The Armistice Day Parade in Hythe was very well supported and drew a large attendance from the town and surrounding areas. A good turn-out by Branch members meant we had a good sized marching party this year.

The Branch celebrated its 60th year (as a branch) on Friday 10 October 2008. The Annual Dinner was held at Hythe Conservative Club and "One For The Road" provided us with excellent entertainment.

As ever, the club chef (Tommy Verdon) excelled and produced a superb meal that was enjoyed by all.

Our Guest Speaker was Captain Ben Jesty, the Anti Tank Platoon commander, who updated members and our guests on recent events that the Battalion had been involved in.

March Through Hythe and Band Concert - Saturday 16 August 2008

On Saturday 16 August 2008, the Band of the Grenadier Guards marched through Hythe. The march commenced at Douglas Avenue where the Band stepped off at 1300 hours. Counter marching at Bank Street, the Band halted outside the Town Hall and gave a short 15 minute concert to the delight of the assembled dignitories and the large crowd who had assembled in the High Street. The salute was taken by The Right Worshipful Town Mayor of Hythe; Councillor AlanEwart-James. The Chairman of Shepway District Council; Councillor George Bunting and other local councillors were also present.

At 1930 hours that evening, the Band performed in Concert at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. The concert was the first date of a two week UK tour by the Band of the Grenadier Guards. The Folkestone venue was organised by our President and Treasurer in order to raise funds for The Colonel's Fund Grenadier Guards.

The next ten years promise to make extraordinary demands on the Regiment, serving Grenadiers, their partners and families and particularly those members of the Regiment who have left through disability or work- related illness. The Colonel's Fund is designed to support, alleviate and improve the prospects of all those Grenadiers subsequently in need. Specifically it enables the Regiment to:

• support the families of those killed in action by promptly responding to problems of bereavement and hardship.
• support those wounded or injured on operations, particularly those who have had to leave the Army; to assist in finding them new employment and to help them become active family and community members.
• support the families of those seriously wounded or injured in prolonged recovery situations. Trustees will have wide discretion to use the fund to enhance the welfare of Grenadiers on operations and that of their families at home. Furthermore, they will be able to use capital as well as income if they deem it appropriate.

The Colonel's Fund Grenadier Guards is a sub-fund of The Relief in Need Charity which forms part of The Regimental and Battalion Charities of the Grenadier Guards, Registered Charity no. 1062257

On this date, the Branch held a Branch Church Parade at St. John The Evangelist, Ickham. We had an excellent attendance of 48 people at the Service.

The service was conducted by our Hon. Branch Chaplain, the Reverend Canon Harold W Harland. Mrs Mave Bradley, wife of our Branch President, sang a solo (Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine) and Mr Fred Aberg played a cornet solo accompanied by his wife, Trissetta, who played the Church organ.

Following the service, Branch members, their ladies and others from the congregation paid their respects at the grave of Captain Fredrick Dashwood-Swann, who had served with the Regiment as the Ensign at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Read the Ickham Warriors report by our Hon. Secretary by CLICKING HERE.

Following the activities at the Church, we took lunch at the Prince William public house. An excellent 3 course luncheon was served by very friendly and efficient staff.

The Branch organised a coach for Grenadier Day and took a number of Branch members, their ladies and family and friends to Lille Barracks, Aldershot.

We erected a Branch Stall and sold numerous items. Ted Carpenter and his family ran a very sucessful raffle for a framed picture. The winning raffle ticket was Blue ticket,  No: 27, Small No: AB 579422. The prize was unclaimed on the day, so if you are the lucky ticket holder, then please make contact with the Treasurer. If the prize remains unclaimed before 18:00 hours on Thursday 31 July 2008, then the Branch reserve the right to void that draw.

Bill and Beverly Marshall sold a number of books and videos and the knitted dolls sold by Hilda Williams sold well too. Some of our ladies baked cakes and sold these on the stall.

In all a good profit was made for Branch funds and the comittee are grateful to all who helped to sell items that day.

The area events included the Band of the Grenadier Guards, display motorcyclists and trucks, plus a vulture and eagles display.

The weather stayed fine throughout the day and everyone seemed to have a good day.

The annual Christmas Dinner Party and Raffle was held at Hythe Conservative Club. Tommy, the club's chef, provided a superb buffet dinner and the entertainment was provided by "Trio Grande".