THE EAST KENT BRANCH
The Branch was formed in 1948 in order to continue the comradeship formed during the War Years.
Our original title was “The Dover Sub Branch”, but we were re-titled the East Kent Branch in 1969. Between 1948 and 1977 the Branch was financed by the Regiment, but since 1977 the Branch has been financially independent and holds charitable status. The Grenadier Guards Association is Registered Under the Charities Act, 2011 – No. 287265.
The Branch was the inspiration of Mr AJ Pullen who was a member of the “Old Kent Branch” which met in Maidstone. He was our first Branch Secretary and Treasurer – a post he held for 25 years. Our first Chairman was Lieutenant Colonel Hanning.
The East Kent Branch continues to keep alive the comradeship formed in military service and provide welfare for our old and needy ex-servicemen and widows.
We are governed by the Regimental Association and follow their Association Rules and By-Laws for Branches.
We extend a warm welcome to all former Grenadiers as well as all former Troopers and Guardsmen of the Household Division who have passed through training at Caterham, Pirbright, Windsor, Catterick or other Guards Training establishments.
BRANCH MEMBERSHIP
Membership of our Branch is primarily formed from former soldiers in the Grenadier Guards.
Grenadier members are Officers who have formerly served in the Regiment and Discharged Soldiers provided they have completed their recruit training in the Regiment and have been awarded a character assessment of not less that “SATISFACTORY”.
Historically, our membership has been augmented with a few former servicemen from the Life Guards, the Blues and Royals (Household Cavalry Regiment), Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards (The Household Division). Members of Associations of the Household Division may be elected as Associate Members of the Branch.
At the discretion of the Branch Committee, non-Household Division serving and non-serving personnel may be granted membership of the East Kent Branch.
Whether you are young, or not so young, we are always pleased to welcome new members.
INVICTA GRENADIERS
Of all the Branches of the Grenadier Guards Association, the East Kent Branch is the ONLY Branch to have its own march dedicated to it.
The march, Invicta Grenadiers, was composed by Captain Benjamin Mason when he was a Lance Sergeant with the Band of the Grenadier Guards.
His links with the East Kent Branch are formed from the many Branch functions he attended, over many years, along with other musicians in the Regimental Dance Band.
Captain Mason is currently the Director of Music of the Band of the Grenadier Guards.
He is a serving soldier and an Honorary Member of the East Kent Branch.
BRANCH COMMITTEE
The Branch Committee is tasked with the administration of the Branch and organising many of the activities and functions that our members attend. Currently, the Branch Committee consists of just two of the Branch members.
- President/Chairman: Major (Retd) Dennis Bradley, BEM DL
- Vice President/Hon. Secretary/Treasurer/Webmaster: Robert C (Bob) Goodson Esq
The names of other members who hold appointments within the Branch are shown below:
- Deputy Chairman/Assistant Secretary/Branch Banner Carrier: Trevor Jones, MBE Esq
- Assistant Treasurer/Assistant Events Secretary/Membership Secretary: David Grassham Esq
- Branch Grenadier Visiting Friend/Welfare: Post currently vacant
- Events Secretary: Post currently filled by the Hon. Secretary
- Branch Meeting Raffle: Ian Bell Esq
- Transportation Organiser: John (Stitch) Taylor Esq
Other Vice Presidents:
- Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Richard M (Skid) Dorney MBE MStJ MSc
- Algy Cluff, OBE Esq