Chelsea Founders Day 7th June 2002

The only official Parade of the In-Pensioners of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, is to commemorate the founding of the Royal Hospital, by King Charles 11. This year the salute was taken by His Royal Highness Prince Michael.
It had been raining , as we took our seats in the raised stands the seat had an inch of rainwater in the cupped seat, as it was fixed down the water had to be removed by hand, the rain stopped for the ceremony, the Trumpeters came out onto the balcony, six each side, one later collapsed and was taken away, the Band played the Pensioners came on Parade waiting for the Royal Party, unfortunately one of these also became unwell and was wheeled off in a wheelchair.
Prince Michael arrived onto the Parade Ground, having called into the Infirmary to see the less able Pensioners, The Fanfare by the Trumpeters, and the inspection of the Pensioners formed up in four Companies in the Figure Court, pausing to speak to those sitting behind who were unable to stand for the Parade, I was particularly pleased that he spent some time talking to my Ex Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Major, Tom Parnell, who we had come to see.
I think that the most moving part of the Parade is the very slow March to the tune of "The Old Brigade" this brings a standing ovation from the assembly, it never ceases to bring a lump to my throat, it is now that an unusual salute is given by the left hand as they counter march past the saluting base, as they pass the Golden band on the pocket flap of their scarlet coat denoting that this person holds a post of responsibility within the Hospital.
Prince Michael, gave a well received speech, then unveiled the Statue of Charles the 11, that had been renovated and painted a brilliant gold, by the sculptor Andy Mitchell. Prince Michael left the Parade. The Pensioners were dismissed.
Now the time to meet your pensioner, and of course all those you have got to know while attending other Parades, get your Packed Lunch , Hot Dog , or Hamburger, now the beer tent, find enough seats in one of the Marquee's and settle to catch up on all that has passed since you last met, the band plays all the favourite Military Music.
My own observations are toward two men in Blazers who I must say were wearing the biggest display of Medals I have ever seen, on both sides, not just Medals but Badges of anything they had ever belonged to, some I suspect might bare a simulararity to the yearly clasp from Butlins from 1950 to 1972, I doubt that should they have been able to obtain a replica of Kenny Everett's four foot wide jacket there would have been room to put on the Golly Badge, these exhibitionists being only visitors did not , I am glad to say get any attention from the ex servicemen there, as they retreated to a empty table and remained alone, looking at a very very old Pensioner standing in the heavy rain, who it turned out had come from the infirmary wearing his pyjama trousers six inches short , in his scarlet coat and Blue Cap, he was waiting for his visitors (Who would never come) as he had probably outlived them, constantly smiled as he got soaked, he gave a glance in my direction the non seeing glance I had seen by my own brother with Dementia, this man is more important to me than a hundred exhibitionists!
The man was taken into the Marquee by some of the ladies on an other table and made a welcome to him and posed with him for a photo, I think it made his day.
The rain fell heavy keeping the visitors inside, now with a disco to replace the band, a visit to the Museum is a must, funny how many men bought the red apron with the Pensioners on it, I suspect they will be wearing it themselves, lots of god souvenirs, and books, and see a grand model of the Royal Hospital, when it was built in 1692.
The Chapel is also an interesting building, and the Dining Hall, and the Pensioners rooms these are called Berths, and what is The Chelsea Chest ? This is their stomach best when filled!
Reluctantly we had to leave, just then someone with a portable radio shouted "We have won " this was the Football Match against Argentina, perhaps I might be exaggerating when I say men jumped to their feet who had not stood for years and cheered, well it seemed to me anyway, what a high note to leave our friends, "See you next year" God Willing. I do hope our visit has given some pleasure to Our Old Comrades, I am looking forward to next year already.
"Smiler" Norman Long.