Page 121 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2017

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 119
The first thing in the diary for the Branch is the annu- al dinner night, held in the first weekend in March each year. We had a very good dinner at the Mercure Grange Park Hotel Willerby East Yorkshire on Saturday the 4th of March 2017. The hotel staff and chefs made it a very enjoyable week- end. The hotel has a very good swimming pool and gym, but it did not get a lot of use that weekend! I must thank Beate Kennedy and Sandra Sheppard for the work on a very good raffle. On Sunday the 16th of July 2017 we used the RLOCA Standard for a civic service for the mayor of North East Lin- colnshire Councillor, Ron Sheppard. The service was held at Grimsby Minster St James’s. A well-attended service was followed by a parade and lunch in Grimsby Town Hall. This year we held our Armed Forces Day in Cleethorpes a week later than normal. This was done to try and call on more serving units and bands to attend, a good day was had by all. Armed Forces Day 2018 will be a two-day event with the main event being on the Saturday and a free air show on Sunday at Cleethorpes seafront marking RAF 100. The summer soon passed and Remembrance Sunday soon came around, and it was reported in the local newspapers that large numbers attended services throughout the area with a good attendance from Veteran Lancer in Grimsby. I hope to at- tend one or two of the dinner nights this year and catch up with old pals. Have a good 2018.
AS
Alf and Steve discussing Branch business
Northern Branch
Smile if you made it before Last Orders!
Time once again to welcome you to the branch notes for the North West Branch. Our Annual Dinner was held on the 14th April 2017 at the usual Park House Hotel in Blackpool. 51 able to attend which included five serving members: the Adjutant, Captain Thomas Pritchard, the Regimental Sergeant Major and Sergeants Blakeley and Freeman, all driven by Trooper Binns. Our thanks go to the Regiment for their continuing support of the Branch. The weather was again kind to us with early morning rain clearing to leave fine sunny promenade strolling weather and a spectacular seaside sunset as we meet before dinner.
The dinner was to the standard and quality we have long come to expect from the Park House and was followed by speeches. Our president was unable to attend this year so our Vice-President Captain Mick Holtby spoke on his behalf. The Adjutant was able to give a picture of the Regiment’s activities during the last year which had been numer- ous and extensive, finished off with news of recent sporting triumphs. The Chairman also spoke to the assembled mass.
The Chairman visiting Eric Jones
Ned and Pauline Kelly at the Annual Dinner
In June the Regiment kindly invited those who wished to travel to the Mons weekend in Catterick. A number of branch members made the trip and received the welcome and attention from the serving Regiment we have come to expect. For those who have yet to see the Regiment in camp, I would recommend, when next offered, that the chance to see them is not missed. The lives of the `mod- ern` soldier has certainly changed.
Sadly, the Senior Squadron recruiting Ser- geant has again been busy this last year with a number of friends sadly passing on. These include Mr Bill Fryer and Mr Les Collier and we extend our sympathies to their family and friends. Mr Eric Jones and Mr Bill Fudge, although unable to attend reunion dinners, are still very much alive and would like me to pass on their good wishes to all who know them.
All that remains is for me to thank the com- mittee for all their hard work, a hardy band of four souls now, one of whom I’ll be marrying next year. This should ensure the continued
North West Branch (Balaclava Troop)
The evening continued with live entertainment provided by compere and vocalist Nicky Miller, followed by John DJ Dis- co until late. The raffle was well supported and I would like to thank all those who donated prizes and bought tickets: your continued support is very much appreciated.
smooth running of the Branch, or there again maybe not! So, I bid you farewell and look forward to greeting you all in Black- pool on 6th April 2019 where a warm welcome and a sense of fellowship is assured. If you have ve yet to attend our dinner, why not make it this year!
CB