten.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Saturday, 24th January at 1030hrs - Bootneck Brunch - Victoria Taps

Our next social event is the Bootneck Brunch at the Victoria Taps on Saturday 24th January, starting at 10:30. We already have 14 people signed up, which is a great start. If you’re able to attend, please do come along and if possible, wear your Royal Marines Association City of London Branch polo shirts or branch kit. Tom will be finalising orders for branded clothing items later this evening. I’m also reliably informed by Andy Lee that the breakfast comes highly recommended!

Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com

Friday, 6th March at 1930hrs - Annual Branch Dinner - UJC

We are in the final planning stages for the Annual Branch Dinner at the UJC. This will be a great night as always and well attended. Full details to follow very soon. 

Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com

Full details HERE.

Friday 24th to Saturday, 26th April - Annual Zeebrugge Remembrance Trip

The Zeebrugge Remembrance Weekend will take place from 24th to 26th April. If you are interested in attending, please pass your name to me at the earliest opportunity. We are aiming to engage at least 45 people, not only from our own branch but also from other areas, so early expressions of interest are very important. A sub-committee has also been established to explore opportunities for sponsorship to help support this trip.

While we are in Zeebrugge, on Saturday 25th April, we are hoping to carry out the unveiling of our dear Jim Ellard’s remembrance bench, located opposite the Admiral Keyes Memorial in the residential area. Further details will follow, but this promises to be a particularly meaningful and poignant moment. I would also like to acknowledge that Ray Clausen (RIP) generously donated £2,500 towards this memorial in his will, and together with a further £1,000 donation from the branch, this has enabled a significant contribution to be made.

Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com

Full details HERE.

Saturday, 2nd May - Army v Navy Rugby

We have a group going to this event in RMA CoL t-shirts. Please reach out to me if you'd like to join and/or be kept in on comms for the event.

Full details HERE.

Friday, 3rd - Sunday, 5th July - Adventure Training Weekend in Wales

Tom, Membership and Engagement Secretary, is considering organising a North Wales adventure weekend on the first weekend in July. Please don’t be put off even if abseiling, cliff assaults, or run-downs aren’t your thing, the weekend is intended to be inclusive, sociable, and enjoyable. Support with administration, cooking, driving, or general organisation would be just as valuable every little bit helps. More details will follow in due course.

Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com

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WELFARE.

Joy Ellard

Joy remains in hospital. Unfortunately, due to her contracting COVID, she cannot currently be moved for a blood transfusion, and her breathing has also deteriorated. Her son, Chris Ellard, is doing everything he can to support her and look after her during this difficult time. Our thoughts are very much with Joy and the family. Chris has asked that his regards be passed to the branch this evening.

Tom Brown Funeral

Members are also asked to note that the funeral of Tom Brown, a former Royal Marine, will take place at Beckingham Crematorium at 1:00pm on Tuesday 3rd February. Any members who are able to attend are kindly asked to give their names to Jan Migliozzi, Branch Secretary, as soon as possible. Our branch Standard Bearer, Lou Sartorial, will be in attendance.

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The Chairman then asked everyone to stand and charge their glasses.

ABSENT COMRADES