Page 133 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 131
What an incredible weekend. 120+ lancers, wives and part- ners travelled substantial distances including Spain, Aus- tria and Germany to be together for the now traditional curry night, beef madras and chicken korma with the addition of some additional extra hot portions, all trimmings, chips were polished off in quick time. Atmosphere, as in recent years is electric, lots of fun and laughter. We have built up a healthy reputation with Holiday Inn over last five years. Staff actually volunteer to work the weekend, a testament to our attendees. The bar closed at 0530.
Breakfast always tends to be fragile affair, for some and invig- orating for others, trips are planned, groups formed and trans- port discussed. National Memorial Arboretum, The National Brewery Museum in Burton-on-Trent, Dudley Living Museum or simply shopping at Ikea, Next or Boundary Mill? Saturday would probably be largest gathering lancers since amalgamation. Chairman and his small team of helpers ably supported by Sarah from hotel team set up main restaurant for 224 attendees, 19 ta- bles identified by 16/5L Battle Honours, programmes and men- us and Scarlet Lancers adorned all tables. Attendees again so generous began to produce a huge volume raffle prizes grouped together to produce a maximum this year of 15.
Chairman constantly badgered by attendees revealed the seat- ing plan and started the slide show at around 1600 with dinner scheduled 1900 for 1930. We were pleased to be joined again by Colonel Charles Radford MC, Major Andrew Phillips, Captain Chris Renwick, Major John Poole, Warant Officer II Barrett and Staff Sergeant Davies from The Royal Lancers. We were also joined by at least 35 new old faces, many of which we had not seen for 30 years. After a 10 minute dinner call we entered res- taurant to the regimental march on a 30 second loop. This year attendees were as good as gold and made it to their respective table in requisite five minutes. Chairman welcomed all attendees and took them all on a trip of the distances travelled by veterans. Apologies were received from Major General Alistair Dennis CB OBE and Colonel Nick Wills OBE. Entertainment for night would again be provided by Steve Marks son of Paul “Spud” Yeomans who would again be singing a song from “Greatest Showman” after “Absent Friends” toast plus an extended set af- ter the dinner.
Aliwal Table, Colonel Charles Radford MC and ex Regimental Secretary 16/5L Major Don Farquharson
Proceedings began again
with an introduction by
chairman followed by
Aliwal Grace. During the
dinner one could hear the
increase in volume in the
room, lamps swinging
and sandbags in place. A
combination of excellent
table service and a deli-
cious meal ensured total
satisfaction. The hard-
ened drinkers in Forrest
Suite were joined by Wal-
sall Branch, the extra wa-
tering hole and used latterly as the quiet bar. A toast to regiment announced by Glenn “Mops” Marples, the “Loyal Toast” by Mr Tom Foley. “Absent Friends” were again toasted by chairman followed by a song by Steve Marks. Chairman announced the auction/raffle would take place during dessert.
A special thank you went out to hotel team, Archive Team and Tony Clatworthy who led a group of 50 on a Battlefield Tour “Return to Mons” the latter holding a raffle on the bus and mak- ing donation to Scarlet Lancers Benevolent Fund of £245:00. The chairman briefed everybody on Scarlet Lancers Benevolent Fund, its objectives and a couple of case histories. Chairman auctioned a shell once fired by 17/21L and emblazoned with Queens’ Cypher a final bid Joe Colacurcio wife Sophia won the day, a Royal Chelsea Hospital Bear donated by Paul Connelly mum did very well as did the 18 year of Glenvidet Whisky do- nated by Ade Jenner. A 16/5L Remembrance Bottle donated by Mary Farr helped raise £245.00 from the auction, Finally, the chairman then thanked everybody for supporting the weekend and making it so special. Drinking went on into early hours with bar closing again at 0530. The chairman received a plethora of gratitude messages on Facebook, by letter and email, he is al- ready receiving correspondence from Lancers to book for next year’s Aliwal Curry/Dinner which will be held over weekend 24th /25th January 2020.
Aliwal Dinner
Lancer Gift
Aliwal Attendees
SH