Page 43 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 41
Welfare
It has been a positive, challenging, and busy year for the Welfare team with Capt Damion Baines, Sergeant Allan Clegg (who is receding more and more in his role) and Corporal Eddie Payne run- ning the department.
The year was spent balancing a busy Welfare schedule coupled with a dynamic and modern approach to change. In January we opened ‘Lloyd Road’, suitably named in honour of SSgt Chesh Lloyd injured on Op HERRICK 16 in 2012. The team started with the planning phase for a variety of five to nine clubs, includ- ing the setting up of ‘Hawks with Horsepower Garage’ for all of the motoring enthusiasts in the regiment.
With thousands being spent on garage equipment, tools, and engine diagnostics, the soldiers of the regiment now have a fully customised car bay like that of TV show ‘gas monkey garage’ to carry out repairs, hold motoring themed lessons, and do general mechanical work, tuning and tinkering of their cars after work- ing hours.
At the start of the spring, Sgt Clegg made it his mission to improve the single living accommodation by costing, sourcing, and deliv- ering cooking facilities throughout the barracks, benefitting 250 soldiers, and improving the living in experience.
In March, the Welfare department were the epicentre of planning for the very successful family’s day and ‘all ranks’ party, playing host to a variety of armoured vehicles displays, local business stalls, and The Colonel-in-Chief gracing the regiment with her presence. Cpl Eddie Payne, who manages the regiment’s social media, found a perfect opportunity to tactically ‘get the Welfare officer back’ by advertising the families day event to over 500 peo- ple mentioning that ‘Simply Red’ - The Singer - Mick Hucknall would be attending the event!
Throughout the year, the department held several weekend events including ‘Jumping Fun’ and ‘Clown About’ in Salisbury.
KRH Children enjoying Jumpin Fun
In May, the Welfare Officer approved the much-needed renew- ing of some of the departments-tired equipment. The regiment now has brand-new fully customised Bouncy Castles complete with disco lights and speakers for the families to use. The depart- ment also purchased several inflatable ‘Fat Stick’ paddle boards, a chocolate fountain, and a popcorn machine. All are being put to good use and raising money for the Welfare fund.
As the regiment moved into the summer and prepared for deploy- ment to Estonia for OP CABRIT 11, the Welfare department kicked it up a gear in support of the families and their loved ones.
The team got their heads together and planned several more events for families to attend, including a very successful visit to Paulton’s Park, a coach trip to the Harry Potter studio in London, a Cinderella pantomime at the Salisbury Playhouse, and Paintballing to name a few.
As we approached autumn, the department organised for the BFBS movie Machine (a 55ft cinema lorry) to show several new movies in camp.
Chesh Lloyd and his family at the ‘Lloyd Road’ opening within Medicina Lines