Page 141 - Mercian Eagle 2014

The 95th Annual Regimental Association (Crich) Dinner
In recent years, attendance at the Annual Regimental Association Dinner on the eve of the Crich Pilgrimage (colloquially known as the Crich Dinner) has declined. This year, appropriately the 95th Annual Dinner, saw a change of venue and a reversion
to a more traditional Regimental Dinner format. Sixty members of the Association and friends of the Regiment assembled
on the evening of Saturday 5th July at the Novotel, Nottingham, situated conveniently for all Notts and Derbys WFRA branches in Long Eaton, just off Junction 25 of the M1. Mr John Waddington of Nottinghamshire ACF played the pre-dinner calls, Lt Col (Retd) David Elsam proposed the toasts and Maj (Retd) John Cotterill gave a short address about the Crich Memorial and
its founder, General Smith-Dorrien. Five Branch Standards and the Area Standard made a suitable display in the dining room. WFRA members were joined by the following civic representatives and their consorts: The Mayor of Broxtowe, the Deputy Mayor of Amber Valley, the Deputy Mayor of Ripley, the Vice Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council and the
Derby Branch
by Alan Derbyshire
Diners including Cliff Housley, David Elsam, John Cotterill, Paul Mullis and Doug Hallam (seen from the rear!)
This year, we have welcomed three new members: David Smith, Adrian Harper and “Smiler” Blackwell. The Branch remains strong with 56 members on the books and we have a good attendance at meetings with an average of 26. The Branch AGM took place in January, the Committee being re-elected en bloc, all members agreeing to continue in post.
Our guests at the Branch Annual Dinner were Brigadier and Mrs Wilkinson. Although our numbers were a little down on previous years, all agreed that it was an enjoyable evening with a meal of a very high standard. Yet again, the raffle exceeded all expectations
with an impressive number of prizes on offer. The call of “Top Table” rang out from Jim Price a number of times as it did seem that a lot of the prizes headed that way. Well Jim, you have to buy tickets to win!
A big thank you to Cliff Housley who, at short notice, took on the responsibility of organising the Association pre-Crich Dinner. The evening was enjoyed by all who attended and we look forward to next year when it is hoped the numbers attending will increase. Thirty six members and their ladies attended our buffet lunch at the Oast House on Crich Sunday. It was good to see Harry Massam
Chairman of Newark Council. The meal and the whole evening were enjoyed by all and the success was due entirely to the efforts of Mr Cliff Housley, who stepped in at the
jaws of defeat. It is hoped that even more Association members will attend next year’s dinner. Private Derby has it in his diary already!
last minute and plucked
victory from the
Derby Branch at Soldiers’ Corner for Remembrance Day with the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Fareed Hussain
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