The Friends of the Tank Museum Ypres Salient at Fromelles

REGIMENTAL SECRETARY’S DOG MATILDA (TILLY) TAKES CHARGE!

Captain (Retd) Dean Hutton

There was hope in the air as we slowly emerged through lockdown. The previous year had been littered with cancelled events although the Virtual Cenotaph Parade in November 2020 was a success as this important occasion had to be supported. Many of our Association Branch Members were still able to place Regimental Wreaths at their local Memorials. 2021 has seen HHQ back in full swing and in the Office at Stanley Barracks, Bovington. As some normality returned we have been able to plan and engage with our Association Members, with small scale events, scaling up to our normal Parade this year at the Cenotaph.

We welcome a new member to the team, Lisa Burgess is a Civil Servant and has taken on the role of Media and Events Coordinator, some of you will have already received correspondence asking you to attend certain events. The new website that went live in October will support our Media and Communications initiative, which will support and expand our reach across the RTR family. One of the beneficial side effects of the lockdowns has been the need for many of us to embrace online video conferencing and meetings, whilst it doesn’t compare to socialising physically it has enabled us all to keep in touch and look after each other. I would like to thank all those Association Branches who have contacted HHQ, signposting a comrade or their immediate family member who has been struggling during these difficult times and enabling the Regimental family to give assistance. It has also enabled us to carry out our Council Meetings and other discussions ensuring that the many projects, from Branch meetings and the celebration of our many Centenarians, one in particular, which stands out was Tony Pyatt’s 105th Birthday, still going strong. I would once again like to thank all those of you who donate to the Regimental Benevolence Fund, either via the 1 Days’ Pay Scheme or through our Virgin Money Giving page on our new website. So far, this financial year we continue to have a good return of applications for Benevolence, which is distributed on our behalf by SSAFA, RBL, and Poppy Scotland Christmas Grants are awarded to our Chelsea Pensioners and Christmas Hampers were awarded to a significant number of Regimental Families, nominated by the RTR Association Branches. retired, or their immediate families that find themselves in times of need. If you know of anybody who is struggling, be that mentally, physically or financially then please contact HHQ in the first instance, all information is treated in confidence and with discretion. HHQ can’t financially assist individuals directly, all Regimental and Corps Benevolence Funds utilise the services of SSAFA and RBL caseworkers, most of whom are volunteers. These organisations are currently struggling with a lack of caseworkers and mentors, if you find yourself with some spare time and would wish to volunteer please contact us at HHQ for further information. To finish, I would like to thank all who have supported the HHQ team over this extended difficult and challenging year. If you have any queries or questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting the team. Lastly, I would like to thank all the team here at HHQ for their unstinting support that has enabled us to come out of the lockdown period with renewed energy and vigour.