Page 108 - The Light Dragoon 2024

Looking back on 2023 from an Association perspective it was very eventful in many ways.
The highlight for anyone with any connection to the Military must have been the coronation King Charles of which there will be more details elsewhere in this Journal. As a veteran watching the events on TV, I could not have been prouder of those Light Dragoons who were part of the day’s events, it was a wonderful spectacle from start to finish and for those involved certainly a day to remember forever.
Following on from the Coronation only a few days later the serving Regiment and Association gather once more in London for the Annual Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Parade, it was wonderful day and we were blessed by the weather, it is worth noting that 2024 marks the Centenary of the Parade and therefore we hope as many Association members will join us for this momentous occasion.
Across the regional branches there were many events held all of which were superbly well attended, I tried to get to as many as possible, those I missed in 2023 I will endeavour to get to in 2024, we at HHQ sincerely thank all of those Association members who take their time to organise, stage and publicise all of the events. For the first time I visited the Barnsley Smoker organised by Steve Fretwell and his tremendous team, it was a great day it was a shame I was unable to stay for the weekend, the event is growing year on year and is a wonderful weekend. Sadly the North West Dinner did not take place again, but it is hoped to rekindle it in some form in 2025.
Get on Parade!
The two more formal events in the Association calendar, the Assay Dinner in Newcastle and the Barnsley Dinner were both once again an enormous success, Barnsley had its biggest attendance for many years, we thank the Trustees for their continued support to both events and we look forward to increased attendance next year.
In October I attended the annual RAC Church Service at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, it was a wonderful event with a decent turnout from the Regiments of the RAC. Prior to the Church Service in the magnificent Chapel there was a small parade on the lawn of all RAC In Pensioners and those attending. It would be wonderful if more Association members who are close by could attend next year. After the service we had lunch and a drink in the Bar where we were wonderfully hosted by all our In Pensioners, apart from missing my
Very smart
train home due to problems with the Tube it was an excellent day.
Finally, when you receive this Journal and read this article HHQ will have lost the services of Mandy who after many years here has decided to retire, Mandy does so much behind the scenes to ensure the Association runs as smoothly as it does, she will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. In addition, by the end of August 2024 the Assistant Regimental Secretary Captain “Dicky” Bird will be retiring, we all owe Dicky a huge debt of gratitude after fourteen years’ outstanding service, Dicky’s knowledge of our history, the personalities and the Association members is encyclo- paedic HHQ will not be the same without them both, I am sure I echo the sentiments of everyone by wishing them an enjoyable and fun filled retirement.
MR
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Association
Home Headquarters and Regimental Association News
Glorious morning for a Parade
What do I do now?
Sol pointing the way
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