RecMat Strengthens Support for the Armed Forces Community During Visit to 36 Engineer Regiment and The Queen's Gurkha Engineers
At RecMat, we believe that supporting the Armed Forces community goes beyond sponsorships and financial contributions. It is about building meaningful relationships, understanding the challenges faced by service personnel and their families, and demonstrating our commitment to those who serve our country.
Recently, representatives from RecMat and FRY Group had the privilege of visiting the Officers’ Mess at 36 Engineer Regiment and The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers following a welfare donation made by FRY Group to support serving personnel and their families.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to see first-hand how the funding was being used and to strengthen the relationship between our organisations and the military community. The donation funded leisure passes for Mote Park Leisure Centre, enabling service personnel and their families to spend quality time together away from the demands and pressures of military life.
Supporting Service Personnel and Their Families
The wellbeing of Armed Forces personnel is vital. While the dedication and professionalism of serving soldiers are widely recognised, the importance of supporting family life is equally significant.
Military service can often involve long periods away from home, demanding operational commitments and frequent relocations. Welfare initiatives that enable personnel and their loved ones to spend valuable time together play an important role in maintaining wellbeing, resilience and morale.
As a business committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, we are proud that our contribution has helped create opportunities for serving personnel and their families to enjoy quality leisure time together.
A Warm Welcome from 36 Engineer Regiment
During our visit, we were warmly welcomed by members of the Regimental Headquarters team, including the Commanding Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major, Gurkha Major, Regimental Second in Command, Adjutant and Unit Welfare Warrant Officer, Ashish Malla.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in hosting the visit and providing insight into the important work undertaken by the regiment.
The visit offered an opportunity to learn more about the regiment’s history, culture and values. Throughout the day, it was clear that service, loyalty, integrity and mutual support remain at the heart of military life.
These values closely align with those that guide our own organisation and reinforce why supporting the Armed Forces community remains such an important part of our wider corporate responsibility programme.
Honoured to Receive the Traditional Khada Ceremony
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was taking part in a traditional Gurkha ceremony where we were presented with the Khada.
The Khada is a ceremonial scarf traditionally offered as a symbol of friendship, goodwill, respect and sincere intentions. Receiving this honour was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
To be welcomed as friends of the regiment and introduced to the rich traditions and heritage of the Gurkha community was a genuine privilege. The ceremony provided a fascinating insight into Gurkha culture and demonstrated the strong sense of community that exists throughout the regiment.
Experiences such as these help build stronger connections between businesses and the Armed Forces community, creating relationships based on mutual respect and shared values.
Our Commitment Through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
RecMat and FRY Group are proud supporters of the Armed Forces community and remain committed to strengthening our engagement with serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families.
As supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant and participants within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively seek opportunities to demonstrate our commitment through meaningful action rather than words alone.
Building relationships with military units, Reserve Forces, Cadet organisations and veterans’ groups enables us to better understand the challenges faced by the Armed Forces community and identify ways in which we can provide practical support.
Our recent visit to 36 Engineer Regiment is one example of how these commitments are being translated into real-world action, helping to build lasting relationships and support initiatives that make a positive difference to military personnel and their families.
Remembering Communities Affected by Flooding in Nepal
The visit also provided an opportunity to reflect on the close connections many Gurkha soldiers maintain with their families and communities in Nepal.
Recent flooding has had a devastating impact on parts of the country, affecting communities, homes and infrastructure. Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by these events.
We would also like to recognise the incredible work undertaken by The Gurkha Welfare Trust, which continues to provide support to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities throughout Nepal. The charity’s efforts, including assistance during emergencies and natural disasters, provide vital support where it is needed most.
Those wishing to learn more about the charity’s work or make a donation can visit: The Gurkha Welfare Trust
Building Relationships Beyond the Donation
While the donation itself was important, the visit reinforced that supporting the Armed Forces community is about much more than financial contributions.
The strongest partnerships are built through genuine engagement, shared experiences and long-term commitment. Meeting the people behind the uniform, learning about their experiences and understanding how organisations can contribute positively to military welfare creates relationships that extend far beyond a single initiative.
We would like to thank everyone at 36 Engineer Regiment and The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers for their hospitality, friendship and warm welcome. A special thank you goes to Ashish Malla for his assistance in helping make the visit possible.
We would also like to thank South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) and Defence Relationship Management (DRM) for their ongoing support and for helping strengthen the connection between employers and the Armed Forces community.
We look forward to continuing our support and developing these relationships in the months and years ahead as part of our ongoing commitment to those who serve.