Page 90 - Cavalry Regiment

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Regimental Welfare Office
Sgt ‘Keith Flint’ Mallen, twisted Firestarter, Has anybody seen the UWO?? Capt ‘Dez’ O’Connor One of the many happy children, the little girl too! clearing the area for the LD allotment. takes a moment to reflect on his life choices!
2019 has been a turbulent year so far for the Welfare Office with members coming and going. The start of the year saw Capt “Colin” Davidson spread his wings and depart to help the RAF at Leeming! Not to worry, he was replaced with Capt “Dez” O’Connor joining the team on loan from QDG. Colin, we look forwarding to seeing you back soon. We also say a farewell to Padre Richard Meikle, who conducted a swap with Father Paul McCourt for the chance to deploy on Op TORAL 9 with 2 Yorks. Richard, stay low, move fast! Our very own Vitinia (Vee) manged to get away to visit Edinburgh while under the remit of attending a Welfare clerks’ course. Finally, congratulations go to Sgt “Nick” Ryan, through his determination, graft and sheer hard work (I think that’s what his SJAR said) someone decided that they will promote him to SSgt at some point in this promotion year. He will be replaced in January by Sgt “Peech” Mallen, if we can ever get him away from the fantastic Boxing team. Peech welcome!!
Welfare funds were used again to purchased eight tickets to the fabulous Flamingo Land, for use by the soldiers and their families. Everyone that went came home with beaming smiles and stories of great adventures. Such was the popularity that there was barely a day they weren’t used in the season. The diary and management became as tough and competitive to manage as the Regimental forecast of events! We hope to continue this for next year along with other little ideas we have brewing. Watch this space.
The partners Tuesday and Thursday coffee mornings continue to be attended and the Partners club continues to provide promi- nence in the Regimental effort. Some members boasted consul- tation roles while attending as extras during filming of the new Military Wives Choir film that was on location in Catterick. No doubt some of the old and bold might recognise some to slightly
more realistic anecdotes! Mrs Gemma Garbutt organised a Tough Mudder event (who knew you could be so happy rolling in mud) and the Dragon boat race. Mrs Kerry Simpson organised a Christmas get together for the wives and friends of the Regiment, numbers grew, and a brilliant night was had by all. Mrs Lucy Fyfe made best use of the Warrant Officers’ Mess and provided an after- noon of Christmas wreath making, some of the wreaths looked amazing and would not have looked out of place on a cathedral door.
The Halloween party this year was a blast, held within Piave Lines Centenary Hub for a change of scenery adding to the sus- pense. A big thank you to all that attended and made it great, special thanks to the children that managed to destroy the huge spiders within thirty seconds of entering the room, hoovering is not Sgt Ryan’s forte.
The Kids Christmas party delivered another memorable party to close the year. With the confirmation the Regiment are to deploy on two fronts from early 2020 we look forward to a new challenge. All in all, we are sure to be kept busy throughout 2020, after all “welfare is warfare”.
KOC
The Light Dragoon wives proving they are real “Tough Mudders”.
I think Capt Loughney is trying to say, “two months left”.
The Light Dragoon Wives try their hand at wreath making, thoroughly enjoyed by all
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