RMA CoL Monthly Branch Newsletter - March 2026
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Branch committee meeting Thursday, the 12th of March.
WELCOME & NEW MEMBERS/GUESTS.
It was great to welcome Alan Baker and Dave Hill from RMR London, who joined us as part of the ‘Old and Bold Team’. It was good to have them with us, and we thank them both for taking the time to visit the branch. Dave took the opportunity to sadly announce the funeral details of Mike Jones
RECENT EVENTS.
Friday, 6th March - Annual Branch Dinner
Our Annual Branch Dinner on Friday 6 March was, without doubt, an outstanding success. The evening was extremely well received, the atmosphere was first class, and it was fantastic to see so many members and friends together enjoying such a special occasion. Thank you to all who attended and helped make it the success it was.
Please see a full write up HERE.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
Saturday, 28th March at 1030hrs - Bootneck Brunch - Victoria Taps
Our next social event is the Bootneck Brunch at the Victoria Taps, just a few minutes walk from Victoria station, on Saturday 28th March, starting at 10:30. The January one was a huge success so please do come along.
See full details HERE.
Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com
Thursday, 23rd April - Dover Bell Ringing Ceremony
The annual Dover Bell Ringing Ceremony will take place on Thursday 23 April, and I would encourage any members who wish to attend to come forward and register their interest with Graeme.
Names to Graeme Golightly at graemegolightly@aol.com
Friday 24th to Saturday, 26th April - Annual Zeebrugge Remembrance Trip
Our annual Zeebrugge Trip, running from 24 to 26 April. I can confirm that the list is now closed and fully booked, with over 40 people attending this year. It promises to be another very important and memorable weekend of remembrance and comradeship, in particular the unveiling of a permanent memorial bench for our past chairman Jim Ellard MBE.
Saturday, 2nd May - Army v Navy Rugby
The Navy vs Army Rugby Match will be on Saturday 2 May. Polo shirts have now been ordered, for members attending and I must say they were very ably modelled at the meeting by Jules Walker thank you, Jules
Full details HERE.
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
Sunday, 10th May - Graspan Parade
The Graspan Parade, once again on our patch, remains a hugely important event not only for the whole Corps but for the branch. I would strongly encourage all members to apply for tickets and show our strength in numbers at this important remembrance occasion, first started by our late dear Jim Ellard MBE. Please sign up with RMA Central on the link below.
Full details HERE.
Sign up with central HERE.
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.
On welfare matters, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Mac, our Welfare Representative, whom co-ordinated five funerals in the last month on behalf of the branch. That is a tremendous commitment and greatly appreciated by us all.
It is right and fitting that bereavement families are comforted with our branch presence at such sad occasions. This is done for members and non members alike.
Obituary - Evelyn Green MBE
Most recently, we said farewell to Evelyn Green MBE, who faithfully ran the branch raffle for many years and was a well-known and valued part of branch life.
Rest in peace, dear Evelyn.
Please see an Obituary by Mike Pinchen HERE
Obituary - Sgt Maj Michael (Mike) Jones
The funeral service for Mike Jones took place on Monday 16th March at Kensal Green Crematorium.
Rest in peace, Mike.
Please see an Obituary by Mac Eyre-Varnier HERE
Silent Auction for Zeebrugge
Finally, our Silent Auction closed at midday on Saturday 14 March, and I am delighted to say that we have already raised an incredible £4,000 plus. Thank you to everyone who has supported it. These funds will make a real difference towards this year’s Zeebrugge trip.
The Chairman then asked everyone to stand and charge their glasses.
ABSENT FRIENDS
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