Page 130 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

128 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) South East Branch (Omdurman Troop)
Oh, good grief is it that time of year already, with Chapka notes having to be written up again and with Christmas and New Year festivities still leaving a warm afterglow, where has the year gone! Eureka! I’ve just made a new year’s resolution, someone else from the troop will be ‘volunteered’ to write up the notes for 2019 this time next year. [watch this space!!]
2018 was a kinder year for the troop in that we had no mem- bers passing on to the ‘senior squadron’. However, several of our members are suffering with health issues of one type or another so, Roy, Tony, John and Billy we wish better things for you all in the year to come. On the activity front 2018 saw the troop repre- sented at the East Midlands and the North West branch reunion dinners and a great time was had at both venues. Our sincere appreciation to all those who worked so hard to entertain and feed us. Additionally, troop members participated in the wreath laying at Canterbury Cathedral, the field of remembrance at Westminster Abbey and the RAC church parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. If you wish to join these celebrations this year please contact the troop secretary as detailed above. However, the climax of the year’s activity was the wedding of the year – no not Harry and Meghan’s – it was our dear friends Judith Barritt and Clive Bergstrand who tied the knot in late July. It was with- out doubt one of the happiest weddings yours truly has ever had the good fortune to attend and all our best wishes are with you both for your new life together.
Due to an administration mess up by our usual venue our own 2018 reunion dinner had to be moved to a new venue, The King Charles Hotel, at Brompton in the Medway towns. Moving to a new venue is always a traumatic event for those organising the dinner and so it was to be this time. Would the accommoda-
tion suit, would the food be up to scratch and the bar prices fit the pockets of the assembled troops? Happily, the venue etc. re- ceived a resounding thumbs up from those attending with posi- tive comments on all fronts. Phew!
This year we were fortunate that the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Andrew Hughes, together with his wife Polly were able to join us. It was a treat for the troop members to meet them both. Brigadier Andrew gave us a resume of the regiment’s past year and future possible activities, information that is always of great interest. Our president, Colonel William English CBE, who is also chairman of the RLOCA committee, updated us as to OCA activities. Most notable was the ability of branches to receive financial support for administration costs and the forth- coming inauguration of two new branches to support QRL vet- erans, very good news all round. After dinner Brigadier Andrew and Colonel William, together with their wives Polly and Franc- es, managed to engage and charm the ‘old and bold’ together with their guests, much to everyone’s delight.
Some new recruits joined us for the first time and it was a pleas- ure to welcome, Blake and Jackie Martyn-Johns, Paul and Terry Candlin, Mike Mills [REME] and Robert and Glynis Webb. it was a pleasure to meet up with you. It would be remiss not to thank, Kerr Hill and Tring Brewery for their supply of Death or Glory ale which augmented the raffle, Dougie Baker and grand- daughter Ruby for running the money tree, also Brig. Arthur Douglas-Nugent, Mrs Jackie Martyn-Johns and Tony and Do- lores Cunningham for their kind donations to the troop piggy bank. However, last but not least a big thank you to all who trav- elled from far and wide to attend our dinner and in so doing made such a success of the occasion.
Our dinner for 2019 will again be held at the King Charles Hotel on Saturday 16th November. As ever all serving or retired lanc- ers, of whatever stripe, can be assured of a warm welcome. Come and join us!
DB