Page 134 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

132 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
This last year we have found life to be quiet for the regimental band veterans, which is good and means that we continue to live to a ripe old age! The “band table” at the midland’s associa- tion diner continues to be popular and this year was attended by Mrs Chrissy Hyde, Mr and Mrs Chris Benson, Fritz Fraser, Nev Buxton, Robin Cooney and last but no means least Len Carpenter, we understand that the evening went very well. We maintain our numbers and currently total 100 members plus a few scattered over the world, we intend to hold another of our band reunions this year all details to be released later on. There will be a band attendance at the two major reunions to be held at Bovington later in the year this includes the Junior Leader’s Regiment (JLR) School of Music reunion where there is going to be a full band practice/concert given by all the vets! This should prove very interesting given that most will be in their late 60s- 70s (bring your ear defenders!).
Lots this year bought at auction have produced some nice finds to add to our collection to include a very rare Knellar hall trum- pet banner in great condition, and we have been fortunate to have secured the last full dress trumpet majors complete uni- form to the 12L, also the Band Sergeant Major’s lance cap was sold to us by a high ranking officer, to the 9/12L band, this cap is of the last modern design but with an older helmet plate fixed (the norm).
One last note to report is that we have found Captain Tom Grif- fith!!! thought to have gone to Spain and no longer with us?? he is alive and well, Tom was the last Director of Music (DOM) to serve from the regiment, and one of the few to attain the position of DOM at JLR having been the bandmaster of the 17/21L in the 70s he was last with the band in Woffers and transferred on promotion from Warrant Officer Class I to Captain in 1971.as a matter of interest Tom’s successor Warrant Officer Class I Peter
Conibear who ended up as Garrison Band Master to the Light Division, is still with us and well living in the dark and deep valleys of Wales, I do speak to Peter on a regular basis if anyone would like to send a message?
PRS
17/21L Band Branch
Iam pleased to say to say that the Southern Branch is still up and running. We have held four “Lancer Saturday” events this year (January, July, September and November). These events held in the Bournemouth and Poole area have attracted Veteran Lancers from all the antecedent regiments. Many serv- ing members have also attended. The most memorable event was held in the summer in Poole which over 20 members attended. Mr Frank Devine’s photograph still graces the RLOCA Face- book page. As I mentioned in my notes to the regimental secre- tary this event was perfect mix of old and new friends bonded by a common service. Major Chris Hatton and I were in the same in-take in Catterick and there many more operational and RAC connections.
The branch intends to continue with this function format as it appeals too much more of the ex-Lancer community in this area. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Phil Wilson the long-standing branch treasurer as he stepped down this year. The branch would also wish him and Marianne well as they relo- cated to Thailand. Also, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Ron Brown has moved closer to his family in the West Country which is sad for his old friend Mr Bob Kent who celebrated his 90th birthday last year.
Ian Ison and Mick Furlong in the shiny dome contest
Mark and Angie Wilson with Dean Prosser at the Foundry Arms for Lancer drinks
Southern Branch
The branch will continue on into the New Year and attempt to bring as many of RLOCA community together as we can in the
New Year.
IP and II