Royal Marines Association: Costa Blanca Branch (Spain)
Hola! Buenos Dias
The Costa Blanca Branch is not quite the youngest branch of the RMA, as we formed in January 2007. However, though we started our inaugural meeting with only 11 members, we have grown to over 50 strong - including Marines and ex-Army comrades (SAS, Rifles, Irish Guards).
A tribute must be paid to our first Chairman, Royston (Taff) KEAR, ex PTI - for much of the organisation and setting-up of the Branch, who unfortunately through ill-health, has had to stand down.
I had the honour to assume the duties of Chairman in March, at our AGM where we also elected Pete WILKINS, ex SB as Secretary and Jean FREEMAN, wife of our Member Jack FREEMAN, Metalsmith and Corps/Navy Footballer of some repute, as our Treasurer.
We have quite an extended social scene with a function of sorts at least once a month - and of course, the promise of regular sunshine here in Spain helps, especially with alfresco events such as pig roasts and coffee mornings by the pool.
In late February and early March this year a group of our Members travelled in convoy down to Gibraltar - where we joined up with RMA Members from the UK and Southern Spain. Invited by the Governor General of Gib, ex RM and the CGRM, we were immensely proud to be able to march (in the pouring rain!) through the town centre of Gib - behind RM Scotland Band and A Company 40 Cdo RM, as they exercised the right of Freedom of Gibraltar as Royal Marines.
In May this year we held a special memorial service to honour the fallen of 3rd Cdo Bde RM during operations in Helmand, Afghanistan and raised funds for RMBF.
We are currently in the process of organising our Branch's third corps birthday dinner. Committee chairman Bob PINFOLD, ex DL. In the past we have been able to attract several ex RMs from the UK to attend. We hope that even with the ongoing financial problems that the UK has been experiencing we can entice even more this year - including our VIP, Charlie HOBSON, Chief Executive RMA.
The branch meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja, Alicante at 1830hrs. So if ever you are out here on your hols please pop in!
Yours Aye,
Phil Prince, Chairman
Royal Marines Association, Costa Blanca Branch (Spain)
