by
Neil Rice, Assistant Secretary General Welsh Guards Association
On Saturday 28th April, the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea proved to be a wonderful venue for the Welsh Guards Association’s Biennial lunch. Around 100 members of the Association were joined for an excellent meal (surpassed only by the quality of the company) by Councillor Philip Downing, The Lord Mayor of the City & County of Swansea, the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Lilian Dowling and the Swansea Council Champion for the Armed Forces, Councillor June Burtonshaw.
Following the meal, the Regimental Adjutant and President of the Welsh Guards Association, Colonel TCS Bonas proposed the toast to The Regiment and gave a short state of the nation address bringing everyone up to speed with how the Battalion are settling in to their operational duties, the tempo and life in Kabul and, to a resounding round of applause, wished them well during their deployment.
After the meal everyone moved into the bar where many sandbags were drawn up, lamps swung, and stories told. There was an excellent cabaret from Kirsten Orsborn, a wonderfully talented singer who works tirelessly to support several military charities, her mixed repertoire of standards and rock classics soon had everyone on their feet proving that even some of the “Older” Guardsmen still have all the moves.
Undoubtedly a tremendous success and really enjoyed by all that attended the lunch can only go from strength to the strength with the support of Association members who attended this year by spreading the word and encouraging others to attend future such events.
