Page 117 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
In-Pensioner A Collins In-Pensioner D Lines In-Pensioner T F Lyall In-Pensioner R Ibbotson In-Pensioner B Weastell
This year we have finally lifted the greater part of the COVID restrictions. The only one remaining is the public entering and visiting the hospital grounds. Guests and fami- lies if accompanied by a pensioner or on an official visit are allowed entry. Although restrictions are in force for visits pensioners are allowed out at any time.
The regular events took place “The Chelsea Flower Show”, “Live at Chelsea”, Horse Jumping (Longines Global Champions Tour) and this year a vintage car rally. Our Founder’ Day parade took place in June and it was good to see Mike Reed and Dale McKenzie in attendance. The salute was taken by Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence in place of King Phillipe of Belgium who is taking the salute in 2023.
The saddest news this year was the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the
hospital was used as a staging point and assembly area. The pensioners were used assisting and escorting VIPs once they arrived. The senior Metropolitan Police Officer stated that the Royal Hospital staged the largest protection operation in UK policing history and that the Royal Hospital should feel extremely proud. Three coach loads of pension- ers filed pasted the Queen’s coffin and 6 pensioners attended the service in Westminster Abbey. The remain- der of the pensioners attended a ser- vice in the hospital grounds.
The next event in the hospital was Remembrance. Pensioners vis- ited towns and cities in the UK. In-Pensioner Bert Weastell took off to Jersey for 10 days selling poppies and touring the island. Bert stated it was hard work but the island- ers made them welcome. Myself and In-Pensioner D Lines attended Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance. On the Saturday the usual personnel were on parade at the Albert Hall and the following day another party of pensioners were at the Cenotaph. The remainder of the pensioners paraded at the hospital.
The Christmas formalities were car- ried out as normal starting with Major Alex Thirlaway and the Regimental Secretary, Capt Mike Reed MBE (Retired) presenting us with our Christmas grants. We car- ried out our normal traditions ie “The Stirring of the Pudding” and the “Cheese” and “Cake” ceremo- nies. The Christmas draw was a suc- cess being held the same evening as the England v France game, it was over very quickly. Due to the train strikes a lot of pensioners stayed in the hospital over Christmas and by all accounts a good time was had by all.
On closing all of us at Chelsea Hospital would like to thank Mel Tazey for his help and support as he retires as Regimental Secretary. We wish him the best of luck on his retirement.
Finally, we are looking forward to association and regimental personnel visiting us and hope to see you over Cavalry weekend.
AC
Royal Hospital Chelsea
cheeses appeared on a central table forcing people to get up and mingle again. Those who wondered why there was a cordon of hard to budge people around the cheese table, were the ones who did not find the excellent vintage port donated by Richard Bampfylde.... As is customary, there were no speeches – other than a few words from Charlie May and then a glass was raised to Her Majesty the Queen, to The Regiment, and absent friends.
As the afternoon wore on people gradually drifted off saying how much fun they had had and wondering when we were going to do it all again. Any excuse! It was reported that Bender Portman and Charlie Renwick were the last to leave and Widds was found serenading the unsuspecting customers in one of the local hostelries sometime later (with or without ukulele?!). All that remains is to thank those who organised a great day – Snapper, Insect, XTC and BamBams.
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