Page 76 - Bugle Autumn 2023

SOUTH WEST
THE LI AND RIFLES BODMIN ASSOCIATION
At the Association AGM, Colonel (Retired) Tom French OBE was voted in and agreed to be our new President. The AGM and quarterly meetings are held at The Victoria Inn, followed by lunch served in the conservatory. Details can be obtained from The Rifles Office Bodmin (01208 73595).
The year got off to a great start on 1 April with the Paardeberg Dinner at the Kilbirnie Hotel in Newquay. The Association invited Mrs Catherine Willis and Mr Richard White
to be guests of honour, where they were
each presented with a framed photograph
of their late father Maj Hugo White MBE. The Lostwithiel (DCLI) Town Band entertained during the dinner and a disco followed. The dinner was preceded the night before, with
an informal dinner at The Smugglers Inn at Cubert. The next dinner will be in October at the same venue – details from The Rifles Office Bodmin.
The recent renovation of one of the DCLI Cottage Homes was completed in March this year and an LI veteran is preparing to move in at the end of July.
Several Association members gathered at the Victoria Inn, Roche to watch the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The conservatory was decorated with a Union Flag, several of our Standards and the obligatory bunting. Vintage Port was supplied by Mr Colin Vague to toast the new King and Queen.
The Armed Forces Day Flag Relay started at The Keep in Bodmin on Tuesday 25 April, when Bodmin’s Town Mayor, Councillor
Phil Cooper, conveyed the flag through the town’s streets ahead of The National Armed Forces Day in Falmouth, Cornwall at the end of June. The Flag was delivered to Bodmin Keep - Cornwall’s Army Museum where staff, volunteers, veterans and community groups with links to Bodmin Keep assembled for the Flag Relay Ceremony. Mayor Phillip Cooper said; “The flag symbolises public support for the Armed Forces men and women, past and present and the very difficult job that they do”.
National AFD Falmouth
The National Armed Forces weekend in Falmouth was a splendid affair and the LI Veterans marched to a rapturous applause. There were many military static displays but of course The Red Arrows overhead stole the show.
The Association is looking forward to another Lazy Summer Afternoon BBQ and Cream Tea at The Keep in mid-July and a Reunion on the 2nd September. All welcome including veterans, families, and dogs.
Paardebeg Dinner
There were many military static displays but of course
The Red Arrows overhead
stole the show
Colin Vague and Harry Worth; loyal Standard Bearers
Top Table at the Paardeberg Dinner
76 RIFLES The Bugle
Association members, Toasting the new King - 6 May 23