Regiment.

The London-based Royal Artillery Association has voted to accept members and ex-members of the Regiment as "gunners'' eligible to join the RAA.

Sgt. Carlyle Crockwell, chairman of the Bermuda branch of the RAA, said the "historic constitutional amendment'' was "most essential, as the amalgamation of the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Rifles left this association with a very limited number of candidates eligible for membership''.

Now, RAA membership will be open to all Regiment members and ex-members.

"We've been told this is the first time this has happened,'' Sgt. Crockwell said.

He added: "From its inception, the Bermuda Regiment has and continues to assist and support our association. Another more significant factor is the cap badge of the Regiment, which has some very distinct similarities to that of the Royal Artillery. They have also retained the Artillery colours.'' The resolution amending the RAA's Constitution was recently passed by the RAA's Board of Management at its headquarters in Woolwich, London. The resolution had been forwarded to London from the Bermuda branch.

Membership in the RAA can mean both social and economic benefits, Sgt.

Crockwell said. "Gunners look out for gunners,'' he said.

The RAA's Bermuda branch, which has had its charter since 1926, holds its annual Church Parade in St. George's tomorrow.

The parade leaves the branch premises near Fort St. Catherine at 10.10 a.m.

and marches to the town square, Sgt. Crockwell said.

The Bermuda Regiment Band, Sea Cadets, Junior Leaders, St. George's Fire Brigade, Girl Guides, Rangers, Brownies, and Scouts are among the groups expected to take part.

A wreath-laying ceremony in the Town Square is set for 10.52 a.m.

The ceremonies are followed by a service at St. Peter's Church.