The Montgomeryshire , Shropshire & Midlands Branch of the Welsh Guards Association held their Summer Luncheon at the Wroxeter Hotel on Sunday 14th July. It was an excellent gathering with Association members from many different eras enjoying an excellent three course meal whilst rekindling old friendships and forming new ones.
The battalion was well represented with 2nd Lieutenant Johnathan Leonard giving an update on how the Battalion is doing and outlining their plans for what looks to be a very busy and exciting couple of years ahead, also in attendance were Guardsman Jordan Watson and Guardsman Ryan Cottell. Ryan only joined the Battalion two weeks ago and will be heading off to The Falkland Islands with 2 company in four weeks’ time.
A busy raffle and a Grand Auction of lots kindly donated by Captain Sir Edward Tate raised some additional welcome funds for the branch finances.
After the lunch Captain Barney Branston the Branch President presented Brian John with a Certificate of Merit. Brian served with the Welsh Guards from 1959 till 1962 and joined the Montgomeryshire & Shropshire Branch of the Association immediately after he stepped off following in the footsteps of his father who was a founding member.
Brian has served on the Committee as Vice Chairman, Chairman and even volunteered to drive the coaches when the branch organised trips to London and Windsor. Brian has held the post of Branch Chairman for the last six years and at the last AGM at the age of 81 he decided to hand over the chairmanship to a younger member of the committee although he will still be taking an active part in all the Branch activities. The Certificate of merit signed by The Colonel of the Regiment, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales was presented in recognition and appreciation of all the work Brian has done to support both the Branch and the wider Association in general.
