ONE hundred and thirty guests were treated to a hearty curry banquet, cooked with military precision in a field kitchen, in the sunshine and on the lawn of the Sergeant’s Mess.

The Big Commando Curry Lunch took place at Norton Manor Camp on Saturday 21st July, home to Taunton based 40 Commando Royal Marines. The field kitchen gave those attending the opportunity to experience how serving military personnel are fed on mass when away on exercise or combat operations.

Somerset County Gazette: PICTURES: Curry with the commandos

Two military charities came together to organise the event, with the kind permission of Lt Col Paul Maynard, Commanding Officer of 40 Commando, who threw open the doors of his HQ to allow members of the community to get a taste of life behind the wire.

Taunton based Go Commando support the families of Royal Marines, with a recent project, The Brambles Nursery, accommodating military children. This is a newly established in premises across the road from the Norton Manor camp.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the charity of the British Army and the Somerset Committee, one of seven county fundraising groups across the South West joined forces with Go Commando for this unique gathering.

Somerset County Gazette: PICTURES: Curry with the commandos

Guests were also given a thought provoking talk from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Ambassador Bob Semple, telling his own true story about being held captive whilst working in the Yemen.

Both charities were hugely grateful to local companies who contributed towards the running of the event and a healthy sum of just over £3500 was raised. This will be divided between both charities helping towards their work supporting serving and former personnel from the armed forces in times of need and grants to other smaller associated organisations.