Page 62 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

Lancer Welfare
Team Lancer Welfare have had a busy but fruitful 2019. They bid farewell to Capt Craig Borthwick and Mrs Torrie Bennison who delivered an outstand- ing service during the Regiment’s Operation TOSCA deployment and recovery. They also welcomed in the new Unit Welfare Officer Capt Kevin Hough and Mrs Kate Foden.
A new brush sweeps clean as the saying goes, and all attention was focused on the regimental welfare facility “Pennons”. It was decided to give the facility a fresh new look and a makeover. The dedicated band of sis- ters who routinely support welfare events were the first to volunteer their services in the re-vamp. There were some very creative and ambitious ideas brought to the drawing board.
The facility now has four well-defined zones to cater for all regimental personalities and families. A huge suc- cess with the young children is the ball pool, creative area and the sensory and reading zone. For the bigger children we have gaming consoles, music and a large screen with a projector (great for the Rugby World Cup). With the addition of several swanky sofas and coffee tables, along with freshly made coffee (a fraction of the price of Costa) and healthy snacks, the adults can sit back in comfort and put the world to rights.
Weather permitting (it is North Yorkshire after all), the facility also provides a spacious secure outdoor playing area for the children with swings, slides and a climb- ing frame. For the adults, a spacious decking area with comfortable outdoor furniture. The Pennons facil- ity has proved a popular success with the Squadrons where they can hold social functions such as BBQs, quiz nights or just a good old social.
The re-vamp was hugely supported and only made pos- sible by the generosity of some of the small businesses from the Garrison, and the commitment from several Regimental wives, which cannot go un-noted.
Pennons is open daily providing a welcome retreat from the tank park for the boys. Coffee mornings for the partners and friends, with an after-school club called “Pack Up and Play” once a week. Events are open to all Lancers and their families, so please do come along.
KH