Page 126 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019
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 2019 saw the Smoker move slightly on to a new venue at Stan- free Club, about 400m from the previous year’s location. Along with the new location we saw a couple of new faces arrive at the event and all were made welcome.
The event was attended by about 40 people over the course of the weekend, plenty of beer flowed and many a gas lamp was swung. Scott Meadows managed to show off his silky drone piloting skills by crashing into Pete Darmola’s nephew who was attending for the first time on the Saturday afternoon and all were gathered around the Smoker when it was lit on Saturday evening.
Tony Bithell provided an 18 x 24 that was used to house the disco provided by Richard Skinner, a bit of an overkill some may say, but we planned for wet weather, the disco was played with such gusto that it even managed to play to the ears of the locals, no complaints were received so hats off to Rich for his taste in mu- sic! We had the use of the club, its shower and toilet facilities as well as its upstairs function room should we need it and many thanks to the staff for allowing us its use.
2020 Smoker Dates are 19 – 21June at the same location, we look forwardtoseeingsomenewfacesaswellastheoldandboldwho
Northern Smoker
have always supported the event.
AP
                                 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
   CO & RSM pre-dinner drinks
still in training at Bovington Camp, also attended. We were also joined by six or so other Lancers who we had not seen for at least thirty-five years. Apologies were received from Maj Gen Alistair Dennis CB OBE and his wife Caroline.
After a five minute dinner call, we entered the restaurant to the Quick March of The Royal Lancers on a 60 second loop. Have you ever tried controlling 230 ex-Lancers and guests, many try- ing to refresh their drinks, whilst the Chairman waits eagerly to begin his introduction? It’s like herding cats! Once all were eventually seated, proceedings began with the Chairman’s wel- come, introduction, and the Aliwal Grace. During the dinner one could hear the increase in volume in the room, lamps swing- ing and sandbags in place. A combination of
excellent table service and a lovely meal ensured total satisfaction. Ken Frith then headed up the raffle during the dessert course, calling up the 12 lucky winners of the generously provided prizes.
After the toasts to the Regiment and the Loyal Toast, the Chairman thanked the hotel and his support team including Kenny Frith, Colin Webb and Dave Alsop, before inviting the Commanding Officer to address the gathering.
3rd Troop C Sqn in 1978
With true panache, he gave a rousing update of the Regiment’s achievements and a look forward to the next twelve months. The Chairman then briefed everybody on the Italian Memorial trip, and its objective, before auctioning two watercolour prints pre- sented by Col Radford MC which raised £300 towards the Ital- ian Memorial Fund. The Chairman then thanked everybody for supporting the weekend and making it so special.
The fun went on until the early hours and in fine Lancer fashion. Breakfast was unsurprisingly a sombre affair with everybody re- flecting on the previous excellent night and their journey ahead. Having exchanged farewells, the Lancers departed back home.
Following the dinner, the Chairman received a plethora of gratitude on Facebook, letter and email. I do at times feel like Noah: I produce the venue and Lancers will come in great numbers two by two! I am already receiving correspond- ence from Australia and another Lancer living in the USA to book for next year’s Aliwal Curry/ Dinner which will be held over weekend 29-30 January 2021. Lancers Stronger Together!
SH
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