9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2000 - Page 0089
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2000 |
| Transcription |
88 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9th/12th ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) Band of the 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers Old Comrades Association At the time of writing we have just returned from our third annual Reunion which once again was held over a September weekend at the Savoy Hotel, Blackpool. In complete contrast to previous years the weather was glorious and a stroll (not a march) along the promenade was the order of the day. The attendance at dinner was a record, fifty-four husbands and wives sat down on the Friday and sixty-seven on the Saturday - a marvellous weekend was enjoyed by all. Our two octogenar- ians, former Band Sergeant Major Don Thomas and his wife Joyce arrived by car on the Thursday from Corby in Northamptonshire, and the rest of us set out from all corners of the UK. Our membership has increased over the past twelve months from fifty-nine to sixty-five - sadly however we have lost one of our younger members Trevor Rayner who died in January 2000 after a short illness. Our membership covers generations from 1932 to amalgamation in 1960. We have had successful recruitment from our advertis- ing campaign using Channel 4 Teletext, Saga Magazine, ‘Yours’ Magazine and a Yorkshire daily. Furthermore it has been our pleasure to take on board two additional honorary members, for- mer football coach and basketball player Bob Taylor of the 1950s and of same generation, Regimental footballer Terry Smith. These sportsmen are in addition to former regimental foot- ballers Geoff Bridge, John Fallan, Ken Tomlinson and our own Don Kenyon who are already on our books. Andy Smillie, trumpet player of 1952-54, Glaswegian by birth but now a resi- dent of California brought his lovely wife Helen over to visit L to F1 Former Sgt Duncan McKrae, Mr Pat McKrae, former Trumpet Major Harn/ WnrtweH and Mrs /rrs WnrtweH Paris prior to them joining his former colleagues in Blackpool. “We will never forget a memorable Reunion” commented Andy. Finally, our finances are self supporting - with annual expen- diture just under £700, an annual subscription of £10 per member is possibly somewhat high but necessary to keep us afloat. A well supported raffle at the Reunion gives us some welcome respite. On behalf ofmy colleagues may I pass on our best wishes to for- mer 9““Lancers wherever they may be. DENIS HAYDOCK (Founder member of the Association and National Serviceman 1952-54. Tel: 0161 764 0186) Western Australia 9th/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales’ 5) Old Comrades Association he inaugural meeting of the WA OCA was held at Jarrowdale Perth WA on the 31st December 2000. The meeting was hosted by SSM Tom Ferguson and his lovely wife Christine. The Chef for this momentous occasion was Tom who demonstrat- ed to all that he was a dyed in the wool Aussie by producing a won- derful spread from a smoking barbecue, accompanying titbits pro- vided by Christine. The wine members for the day were Tom’s son Martin and partner Natalie and what a wonderful service they provided; the lamps were truly swinging by 1400 hrs! Members attending: Major (Retd) Andy Bell, SSM Don Grant, SSM Tom Ferguson, SSM Brian Horsfall and SSgt Tom Squirrell 7 a11 accompanied by their devoted spouses who by 1700 hrs were digging in and taking shelter from all the hot air produced by their menfolk. Apologies accepted from LCpl Lou Finn who resides in Sydney. The photograph of the group was taken in the back garden of Tom and Christine’s house, this is situated in one acre of Bush and is truly a wildlife reserve which can be seen in all its glory as dusk falls. The wild life congregates around the outer fence at feeding time, there are kangaroos, golahlaa birds, green par- rots, spiders of all sizes and the occasional scorpion. , .- I ' j ' » ,' Back row Andy Be//, Don Grant, Tom SgurrreH, Tom Ferguson, Brran HorsfaH Front row Caro/ Grant, Sad/e Be//, Katn Sgurrre/, Cnrrs Ferguson, Ruby Horsfa// A great time was had by all reliving memories of the past and recalling names that had in the passing of time been forgotten. We sincerely hope that we can repeat the occasion in 2002. PS: From Brian Horsfall to all members of the OCA and Regiment 7 I can be contacted on the Internet address: rubyandbrian@bigpond.com |
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