The Branch held a very successful Corps Birthday Dinner on Thursday 27th October 2022. The occasion celebrated 358 years of his Majesty’s Royal Marines and was attended by nearly 50 RMA Branch and Club members.  The evening began with everyone enjoying informal drinks and conversation with their friends and colleagues, before the formal evening events began.  Ashford Sea and Royal Marines Cadets from TS Churchill gave a Band and Drum Display on Walmer Green, under the spotlight well positioned by Bill Butler.  The Officers Dinner Call was then played by Mike Scurfield on the Silver Bugle donated to the club by ‘Bungy Williams’, specifically for such events.  Paul Summers spoke with some of the Cadets and gave them all a small memento of the occasion in the form of a Parachute Regiment badge (more on that later !).

The Bugle call mustered everyone into the main Halliday Bar where tables had been expertly laid during the day ready for the event.  C/Sgt Jim McCurry started the proceedings in his role of Master of Ceremonies, inviting Anita Lignum Deal RMA Branch Chairman to give her welcome. This was closely followed by Cherry Hughes giving the Absent Friends Citation and Lighting of  the Candle.  Toasts also followed to His Majesty King Charles and to the Royal Marines.

An excellent menu had been put together with everyone enjoying a feast, with a choice of starter, tender roast beef and all the trimmings, followed by Kentish Fruit Crumble, a Cheese board and coffee to finish.

Paul Summers was the guest speaker for the dinner, specially requested due to the Falklands 40 remembrance events across the country this year, and explained his background to diners.  Paul was the youngest child of Keith and Teen Summers, both 5 generation Falkland Islanders. He was born in the capital Port Stanley in 1966 and educated in the local junior and senior schools in Stanley. During his school years he had a close connection with the Royal Marines, and was quite often seen at Moody Brook with his Brother in Law Paddy Weaver who served with NP 8901 in 1974/5. During school holidays Paul would also often go to a small farm in Fitzroy to spend time with his older sister and her husband, who also served in RM NP 8901. You would think that with two brothers in law wearing the green lid that this would influence Paul to join the Royal Marines. A rebellious kind of lad, Paul’s thoughts were torn towards the Royal Navy, however neither materialised and soon after the Falklands Conflict Paul joined the Parachute Regiment serving for 14 years (and hence the badges to the Cadets).

After leaving the military Paul pursued a career in private security working for clients such as the Jordanian Royal Family, the Emir of Qatar and the Sultan of Oman. He also undertook a Masters degree at the age of 50 in Security Management at Loughborough University. Paul now works as a Security Operations Manager and lives in South Wales. Paul also donated 3 bottles of Falklands Port to the Branch which were auctioned on the evening and over £400 was raised for the Royal Marines Charity..

Anita Lignum gave the closing address and thanked all those who helped make the evening a success, particularly Lin Bennet the Bar Manager and her staff who all kept the food and wine flowing throughout the evening .