Page 32 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

2021 has been another frustrating year for the Welfare Office. However, we were able to close off 2020 with a couple of functions which involved pumpkin carv- ing, Halloween and Christmas parties all hosted by Wackadayz, which was highly welcomed by all, especially the families of those deployed on operations over the Christmas and New Year period.
Moving into the new year and COVID 19 still having a massive impact on the whole of the country. We were able to get our hands-on new annual passes for Flamingo Land, which has been a big success and the welfare team will be looking to renew those passes for 2022.
We were also fortunate to be able to pur- chase Lightwater Valley tickets which did not take long to disappear into the hands of the families to have a well-earned day out, especially those who had loved ones deployed on operations.
This year Beamish annual passes were introduced, and again this has been another big hitter with families booking days out at the museum. We look forward to renewing these annual passes in 2022.
When Boris finally decided to ease the restrictions after everybody’s frustration, that only meant one thing: “COFFEE MORNINGS” were back. To the delight of the welfare team, we were able to see some old familiar faces and new ones which is what it is all about. People got to see the new lick off paint in the brew room and kids play area, ‘mostly on the carpets’ no thanks to Tpr Butterfield’s painting professionalism.
In September, Capt “Dez” O’Connor finally handed over the reins of “UWO”
to the incoming “UWO” Capt “Bobbie” Buchan. The long-awaited handover could not come fast enough for “Dez” as his hair was turning greyer by the day. We wish you and Sir Eric all the very best in your new role and for the future.
September also saw the welfare team finally manage to host a long overdue fam- ily’s afternoon, which again saw an excel- lent turnout. We would like to thank all that showed up to make it a fantastic after- noon and we look forward to holding more afternoon’s like it soon.
The 2021 Welfare Halloween party did not fail in numbers. The fancy dress turnout and competition for prizes was harder than ever with the Commanding Officer hav- ing to make difficult decision not to upset any of the children. Again, the children
were fantastic throughout the evening and even managed to break the previous year’s record in eating an unlimited amount of chicken nuggets.
Capt “Bobbie Buchan’s reign in Welfare was a short one (just like him) as he left the military for pastures new, handing over to W01 “Louis” Iddon. Bobbie, however, did manage to leave his stamp in the welfare office; changing the kids play room into a jungle themed play area.
The year finished off with an excellent Christmas party, hosted by Wackadayzhis. In 2022, the Unit Welfare Department is again hoping to renew our passes to Flamingo Land and Beamish, and hosting more trips and events. We look forward to a busy year!
RB
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Regimental Welfare Office
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