Event Pictures

On Sunday 2nd Aug 2026, members of the RMPA and RMP held our inaugural parade and Chapel service at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the famous Chelsea Pensioners.  We were joined by our In Pensioners and a number of invited guests.

The event comprised of a small parade in the courtyard followed by a service in the Wren Chapel.  The day was also used to commemorate the official handover of the Provost Marshal (Army) by Brigadier Sarah Pringle-Smith to Brigadier David Dray MBE.  Following the service members retired to the In Pensioners club for food and light refreshments. 

On Saturday 25 July 26 a merry throng of Branch Members enjoyed a splendid social afternoon in a “Not so Sunny” but thankfully dry garden of our hosts Vikki & Anthony Durkin.

We had a brilliant surprise visit from Sue and Skip Brooks all the way from Devon, both were staunch supporters of the Branch before moving south to warmer climes. Also Steve and Liz Langley our newest branch Members joined us, travelling from Lincolnshire.

Great Food, Great Company…….and as always………please if you’re interested in supporting this association of ours then I encourage you to do so because it NEEDS YOU. Just contact your nearest branch and hopefully that is this one here in West Yorkshire

The weekend of 18th July, a large group of RMP veterans made their annual pilgrimage to Hameln for their reunion weekend, with the obligatory German sausage consumption and the odd glass of local beer. Our two In Pensioners Dave Higgins and Dave Godwin were chauffered from London to Hameln by Dave Howard from our Colchester & East Anglia branch.  A great time was had by all, if you served in Hameln why not join them next year, preferably people with a different name.

On Saturday 18th July, a hungry and happy horde of members and their loved ones from the Northern Ireland Branch thoroughly enjoyed their annual Branch BBQ.

They dined on a mix of burgers, bratwurst, chicken, and assorted sausages. This included a selection of prize-winning bangers made by accomplished butcher, Michael, who is Branch member Wendy Helliewell’s son. The recent heatwave had eased, making for a very pleasant al fresco dining experience. Most people remained outdoors until late, although those of a more delicate disposition retreated into the conservatory for a good old chinwag!

On Thursday 30 April 2026, Capt (Retd) Graeme Woodcock, RMPA NI Branch President, accompanied by Branch member Kevin Morson (former WO1) represented RMPA at the day and evening long ‘Ardmillan House’ programme of events held by 174 Pro Coy RMP, at Parsons Bks, Donnington. This inaugural annual event celebrated the creation of the Pro Coy in 1971, when it was based in Ardmillan House Belfast. The event was hosted by OC Maj Matt Keenan with the CO 1 Regt RMP, Lt Col Mike Boyd also in attendance and participating in every event.

The day commenced with a pistol shoot competition before moving onto more light-hearted team competitions comprising volleyball, Dodge Ball, a modified cart race and mini assault course. The day concluded with a formal photograph of all Company personnel, including RMPA ambassadors, before enjoying an all ranks Regimental Dinner in the WO’s & Sgt’s Mess.

In remarks made during his after dinner address in reply to those of Maj Keenan, Capt Woodcock praised the vibrancy, professionalism, discipline and all round esprit de corps of this generation of serving RMP personnel. To further cement the decades-long connection between the RMPA Northern Ireland Branch and serving cohort, and in remembrance of its recently departed Chair, Kevin John (Tanky) Walker, Capt Woodcock presented Branch Ties to a select number of serving personnel. This gesture received universal acclaim and added to the already extensive number of Branch Ties owned and proudly worn by members of the Pro Coy.

Going forward, in association with 174 Pro Coy Commanders, a permanent award in honour of Tanky Walker will feature at future annual Ardmillan House events.

The RMPA held it’s 80th AGM and Reunion in Cardiff, hosted by our South Wales Branch.  The Friday evening was informal meet & greet with drinks.  Saturday afternoon the AGM and in the evening the Reunion dinner.  On the Sunday a Drumhead service was held in Cardiff Castle, which included the consecration and blessing of the New National Standard.

On the Sunday a Drumhead service was held in Cardiff Castle, which included the consecration and blessing of the New National Standard.

The RBL Annual Cenotaph Remembrance Parade took place on Sunday 9th November 2025, with approximately 70 Veterans in our contingent, with additional ex Corps members parading with other organisations and clearly identifiable by their scarlet berets

The RMP & MPSC Field of Remembrance Service took place on Saturday 8th November at Westminster Abbey. The event was well attended by veterans, serving personnel and families of the fallen.  Crosses were laid on our plots and a brief memorial service was carried out

The Field of Remembrance Opening took place on Thursday 6th November, which was officially opened by her Majesty The Queen.  Representatives of the Association attended with some of our In Pensioners and serving members of the Corps.

Small selection of pics from the recent North East Branch annual reunion dinner.  

Some pics from the 2025 RATS Reunion, with former members of Hohne 111 Pro Coy RMP  attending weekend of events 3-4th Oct 2025, whcih included informal drinks on the Fridaty evening followed by a more formal dinner on the Saturday evening, with a raffle.  These are held annually and the organisers would welcome former members to attend forthcoming events.

On the 13th Sept 2025, members of the RMPA attended the Northern Ireland Veteran’s Association Remembrance Parade at the National Memorial Arboretum. The event is organised by NIVA and is open to all veterans that served in Northern Ireland on Op Banner. The event was well attended and included a brief service in the Chapel followed by a March to the Ulster Ash Grove memorial.  We would welcome more Corps members to attend next years event, and we are looking at organising a ‘low key’ Northern Ireland Reunion in Derby on the Saturday evening.   

On the 23rd Aug 2025, members of the Northern Ireland Branch held a formal dinner at the Europa Hotel in Belfast to commemorate the Branches 40th Anniversary.  The evening included a variety of entertainment and was well attended.

On the evening of Thursday 7th August 25 at the Wetherby Whaler, Fish and Chip Restaurant, Pudsey, Branch Members together with partners, friends and family thoroughly enjoyed a good, hearty “Fish Supper.” Afterwards we reconvened in our nearby snug to hold the August Branch Meeting. Thank you one and all for the continued support. Further I would like to thank John Atkinson, North America RMPA for joining our merry throng and trust you enjoyed yourself.

A massive thank you to Vikki, Durks for the wonderful barbecue yesterday, your hospitality is greatly is appreciated. The weather remained kind although the light winds at times caught a few glasses and plates unaware, with Sam Jackson throwing his beer over “Our Molly” (not my dog). Great Food, Great Company and as you can see in the pics the Sun at times did once again shine on the righteous here in West Yorkshire.

A small contingent of RMPA members attended the AGC Remembrance Parade at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 8th July 2025, in support of the Corps. This included three of our Standards (Hull & East Riding, Derby & the National Standard) with Corps member leading the parade with the AGC Standard and a WRAC Standard Bearer.

The event was well attended by serving members of the various AGC branches, veterans and family members of the recently bereaved.

A brief service was conducted at the AGC Memorial, which was followed by lunch and a meet & greet.  It was an enjoyable day and the Corps well represented amongst those attending.

On Saturday the 5th July the West Yorkshire Branch RMPA once again hosted their Annual Dinner Night (74 seated) and here are just a few of the many photographs taken, capturing the conviviality of the occasion. A massive thank you to Jean Butler and her team predominantly my wife Sheila and Sam Jackson, who all worked really hard delivering the very successful raffle, with an impressive £680 pound raised thank you everyone for your generosity and donations. Thanks to everyone that supported the event and of course Sam and Gillian Jackson for most of the memorable pics.  

Dave Paynter

Corps Remembrance Parade at the National Memorial Arboretum on 7th June 2025 

Annual AGM & Reunion held in Hull 12th – 13th April 2025