gracious reply. The Chairman then introduced the Guest of Honour – Lt Col G G E Stibbe OBE LG who then entertained all with an amusing and informative speech, which was well received. A pleasant surprise followed with Lt Col (Retd) Malcolm Torrent, a past Director of Music of The Band of The Life Guards, playing the post horn gallop with much verve and gusto – this really got the party going. The Secretary then used this moment to announce an auction for a drum table designed and made by John Hawley – Catching us all whilst on a high. John requested the proceeds of the auction be donated to the Household Cavalry Operational Casualties Fund. The bidding started at £25 and excitedly grew in minutes to £500, which was offered by Margaret Greenwood, wife of Charlie, who successfully beat all other bidders. What a super gesture by the Greenwoods and what a bonus for the Fund.
With the dinner concluded, it was on with the dancing and then raffle time. The raffle is in aid of our sponsored charity, the East Holton Driving Centre. Ticket sales and donations raised made the charity £947, a truly magnificent effort. To round the year off we held our Christmas Lunch at the Quality Hotel on Saturday 16th December 2007. It was attended by 47 members and guests with William (Bill) Brady and his wife Lemlem attending from the USA en route to holidaying in mainland Europe. The Annual Draw was a feature of the lunch and the third prize of £150 was won by Charles Foster, second prize of £250 was won by Mrs Lila Jones, wife of Nick Jones, and the first prize of £350 was won by Captain (Retd) Bob Yates. All winners were members or close to members so it was good to see the prizes staying in the ‘family.’ Thanks to all who took part and helping us pay for the annual dinner.
This year we have bid our sad farewells to Maj Gen Lord Michael Fitzalan-Howard, who was the first President of the Association, and other staunch members: Mick Lock, Joe Chapman, Dennis Cleeve, Doug Standen, Fred Kettle and Barry Jones (Committee Member). Whilst we have being enjoying ourselves, we have not forgotten those Household Cavalrymen who have been serving in operational theatres around the world – our thoughts and prayers have been with them. We now look forward to 2008 when we hope to maintain the current high standards with the support of the members and our dedicated and hard working committee, all of whom desire to uphold the best traditions of the Househols Cavalry.
Household Cavalry (East Anglian) Dining Club By David Barnes, formerly The Blues and Royals t only seems like yesterday that the dining club was formed and yet here we are in our fourth year. Once again we enjoyed the company of the Officers and Senior NCOs of the Mounted Regiment at the George Hotel, Swaffham during a break from their training at Bodney Camp. Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Griffin, who assumed command of the Regiment from Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Woyka, entertained us with a lively speech extolling the virtues of the modern trooper, general gossip, the programme of events for the forthcoming year and some general information relating to the armoured regiment.
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Everyone is most keen to ensure that this dinner becomes an annual event. Due to the splendid hospitality shown previously to us by The De Vere Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich, it was again selected as the venue for the 2007 Christmas Dinner. Although numbers were disappointingly down on previous years, it was a most enjoyable evening. Lieutenant Colonel Daly gave an interesting talk on the history and virtues of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea. It was a pleasure to welcome Paul and Chris Hodges and their wives to the dinner. Paul and Chris are ex-Corporals of Horse in The Blues and Royals and we
look forward to their support in future. Our report for 2006 was unfortunately not published in the 2007 Journal so on behalf of the members of the Dining Club, rather belatedly, we would like to express our best wishes to Lieutenant Colonel Denis Daly on his marriage to Mrs Caroline Keith and look forward to their continued support of the Dining Club. David Barnes can be contacted on Tel: (01603) 300161 fax: (01603) 701334 mobile: 07860 737558 or email: davidsbarnes@uwclub.net
The Blues and Royals Band Association he Blues and Royals Band Association met for a committee meeting, lunch and drinks in the WOs’ & NCOs’ Mess, Hyde Park Barracks on 26th September with a good turn out of 48 members present.
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The Association is moving from strength to strength and the Annual dinner held at the Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke in April was a resounding success. With many members turning this event into an enjoyable weekend. It was a great honour to welcome the Band President, Colonel P J Tabor MVO RHG/D as the Guest of Honour. A very special member, Ron Darling, is now a Chelsea Pensioner. It was marvellous to see him resplendent in his Royal Hospital uniform. The next Association Dinner will be held at the Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke on 26th April 2008. For Association membership enquiries please contact LCpl Steve Martin on 0207 414 2525 at Hyde Park Barracks.
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