Page 57 - Bugle Spring 2024

NORTH
NEWS FROM YORKSHIRE
BRIG (RETD) ROGER PRESTON CBE SITTING COMFORTABLY
Earlier this Brig (Retd) Roger Preston CBE stood down as a trustee of The King’s
Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Regimental Trust bringing an end to his long and distinguished service with the association.
Trustees, members of the Retired Officers Club, Association Branches, and clubs donated to the purchase of a custom-built bench which has now been installed in the garden of Roger and Polly so they can sit comfortably while enjoying the beauty of their garden.
Brig Roger commented: “Thank you so much for arranging the presentation of a magnificent garden bench as part of the Minden Day celebrations. Polly and I are thrilled with it and have chosen a favourite
site for it in the garden. Having received the certificate from the Lord Lieutenant on Minden Day and a farewell lunch at the last trustees meeting, I really was not expecting anything else and was totally overwhelmed. I do want to thank everyone who contributed.”
STANDARD BEARERS LEAD WAKEFIELD CIVIC PARADE
Three of the regiment’s 5 Pillars (Reserves, Community and Associations) came together at Wakefield’s Civic parade in July. Association Standards of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Light Infantry, and RIFLES, carried by Tim Humphreys, Rob Smith, and Colin Cranswick led the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Wakefield, with other Mayors from across Yorkshire, including The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. Major Ben Clare (OC Y Coy 8 RIFLES) represented the regiment.
BUGLERS ENTERTAIN AT WAKEFIELD POPPY DROP
The Minden House Buglers Hobby Group have gone from strength-to-strength under Kev Fawcett and Sjt Gareth Merchant 3 RIFLES (Gareth’s father, Larry served with Kev in 2LI). The Buglers have been in great demand with performances across Yorkshire, the North East, and further afield. Wakefield City Council recently invited them to sound the calls and entertain the crowds at the Annual Poppy Drop Remembrance Parade in the Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield. The Buglers performed exceptionally well and have been invited to return in 2024.
Buglers and Standard Bearers Honoured by the Mayor of Wakefield
The Mayor (Councillor Jose Pritchard) and Mayoress (Councillor Melanie Jones) of Wakefield hosted a civic reception to thank the Minden House Buglers and Association Standard Bearers from across the Wakefield District for their support to the city and the wider veteran’s community.
During the reception Cllr Pritchard presented Certificates of Recognition to Kev Fawcett, Pete Bate, Steve Tagg, Brian Johnson, Stephen Hobson, Colin Cranswick, Tim Humphreys, and Ady Waites.
Colin Cranswick presented the Mayor with a 51st/105th The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry commemorative plate on behalf of our Association.
“SPIKE” STROWBRIDGE HEADSTONE
Former members of the KOYLI and 2LI travelled from across the UK to Stainforth cemetery in Doncaster for the unveiling of a headstone for Michael “Spike” Strowbridge, who was a respected figure in the Battalion. The appeal to purchase a headstone was organised by Tim Humphrey, who helped raise sufficient funds in seven days from donations by Officers and soldiers who served with Spike.
SUCCESS FOR CLEVELAND ACF!
The Westminster Award is a competition designed to recognise and reward the most deserving cadet learners. This was the first year Cleveland ACF had nominated anyone and it saw Cadet Serjeant Major Casey Burnett from Billingham Detachment, A Company victorious.
The presentation took place at The House of Lords by Cadet Vocational College Principal and Chief Executive, Guy Horridge OBE alongside The Rt
Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education and The Rt. Hon. The Lord Lingfield, Cadet Vocational College Chairman of Trustees.
Huge congratulations to Casey, from everyone at Cleveland ACF! Our Adult Volunteers also deserve a massive well done for all their support to her.
RIFLES The Bugle 57