RMA CoL Monthly Branch Newsletter - October 2026
Branch committee meeting Thursday, the 8th of October.
WELCOME & NEW MEMBERS/GUESTS.
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, fellow Royals and friends.
A very warm welcome to everyone attending our October Branch meeting.
I am particularly pleased to welcome Lisa Roberts, from the 47 Commando Family Association, who has been approved to become a member of the City of London Branch. In addition a Johnny Banks has also become a member.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
Saturday 10th October – Tom Curry Memorial
This Saturday, a Royal Marines Veterans event will take place at Wanstead Rugby Club, commemorating the memory of Tom Curry.
Members wishing to attend are encouraged to support this occasion and pay their respects.
Friday 16th October – Funeral of Royal Marine Patrick Butler
At 1230 hours, the funeral of Royal Marine Patrick Butler will take place following his tragic death in a climbing accident.
Lou, our Standard Bearer, who has retained the RMA National Standard, has kindly offered to parade the National Standard at Patrick’s funeral.
This is a fitting tribute to a fellow Royal Marine, and I am extremely grateful to Lou for offering his support.
Any Branch members wishing to attend and pay their respects are asked to see me for further details. The funeral will be at Croydon.
Saturday 17th October - 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
Sunday 25th October - RMA Milton Keynes Black Tie Dinner
We have received a very kind invitation from Ryan Wells of RMA Milton Keynes to attend their forthcoming black tie dinner.
The event will take place at:
Masonic Hall
263 Queensway
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK2 2BZ
The cost is £30 per person, which includes a three-course dinner.
This promises to be an enjoyable evening and an excellent opportunity to strengthen our friendships with fellow RMA branches. Please email chairmanmiltonkeynes@thermcharity.org if you wish to attend by no later than Sunday 11th October.
Thursday 29th October – Royal Marines Corps Birthday Service
One of the most important dates in our Branch calendar is our annual Corps Birthday Service, which this year will take place at 1300 hours at St Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall, London.
Unfortunately, due to ongoing building works, we have been unable to hold our traditional service at the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula within the Tower of London.
However, St Lawrence Jewry is a particularly appropriate and historic setting for our celebrations.
Our Branch’s association with this wonderful church dates back to 1974, and, importantly, it is where we laid up our former Branch Standard just a couple of years ago.
I would strongly encourage as many members as possible to attend this service, together with their families and friends.
It is an opportunity not only to celebrate the birthday of our Corps but also to reflect upon our proud history, traditions and the generations of Royal Marines who have gone before us. We will then retire back to the UJC for a few wets.
I very much hope to see a strong City of London Branch presence on the day.
Sunday 8th November – St Paul’s Remembrance Service
Our annual Remembrance Sunday Service will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday 8th November.
Unfortunately, our Branch has been allocated only ten tickets for the Mansion House lunch following the service.
As places are extremely limited for the lunch, anyone wishing to attend the lunch should forward their name to Tom Frearson as soon as possible. Note that there is no limit on the service at St Pauls.
Names to Tom Frearson at tomafrearson@gmail.com
Monday 7th December - UJC’s Christmas Carol service and the December branch meeting
Always a great occasion for the service and mulled wine and mince pies at the UJC afterwards. More tickets are now available via your UJC member account - grab them quick as they will go fast!
WELFARE.
Turning now to welfare, which remains an extremely important part of our Association.
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe, the grandson of our fellow member John Allingham, some weeks ago.
Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with John and his family at what must be an incredibly difficult time.
We also continue to keep Colin Ash, Don Chester and Jo Briggs in our thoughts and wish them all well.
On a particularly positive note, it is lovely to see Jo Briggs here with us this evening.
Jo, it really is wonderful to have you back amongst your friends and fellow Branch members.
I would remind everyone that the strength of our Association lies not simply in the events we attend or the traditions we uphold, but in the way we look after one another.
A phone call, a visit or a few kind words can make an enormous difference.
CLOSING WORDS
Before we continue with our gathering, I would ask everyone to please stand and raise their glasses.
Tonight, we remember those friends, comrades and loved ones who are sadly no longer with us. John Allingham also toasted his grandson Joe
Ladies and gentlemen to Absent Friends.
Per Mare, Per Terram.
Graeme Golightly
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