Last week at RMA – The Royal Marines Charity

Winter therapy

‘It really lifted my spirits and assisted me with my difficulties with daily life – this was truly therapy for me.’ 

‘In all respects, the Chamonix ski trip absolutely epitomised what the Royal Marines Charity is all about, the value gained by all who participated going far beyond the tangible, physical benefits of the skiing. The whole experience took me back to the banter and feeling of camaraderie and mutual respect we all took for granted when we were serving. It reminded us all that the moral component, so important in the mindset of all Royal Marines, is truly being kept alive by the Charity.’

As always, it has been amazing to receive such heartfelt feedback from those who headed over to France to take part in this year’s therapeutic Chamonix ski trip. Now in its fourth year, it was funded by RMA – The Royal Marines Charity for 20 beneficiaries with various injuries and other health issues.

Held over two weeks in January, those taking part were split into two groups of ten so each could enjoy a week-long session. RMA – The Royal Marines Charity Jim Morris, Transition Support Officer South (and Wales) and Paul ‘Baz’ Barrett, Transition Support Officer North (and Scotland, Northern Ireland) who accompanied the groups, said: “It was great to see some old comrades and friends come together.  For others, it served to create new friends who hadn’t served together previously but only known as names through a grapevine of stories.

For most of the guys it is trepidation and anxiety to start, but over the week – as skills redevelop and friendships become strengthened – the environment becomes just like old times and individuals grow. It is a key ingredient to building a lasting feeling of togetherness and, more importantly, a self-esteem and confidence that can be taken anywhere.”

Our huge thanks go to former Royal Marine master organiser, Ian ‘Bish’ Bishop and to Dan White, a great friend of the Charity who again provided the luxury accommodation.

To quote another grateful beneficiary: “The organisation was second to none and the professional skills and support of everyone involved is to be applauded. Well done to all involved and a huge thanks once again for giving me such an uplift!”

Photos: Palpa Films

Restoration boost

At a recent Commando Connect meeting organised by the Charity in the Sergeants Mess of 45 Commando Royal Marines in Arbroath, Scotland, Paul ‘Baz’ Barrett (middle right), Transition Support Officer North (and Scotland, Northern Ireland) RMA – The Royal Marines Charity presented a cheque on behalf of the RNRMC to Colonel (retd) Barry Barnwell OBE RD (left) for the Scott Sutherland project.

Steve Nicholl,  the project manager, acknowledged the generous donation and the endorsement of the Scott Sutherland Project aims. Barry Barnwell said: ‘‘Just as important as the funding is this strong public support from such an important service charity.’’

Scott Sutherland is the Scottish sculptor responsible for the iconic Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, Lochaber. The Scott Sutherland Project has established a Commando Memorial Heritage Trail linking buildings and locations with a significant link to Scott Sutherland.

The project committee is now focused on raising funds to complete the ‘Leaping Salmon’ statue which will be positioned in the grounds of Achnacarry overlooking the site of the wartime Commando training camp. The statue will be dedicated to the memory of the Commandos killed and injured during training.

Main photo:  Wallace Ferrier (PHOT)

We need your help to shape the future of the Royal Marines Shop. Whilst it is operating effectively and profitably, we want to make sure that it is the very best it can be and provides the Corps Family with the products it wants and needs.

It would be hugely appreciated if you could complete the short survey accessed via the link below (it will take approximately six minutes) no later than this Friday 16^th February 2024.  Thank you. Your feedback will be invaluable to us in making the RM Shop even better.

Relationship building

Three members of our Health & Wellbeing team visited the Wiltshire headquarters of the Warrior Programme to meet with the team and some of the participants, which included three former Royal Marines.  The team found the visit incredibly useful in helping to build on existing relationships. 

The Warrior Programme has been developed over the last 15 years to meet the demands and challenges experienced by past and present members of the Armed Forces and their families, helping them to manage their emotions and to develop the resilience, focus and motivation to succeed in today’s world.

Don’t miss out!

Such has been the demand for tickets, that those hoping to book a seat at the 52nd Mountbatten Festival of Music’s Saturday matinee at the Royal Albert Hall are almost out of luck with very few seats still left  – however there are a few more seats available  for the two evening performances on Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th March 2024.

The Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines always deliver spectacular concerts – and this year, audiences are in for an extra special, once-in-a-lifetime treat amidst the usual colourful pomp and pageantry.

Heavy metal musician and global drumming icon, of Iron Maiden fame, Nicko McBrain, will take to the stage and join the many talented musicians drawn from the five Royal Marines Bands, alongside the world-famous buglers and Corps of Drums.

Concerts are in aid of Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charities and the Young Lives v Cancer Charity. Tickets are available from the Royal Albert Hall website via the link below. 

Shopping Corner

There are great prices available on a unique range of gym-wear including these RM Ladies’ black leggings with colour contrast topstitching in CoolFit™ matt finish performance fabric.

A wide selection of other quality products is available exclusively from the Royal Marines Shop that is wholly owned by RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. All profits come back to the Charity to help support the Corps Family.