Page 111 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

Chairman: Members:
Capt C R Renwick Maj C W L Dunn Maj N Lees
WO2 M Ford
Mr M Ayre
Iam delighted to report that we were able to build on a successful series of post covid events in 2021 with an even stronger calendar of gatherings throughout 2022.
The first event of note was a very successful relatively short notice and informal gather- ing held at the Quayside Wetherspoons in Newcastle on a Friday afternoon in June. Who possibly could not have enjoyed the combination of a warm and sunny after- noon, some of the cheapest bar prices in the city and a chance to reminisce with many old friends across a number of differ- ent generations. We shall certainly be mak- ing this an annual event and hope to build on what appears to be a winning formula.
Following on from these two early summer gatherings, we were able to enjoy some of our more established events. As ever, Trevor McDermott and Tommy Deverell hosted another well attended Durham smoker at the Durham Prison Officers Club. This is a brilliant event and for those in the south of the north-east region it provides a welcome opportunity to catch up in August.
We were once again delighted to be able to host the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Harris, the RSM WO1 Anthony Richardson, together with a strong repre- sentation of young officers and members of the Sergeants and Corporals mess at the Assaye Dinner held for the second year running at the County Hotel opposite the Central Station in Newcastle. It was even more encouraging to have just over 100 peo- ple in attendance for an event that benefits from the generous subsidy provided by the Regimental Trustees, which provides for a £10 ticket per head to cover a three course dinner, wine on the table and, if I say so myself, some top quality banter!
On Remembrance Sunday Association members represented the regiment at a number of services throughout the region
and it is both brilliant and important for the regiment to be in attendance at as many such events as possible. I have men- tioned this before, but I do hope that we can build on our representation at one of the leading regional services in Newcastle city centre, so please do come and join us, we really do embrace any former member of the regiment marching alongside us and there is always good craic to be had in the Companions Club afterwards – just ask Gedge and Thirla!
Arguably our flagship event is the Sahagun gathering at the Leazes Labour Club. While this event has been impacted by covid and lockdowns in recent years, we were sorry not to see a number of regular attenders due to the rail strikes that were predomi- nant during this period. Notwithstanding that, at the risk of repeating myself, it was a huge boost for Association members to be joined by the Commanding Officer and the RSM plus the 2IC and a strong contingent from the regiment. While Sahagun is first and foremost a great occasion to bring peo- ple together to enjoy each other’s company, recall old times and meet new friends, it also serves as a poignant and important opportunity to remember those who are no longer with us.
While 2022 saw many changes, not least of which is the end of Mel Tazey’s remarkable near 50 year regimental career. As an asso- ciation we are indebted to both Mel and to Gabby for everything they have done, their contribution to the regiment and the Association, and that gratitude cannot ade- quately be articulated in these pages, but on behalf of the north-east branch I wish them every happiness in the next stage of their lives together.
Further changes have been afoot within the committee and I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of stalwarts, in particular Colin Brooks for his huge contribution to making so many events work, just like he used to do in the
Ryan Spence, Paul John and the Commanding Officer
Officers’ Mess back in the day, against all odds and for the greater benefit of all of us. I must also thank Dicky and Mandy for everything that they do at HHQ, not only in supporting the north-east branch amongst others, but for everything else they do to help our regimental community
I’m delighted to welcome some fresh faces to the committee including Anthony ‘Dava’ Nolan and Mick Ayre and we are always open to anybody else who would like to get involved.
As a committee we remain committed to our established events, we are mindful to ensure that those events and our role in con- necting former members of the regiment must remain relevant and appropriate for those generations coming through. As such, we are exploring new and different initia- tives, details of which will be shared with you as we progress through 2023.
I must take this opportunity to mention one particular initiative that Stan Allen has launched in Ashington which is a Saturday morning breakfast club, which is held at the town centre Wetherspoons on the sec- ond Saturday of each month. So, if you are local to that area, I urge you to pop along for breakfast, a cup of tea, perhaps a pint and plenty of good company, just go and have a chat. I cannot commend such an initiative more, it fills such an important role at a very local level – well done Stan!
As branch chairman it is my greatest pleas- ure to meet old and new friends at our gath- erings, but I also count myself fortunate working in the centre of Newcastle to quite often be accosted by former regimental col- leagues going about their daily business, I enjoy any excuse to stop and chat, it is amaz- ing how the intervening years fall away and those memories flood back like they were only yesterday! Keeping in touch is impor- tant, and I know that some are hesitant to step back into the fold, please give it a go, more often than not you won’t regret it.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
North East Branch
Colin Brooks, Mel Tazey and Marty Hoyle
109