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The Corps Birthday 2008 (Al Ain, UAE)

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Rogue Chef
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The Corps Birthday 2008 (Al Ain, UAE)

Post by Rogue Chef »

This is the last call for the above event as we need to have firm numbers for the final stages of our preparations so if you’re planning to attend please let me know ASP.

Matters are progressing well and the event numbers were around the 60 mark at the last count.

A few days before the BBQ I will send an update and more specific location/route details for the particular part of the desert we will be inhabiting.

Meanwhile if you have any questions please ask.

AL AIN DESSERT BBQ – ROYAL MARINES CORPS BIRTHDAY - FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 08

Thank you for all your replies and as the event will shortly be upon us we now need to finalise the attendance and collect some cash to pay for the festivities. Please note that attendance is open to all.

To this end please confirm your attendance by emailing your response by simply putting your name and number of attendees (inclusive of yourself) in the subject box of the email – example ‘mr green 2’. Your confirmation is a commitment to pay the costs as set out below.

The cost of the BBQ is 50DHS per adult – kids go free. If you’re in Al Ain please make every effort to pay Mush Mewes (050 8103479) soonest. If you’re not in Al Ain please attempt to make payment or, if all else fails please bring it with you on the evening.

Brief outline of events follow and the full original version is also below.

Main Events List

1600 - 1700 Champagne reception (included in ticket price)

1730 – 1830 Sundowners

1900 – 2000 Food consisting of spit-roasted pig, lamb and BBQed burgers and hot dogs etc (included in ticket price)

2000ish Toasts – (port provided - included in ticket price)

2030 + ‘Dit spinning’ and tall stories till the small hours (included in ticket price - apologies if in the unlikely event some guests may have heard some of the dits before!)

Initial Email Content

To commemorate the 344th Birthday of the Royal Marines a BBQ will be held in the desert close to Al Ain on 31 October. Attendance is open to everyone who wishes to join in this family evening of ‘dit spinning’ tall stories and joviality. All you need is cooler containing your favourite beverages and a chair – everything else is included in the cost of the ticket.

Arrive to the strains of ‘a life on the ocean wave’ playing in the background to be greeted with a glass of ‘champers’ as the faint aroma of roasting pig wafts on the breeze in this dessert paradise. Watch the sunset over the dunes whilst sipping a G&T before tucking into a succulent hog-roast. Enjoy the toasts with the finest (well – whatever we can lay our hands on) port whilst being regaled with (embellished/exaggerated) tales of derring do.

Main Events List

1600 - 1700 Champagne reception (included in ticket price)

1730 – 1830 Sundowners

1900 – 2000 Food consisting of spit-roasted pig, lamb and BBQed burgers and hot dogs etc (included in ticket price)

2000ish Toasts – (port provided - included in ticket price)

2030 + ‘Dit spinning’ and tall stories till the small hours (included in ticket price - apologies if in the unlikely event some guests may have heard some of the dits before!)

Central Feeding

Commando trained chefs (well sort of) will provide the evenings fare from a centralised BBQ and spit-roast (no comments please – this is a family event). The evenings fare will consist of; Spit-roasted pig (subject to availability), Lamb and BBQed burgers and Hotdogs.

Port and Wines

Champagne will be provided for the reception, Port for the toasts and kids soft drinks are included in the ticket price.

Children

Kids under 12 attend free and a separate bonfire will be provided for them to assemble around to tell junior dits in preparation for when they are older. A selection of soft drinks will also be provided along with Hot Dogs Burgers etc.

Location

In the area of Bida Bin Suad located in the desert on the outskirts of Al Ain. Full details will be provided later along with a MapSource route for those with access to Garmin SatNav software.

Transport

The location can only be accessed by 4x4 vehicle although the approach drive is very easy (as confirmed by Commando trained desert drivers). The route will be properly marked and is only apx 3 Km from a gatch (hard surfaced) track and around 8 Km from a metalled road. Lifts can be arranged for those without 4x4 vehicles details of which will be provided closer to the date.

Camping

This is a lovely spot to camp as it is surrounded by trees and sand dunes. There are no facilities so if you wish to camp you will need to bring all the necessary kit. This is a semi-tactical exercise which means that there will be no requirement to adhere to noise and light discipline other than for Steve Holden who will be required to adhere to the former. For details of the ‘tactical’ requirements please contact any of our Commando trained camping experts.

Music

A sound system will be provided along with the ‘Carpenters Greatest Hits’ CD - anyone who does not appreciate the Carpenters (can’t think why?) and who wishes to bring their own vibes are welcome to do so.

Attendance

Please confirm your attendance to our Commando trained bank manager – Dave (Mush) Mewes – who will let you know when and how you will be required to stump up.

Price

50 DHS each – kids (under 12) are free. Details of payment will be provided in a later email
Rogue Chef
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Post by Rogue Chef »

Today's the day.
Speedy and Bruce M, have confirmed there attendance. Speedy and I have chatted on the phone.

All we have to do is get everyone to the FRV and Objective and we're on.

An estimated 70 including wives and kids are expected.
Rogue Chef
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Post by Rogue Chef »

What a night!

A very successful gathering, graced with serving members of HM Armed Forces, former members, civilians, partners and kids.
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davo141
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Location: Middlesbrough

Post by davo141 »

we had our corps birthday out at bastion, was a strange affair with every man and his dog turning up and toasting with fanta and non alcholic beer! Eating curry veg and gravy!!

yet it is worth while and shows, dispite been in theatre you can still ghet 200+ bootnecks together!!
Forward Troop - CLRRM, Viking Operator and Maintainer. Viking Support Troop out in The Ghan.
Obi Wan Kenobi
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Post by Obi Wan Kenobi »

Here we go again!

Basically same detail as last year, but more expensive!

The chap who is organising it this year promulgated this:

The Corps Birthday

The 345th Anniversary of the formation of

Her Majesty’s Royal Marines

Friday 23rd October 2009


Ladies and Gentlemen

Having already had a very positive response for this year’s Corp Birthday it is expected that this year’s numbers will exceed last year’s very successful event and our planning is already at an advanced stage. The details of the event are below and if you haven’t already done so, please register your interest ASP. The lead role for this year’s event is being taken by Si Taylor whose contact details are below and you can respond either direct to Si, or via Mr Green.

slmtaylor2003@yahoo.co.uk

055 8833182

03 7220214

Location

This year’s Corp Birthday will take place in the desert on the edge of Al Ain, at the same location as last year’s function. Detailed route maps, GPS co-ordinates and desert driving tips will follow closer to the time. The venue is easily reached by 4x4 vehicle and includes approximately 2km of gently rolling terrain and the route will be clearly marked and guides will be available. There will be several experienced desert drivers ready to assist in the unlikely event that anyone gets stuck. The venue is sheltered and secluded and is ideal for camping for those that wish to do so.

Events and Timings

Time
Event
Remarks

1530 – 1600
RV Open
Dead Camel Skip

If you can’t make the RV please call and a Recce Troop guide will meet you

1630
Establish LUP
Set up Bivvies and centrally dump water and rations (cool boxes and nibbles)

1700
Group Photo

1715
Sundowners/Reception
‘Champagne’ provided

1930
BBQ
prepared by fully trained former Royal Marines food spoilers in a state of the art field I'M A SCAMMER SPAMMER!!!

2030
The Convening Order

The Toasts (Port Provided)

Absent Friends

The Captain General

The Queen

The Royal Marines

2040
Merriment, Music, lamp swinging and dit spinning ‘till the small hours

0530
Stand to
Optional

Facilities

There will be a central camp fire which will serve as the focal point for the event and the location is a natural amphitheatre and provides sound all-round defence. It is planned to have a children’s tent enabling them to have their own space and entertainment. There will be a ‘proper’ ladies toilet facility (as for last year)

Poppy Collection

A Remembrance Day collection will be made on behalf of the Royal British Legion, so please bring lots of money to swell the coffers of this very worthwhile and particularly relevant organization

Cost

The cost for this year’s event is AED 100 for adults and AED 30 for children aged 12 -18 for under 12’s there is no charge. It would be greatly appreciated if you could pay your ticket money to the respective Imprest Holders; Jim Miurhead (ZMC), Brum Warrington (Al Awir) Dave O’Connor (Al Ain/Manama) as soon as possible. As you can imagine there is a large fiscal outlay by those putting the event together and it would be re-assuring to get the majority of the funds up front this year.

The event is open to all although it would be particularly rewarding to have a large gathering of serving and former Royal Marines among the throng, particularly given how many of us are currently working in this region. Look forward to seeing you all and having a great night

Kind Regards
Si
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