Essex Committee Curry Lunch
The Annual Essex Curry Lunch returns to the Officers’ Mess, Merville Barracks, by kind permission of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team and Colchester Garrison on Sunday 25th October 2026. We welcome any opportunity to bring our supporters together and it’s always a real pleasure to connect with members of our fantastic community at this much-loved event. We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be another lovely afternoon.
Our Guest Speaker will be Miss Tarusila L Rankin (Vanny), a distinguished Armed Forces veteran and accomplished author.
Date: Sunday 25th October 2026
Location: Officers’ Mess, Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7UT
Time: Arrival is from 12.30pm for welcome drinks with lunch served at 1pm.
Menu:
- Chicken or Meat Curry
- Vegetarian Curry
Followed by dessert and tea/coffee.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for, please notify the East Anglia Regional Office in advance (i.e. Gluten Free, allergies).
Dress: Smart/casual
Additional Information:
- Bar (Pay as you go – cash only)
- Raffle
- Parking (including disabled parking)
Booking:
Ticket price: £30 per person.
Tables seat up to 10 people, though larger groups may be possible. Please contact the East Anglia Regional Office to discuss availability. Strict security arrangements for Merville Barracks apply, therefore all bookings for the event must be confirmed in advance.
Please note: Tickets will not be sent out in advance – Confirmation will be acknowledged by email or telephone and attendees will be added to the guest list.
If you would like to attend the lunch, contact: [email protected] for more information and to be sent the RSVP form for completion.
Sponsorship/Raffle Prizes:
If you or your organisation would like to sponsor the event or donate a raffle prize, please get in touch at: [email protected]
Introduction to our guest speaker:
We are delighted to announce our Guest Speaker, Miss Tarusila L Rankin (Vanny), a distinguished Armed Forces veteran and accomplished author. With over 24 years of service as an Army Combat Medic, she deployed on numerous operational tours, earning a reputation for professionalism, resilience and leadership. For many years she served within 16 Medical Regiment, 16 Air Assault Brigade and deployed on multiple tours including being attached to the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan.
A true trailblazer, she was the first Fijian woman to enlist in the Royal Army Medical Services in 2001 at the age of just 21, breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow.
Hailing from a proud, noble family lineage, the VAINITOBA – VUNIMAKADRE bloodline in Nadi, Fiji Islands, her rich heritage, culture, and traditions continue to inspire her work. Vanny has extended her impact beyond the military as an author, public speaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. Her dedication, experience, and continued contribution make her a highly respected and influential figure within the Army community and beyond.
Read more of Vanny’s story here.