St Anne’s Rededication Service and MARNE Barracks on 9 May 2026
Dear All,
The following information is required from members attending the St Anne’s Rededication Service and MARNE Barracks on 9 May 2026:
Church Attendance
Please confirm whether you will be attending the Church.
Service at Marne Barracks
If you will be attending the service at Marne Barracks, please provide the following details:
- Make, model, and registration number of the vehicle
- Names of all people travelling in the vehicle
Golf Club Buffet
Please confirm whether you will be attending the Golf Club buffet.
The cost is £20 per person,
Time Zone: LOCAL (BST)
References:
A. Rules of the RAF Regiment Association – dated 25 Oct 2025
B. HQ No 2 Gp – CG RAF Regt Letter of Authority – 20 Apr 2026
C. Charity Reg No. 1157881
1. SITUATION
A short blessing will take place at the memorial plaques at MARNE Barracks at 11:30 on Saturday, 09 May 2026, followed by the Annual RAF Regiment Chapel Rededication Service at St Anne’s Church, Catterick Village, commencing at 13:00.
The King’s Colour for the RAF Regiment, the National Standard of the Association, and Branch Standards will be paraded.
VIP attendees include The Baroness Harris of Richmond DL, and Group Captain Matt Morris RAF, Deputy to the Commandant General RAF Regiment.
A post-service reception will follow at Catterick Golf Club.
WE NEED TO KNOW:
1. Are you attending the Church?
2. Are you attending the service at Marne Barracks?
If so, I require the following:
- Make, model and registration number of the car
- Names of people in the car
3. Are you attending the Golf Club Buffet?
If so, it is £20, payable by bank transfer to the following account:
- Acct name – RAF Regiment Assn Catterick and District Branch
- Acct Number:- 00167821
- Sort code:- 30-91-73
- Reference – Your name
All information is needed by Friday 1/5/26 to my email address: darenicky@gmail.com
2. MISSION
To outline administrative and organisational arrangements for the conduct of the Annual Service and post-service reception.
3. PROGRAMME
- Time Event
- 11:15 Colour Party and Standards arrive
- 11:30 Short Service at MARNE Barracks for those lost to terrorist action (1988–89)
- 12:15 Colour Party & Standard Bearers arrive at St Anne’s Church
- 12:20 Arrival of members and guests
- 12:30 VIP arrival and inspection of Standards
- 12:45 All seated in church
- 13:00 Rededication Service begins
- 13:45 Approximate end of Service
- 14:15 Muster at Catterick Golf Club for Reception
- 15:00 Reception begins with short speeches BHofR & CG
- ~16:00 Event concludes
4. THE RAF REGIMENT CHAPEL REDEDICATION SERVICE
a. Colour Party and Standard Bearers to assemble at church grounds by 12:15.
b. Mr Alan Parkes (Parade Marshal) will brief Standard Bearers and conduct rehearsals as needed.
c. Standards to be in position by 12:30.
d. RAF Regt Assoc Chairman will greet and escort VIPs.
e. The Service will be led by Rev Sandy Gall (RAF Leeming & Assoc Chaplain) and St Anne’s Vicar with support from Padre MARNE Bks, following the issued Order of Service.
f. Mr Alan Parkes will liaise with the St Anne’s Church Warden regarding offertory collection, supported by attending personnel.
5. POST-SERVICE RECEPTION
a. VIPs, NMC members, Colour Party, and pre-registered guests to gather at Catterick Golf Club (first floor) by 14:15.
b. Late bookings may be made via the National Secretary at natsecrafregt@gmail.com
c. The Catterick Branch Chairman will act as Master of Ceremonies, supported by the National Secretary.
d. Speeches will be given by The Baroness Harris of Richmond, with a response from the CG RAF Regt or his deputy.
e. Reception to conclude by approximately 16:00. Attendees travelling long distances may depart earlier as necessary.
6. ENGAGEMENT
The event will be publicised through the RAF Regiment Journal (The Flash) and Branch Circulars.
Media or photography inquiries should be directed to the undersigned.
Gaz Collins to act as BHofR driver for the duration.
7. LOCATION DETAILS
Event Location
Memorial Blessing MARNE Barracks, DL10 7NP
Chapel Rededication St Anne’s Church, 5-1 High Green, Catterick, Richmond, DL10 7LN
Reception Catterick Golf Club, Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE
8. DRESS CODE
a. Association members: dark lounge suit or blazer. Ladies: equivalent attire. Hats optional.
b. Medals: Sovereign-issued medals and decorations may be worn.
c. Serving personnel: No. 1 Service Dress Uniform (with No. 1 SD Hat).
9. CONTROL & COMMUNICATIONS – POINTS OF CONTACT
* Mr Paul Grimley – Chairman, RAF Regt Assoc – M: 07450 759559
* Mr Alan Parkes – Parade Marshal
* Mr Merv Ashe – National Secretary & Event Organiser – M: 07989 411984
* WO Steve Langton (Trg Wg) – King’s Colour Party – M: 07766 828570
* Media Inquiries – Mr Merv Ashe – M: 07989 411984
Signed
Merv Ashe
National Secretary
RAF Regiment Association
Authenticated
Paul Grimley
National Chairman
RAF Regiment Association
