Ninety seven diners, of whom 51 were Association members, attended the 2019 UK Branch Members Annual Dinner held on Friday 27th September in the Carisbrooke Hall at the Victory Services Club to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the founding of the BSAP
They were treated to what really was a memorable event. The hall and tables had been very elegantly decorated and prepared by Betty Simpson and Jim Harris, and included some specially commissioned crystal vases on each table.
Members and guests were warmly greeted by Dave and Eilleen Pillans together with Chris and Helen Tate who ensured all were properly badged with the badges provided by Bertie Cubitt.
Mess Call was sounded by a bugler from The Rifles, and a diners were served a most agreeable and satisfying meal prepared by the Club expert Chefs and served by the competent waiters in their usual efficient manner.
Diners were then treated to the ‘Chairman’s Surprise’, a performance by the lovely mezzo soprano Nancy May who sang a number of arias, songs from the shows and old favourites. To say the applause which greeted her performance and encore was enthusiastic would be a gross understatement. Thank you Mike Coleman.
David Pirrett then provided a lively and amusing address relating, amongst other subjects, stories from his extensive law practice, before proposing the toast ‘The Regiment’. Charles Bennett as junior troop made a very appropriate response and proposed ‘Absent Friends’.
QRep’s shop was well patronised, the raffle raised £2583 and proceedings ended late in the lounge bar. All in all a ‘bit of a do’.
Full report in next Outpost.
What will we do next year?
