Page 23 - Chiron Calling Autumn/Winter 2022

1st MWD Regiment Celebrates the Queens Platinum Jubilee!
by Sgt Jenna Miles – UWSNCO
After what seemed like a lifetime of restrictions due
to the recent pandemic the Regiment seized the upcoming opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate the Queen in her 70 long years of reigning Great Britain. On Wednesday 1st June 2022, 1st MWD Regiment was turned red, white, and blue and Union Jacks flew in abundance just like Her Majesty’s Coronation in June 1953. All serving personnel, their families and children were invited
to come together at St Georges Barracks and enjoy a free afternoon into evening celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee!
While there were some clouds
and a risk of showers forecast the afternoon turned out to be dry
and the sun shone beautifully,
the chosen location of the sports pitch and WOs and Sgts Mess was perfect. Upon arrival the guests were welcomed with a free glass of fizz or OJ and the outside inflatable activities provided by Lichfield Entertainments were an instant
hit with the children of all ages as was the children’s face painter who didn’t stop from start to finish of her time slot! The guests piled to the temporary ‘Dragons Den Bar’ in the Mess or were eager to try something a little bit different from the outside ‘Mobile Gin Bar’ before heading
to the street party style tables and benches to catch up, relax and enjoy the Jubilee celebrations!
With a warm welcome and some kind words from Commanding Officer, Lt Col Claire Budge RAVC and the RSM, WO1 Craig Woodall, the ‘Afternoon Tea’ style buffet
was soon to be served. A queue
was quickly formed to grab a tasty sandwich and a posh cake whilst the very British cake competition was judged by the catering staff and Best of British fancy dress/best dressed were judged by the Padre. As the prizes were awarded, the live band played on in the background as the guests enjoyed the celebrations and the families could relax and unwind knowing their children were soundly entertained somewhere within the Jubilee activities.
The all-round favourite money tree prizes were announced producing some rather happy faces
and as the music continued to play and the evening pork rolls were served. The guests continued to enjoy themselves and it was lovely to watch the children still playing football, volleyball and jumping on the bouncy castle as the sun went down, still smiling and laughing until it was too dark to play anymore.
After weeks of vigorous planning between the Welfare Department and RHQ the event had been a
huge success! Without the help of
all involved and the Committee of Junior Soldiers, Officers and Senior volunteers all immensely important in the set up and smooth running on the day it would most definitely not have been as huge and successful
as it was. The lovely comments and thanks received were abundant both during and long after the event, but the coming together, laughing and happiness had by all who came was by far the most rewarding!
Chiron Calling / 21