Page 121 - QDG Volume 9 No. 5

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards 119
Regimental Home Headquarters
Mark Hawtin – Regimental Secretary • Kate Cox – Assistant Regimental Secretary
Mark Evans – Regimental Museum Curator • Hannah Searle – Regimental Museum Assistant Curator
As you’ve read above, 2024 has been
an exceptional year for the RCA. From
small and intimate Branch dinners to well
attended Association events, Comrades
representing us at their local remem-
brance this year has been filled with
events that have strengthened our regi-
mental family. None of this would have
been possible without the tireless efforts
of Chris Gibbons, our RCA Chair, along
with his dedicated Committee, Branch
Secretaries, and countless other contrib-
utors.
On behalf of our entire regimental
family, I would like to thank Chris for his
unwavering dedication and hard work in
supporting the RCA and Kate and myself
here at HHQ. After nearly eight years of
exemplary service, Chris will be stepping
down in March 2025 having devoted an
incredible amount of time and energy
to coordinating our Association and
Branches. Thanks to his leadership, the
RCA is in excellent shape. Chris will be
handing over the reins to Dave Way in
March 2025, I wish him and Pat all the
best and believe he’s looking forward
to our next bash where he can relax
and completely let his hair down. Any
future chest poking about the price of
beer, position of badges on berets, bushy
beards, or suchlike please direct towards
Dave!
I would also like to extend my sincere
thanks to all our comrades, both serving
and retired, who generously contribute
to the Regimental Benevolence Fund,
whether through the 1 Days’ Pay Scheme
or private donations. Your generosity
has been vital in supporting those in our
regimental family who find themselves in
challenging circumstances.
In 2024, we provided 19 general grants
totalling £10,536, addressing needs
such as emergency accommodation
and orthopaedic furniture. Additionally,
quarterly grants, annual fuel grants, and
Christmas grants amounted to £5,900.
In total, the Benevolence Fund awarded
£16,436 in support of our regimental
family this past year.
Your continued support makes this
work possible and upholds the values
and camaraderie that makes our RCA
such a remarkable community.
Combined Cavalry Weekend 2024
Officers’ Regimental Dinner
On the evening of Friday, 11th May 2024
Garland, Maj D Hoey, Lt Col C Ruggles-
the annual Officers Dinner was held at
Brise, G Fearn, J Brooke, Maj J Kite, Maj C
the Cavalry Club. A message of goodwill
Craven, Col Peacocke, C Robinson, Maj
from our Colonel in Chief, Her Royal
G Jackson, W Russell, S Mildinhall, Maj B
Highness the Princess of Wales was
Williams, A Roe, G Barham, Maj D Roberts,
read out in reply to our Loyal Greetings
Col T R Wilson, Maj C Homewood, A
by the Colonel of the Regiment. The
Hoenich, Maj D Ruck Keene, Lt Col S
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel
Farebrother, D Rosier, D Taylor, Maj Q
Chris Kierstead then gave a comprehen-
Browell, Lt Col A Roxburgh, K Mcgin-
sive summary of the Regiments activities
nity, D Warner, Lt Col H Lloyd, H Chaplin,
over the last twelve months.
Maj J Whelan, J Brockless, S Upward, E
The names of those who attended
Dillon, F Holland, Z Spicer, E Barham, N
are listed as follows: Brig Stenhouse,
Truscott, S Patel, I Mackenzie, T Graham,
Maj Stenhouse, Maj C Howard, Maj N
J Fearn, E Cooper, T Wills, M Hawtin,
Brig Richmond, H Renshaw, G Webster,
Maj H Pilcher, W Weischelberger, N
Featherstonhaugh, R Charlesworth, J
Beatson-Hird, Maj J Coleman, J Hacker
Hughes, Gen Mayall, Lt Col D Landon,
Lt Col J Tyson, M Ashley-Miller, Col P
Andrews, A Dumont, Lt Col H Sugden, P
Marques, J Woodhart, Lt Col C Kierstead,
Maj B Matthews, J Banbury, J Carroll, D
O’connor, Col Pittman, Lt Col P Corfield,
P Wickham, D Sheehan, Maj C Beaver,
Maj J Curry, J Clarke, B Lewis, H Mower,
H Swailes, D Seales, W Asquith, H Gates,
Miss H Searle, M Evans.
John Morris recruiting the next
generation of Chelsea Pensioners
The National Cenotaph
Marching Party