As I write this latest Chairman’s chat and with the Government’s latest COVID restrictions announcement, we can at long last see light at the end of the tunnel and there is a quiet anticipation, that we may all be able meet up before the summer is out. The vaccination programme is proceeding apace which is of great credit to those involved. Let us hope that we can all ‘hold our nerve’ and see this dreadful situation off. Despite the difficulties we, as a branch, have managed to increase our membership and have continued to keep in touch with our members. During this period of limited branch activity we have taken stock of our management processes and tidying up things up for the future. One of our major projects is to update our web site to ensure that that it is fit for purpose to convey a realistic view of the branch and providing regular updated information; nothing worse than duff photos, out of date diary and inaccurate details of branch officers etc. Our social media platforms and postings will now be consistently displayed on the front page. We have been very lucky indeed to have the input and help from Susannah Perry-Greene whom runs her own very successful branding and design company, see attached link https://www.perry-greenedesign.com/
I personally cannot thank Susannah enough for all her help in achieving our refreshed look. Naturally your committee would welcome any feedback on these changes, so please do get in touch, good or bad. On behalf of the branch I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome the new Commanding Officer of RMR London, Lt Col Oliver (Olly) Todd along with the new Admin Officer Capt Lee Maddocks and Unit Sgt Major WO2 Mark Rose. We look forward to continuing our close relationship and working together, not only on branch remembrance events, but also on social outings. With the major Corps events on hold for the foreseeable future our branch diary, as with all branches, is barren and we’re back to that ‘light in the tunnel’ and the hope that the 2022 season of The Mountbatten Festival of Music, Zeebrugge Pilgrimage, Graspan Parade will again become achievable and just maybe, the 2021 beating Retreat and Corp Family service at St Lawrence Jewry. From RMA central news - there is now a newly formed Regional Committee with a mixture of old and new faces. This is being chaired by Simon Beet. I am delighted to announce that our very own Stephen Gilkes has agreed to join Simon and his team on a part-time basis to look after the regional finances something which should not be too onerous. Further information will follow on this in due course on this, but in the meantime we wish Simon and his team, all the very best for the future and as a branch look forward to working closely with him. There’s nothing more to say except, continue to stay safe fellow Royals. Go into the sunshine and be happy with what you see ! With Very Best Wishes Graeme Golightly Branch Chairman
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