Following a presentation on the 18th November 2016, Deal Learning Alliance decided that the Royal Marines Heritage Trail (RMHT) was the perfect opportunity for their schools to work in close collaboration with the community, identifying many benefits for their pupils.
The Deal Learning Alliance consider that the RMHT is something that not only is a physical link between the streets and schools in Deal but is also an emotional link celebrating the pupils’ heritage in the area. Discovering the history on our doorstep has genuine cross-curriculum benefit and always invigorates the pupils by helping them understand some of the unique assets of their locality.
About The Author: Bill Butler
Bill is the driving force behind the Royal Marines Heritage Trail having first raised the idea in March 2016 with Walmer Parish Council, Deal Town Council and the editor of the East Kent Mercury.
Although having never served in the Royal Marines, Bill married into a local Royal Marines family and moved back to Deal with his wife Sue in 1990. He was invited to join the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust with Sue in 1996 by the Chairman and founding President - Lt Col Graham Hoskins RM. He stayed with the Trust for nearly 20 years as a Committee Member and Trustee during which time he led the production two hugely successful Anniversary DVDs of the Royal Marines Bandstand Summer Concerts commemorating the 20th and 25th Anniversary's of the Deal Barracks Bombing.
He is also a member of the Royal Marines Association Club in Deal and The Royal Marines Historical Society.
Bill has been hugely grateful to the many individuals and organisations from the Town and from further afield - especially the Corps of HM Royal Marines and the Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth for the support that has been given to the development of the Royal Marines Heritage Trails.
In particular however he would like to acknowledge the support offered by the Commandant General RM - Major General Rob Magowan CBE. Most importantly however he would like to thank his wife Sue and his family! Without their patience and support it would not have been possible for a project such as this to look forward to the official Launch on Monday April 23rd 2018 at Deal Castle in commemoration of the Centenary of the 1918 Zeebrugge Raid in which 2 VC's were won by the Corps of HM Royal Marines.
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