RMA Gig Club

is a specialist standalone branch of the RMA-TRMC (Royal Marines Charity). This means we are completely self funding but represent the Royal Marines Association – The Royal Marines Charity, and are dedicated to raising funds to support the Charity.

The RMA Gig Club is constantly looking for ways and means to raise money to fund its high running costs. Costs include; annual insurance £900, boat & equipment storage £1,440, Watersports Centre affiliation £400, Cornish Pilot Gig Association, affiliation £200 and costs incurred for equipment maintenance.

The aim of the Club is to attract as many military veterans, serving personal, their families and civilians as possible. To help with this we endeavour to keep joining fees and rowing fees to a minimum. In lieu of subscriptions, members pay a monthly donation to the Royal Marines Association-The Royal Marines which attracts gift aid. Our main income is from a £2 per row, per person charge. This has been severely reduced due to lockdown limiting time on the water.

My main thrust during the latest lockdown has been to built our list of newcomers wishing to try out this exhilarating, satisfying and rewarding sport. Currently we have 26 newcomers ready to come onboard.

This was done in the main from advertising through regular posts on Facebook, asking for support to a Local fund, promoting our website link, and building the list of followers & likes on the page.

One of the new followers is Suzie Stanford of Military Veterans Creative Arts MVCA. Suzie’s first words via messenger:
” I’m CEO founder of MVCA and we do a lot of work getting veterans poems to sing”.
I replied, “A song about our Club sounds like a great base for a fundraiser. I am the RMA Gig Club Chairman”.

I decided to try my hand at writing some lyrics for the first time in my life. This took the form of a story teller, giving an overview of our Clubs progress and achievements from formation in February 2019 to March 2021.

With Suzie’s professional and enthusiastic help the lyrics were formed into something resembling a song. I still had my doubts about how this would sound when sung. I was astounded to hear the demo audio that Suzie had produced. My initial thoughts were, WoW! That sounds brilliant, did I really write those words.

The song gives a quick snap shot of the Clubs history over the last two years, portraying the highs and lows. It is upbeat, with the chorus reflecting the atmosphere and excitement of the start of a Pilot Gig race. The tune is catchy and pleasant.

My enthusiasm abound, I mentioned the progress to the Club without giving to much away. To my surprise, Jerry Wesley Josee, one of our Club members, informed me that he is a member of an Octet called the Glass House Gang, and part of Ocean City Sound, Barbershop Chorus in Plymouth, Devon.

I invited Jerry to approach his team to ask if they might wish to take on the challenge of producing a version of the song, now named ‘Forward to Race’. After a zoom meeting with his group on Friday 12th March, I was informed that The Glass House Gang are up to the challenge.

I am currently busy contacting recording studios to see if they can offer assistance.

This is progressing rapidly, and I’m feeling like a lost sheep trying to get my head around the idea that the Club and MVCA will have created a song.

The interesting part will be how to advertise this to maximise any potential income.

The RMA-TRMC membership director (West), Phil Gilby hinted that anything less than Number One in the charts would be classed as a failure. Royal Marines have high expectations.

The skys the limit.

David Brain

For updates and a song preview please go to ‘Forward to Race’ release update.

The new song ‘Forward to Race’ by Former Royal Marine David G Brain will be previewed on Blue Pigment Podcast Tuesday. Ash speaks to David about the song and his service. Please check out the links to the song (Above), fundraising for the RMA, Blue Pigment Podcast and the Military Veterans Creative Arts Productions.

For More Information, Visit Our Site And Get The Full Details

David chats with Blue Pigment Podcast about the release of his song. Click the link to listen in.