News and activities of the Shiners in the Southern Counties 2003-2004.

As time passes so quickly I have realised I have neglected to send in the news of the Southern Shiners.

 2003

The first was on 11th May. 2003. The Cavalry Parade in Hyde Park, there were thousands of participants, from the all of the former Cavalry Regiments, though not so many as in former years, our own numbers have also declined, if you have never attended one of these Parades, each Marching  Regiment is headed by their own Band in full Dress, then the Association Old Comrades Officers, then all the Old Comrades. There are six Bands and the Salute is taken by one of the Royal family.

The service of Remembrance is given from the Bandstand, where we all form up, there is also a large public attendance.

This is a strikingly colorful and in precision considering the age of the participants.

The reception and Luncheon was held in the Mandarin Hotel Knightsbridge, around 70 dined, and in the Commanding Officers speech we were up dated on the Regiments activities, and future.

Just seven days after on 18th May 2003. The Swindon Dinner was held as usual a "full house" with all of the places in the dining areas taken, this venue is very popular as proven by the long distances that some are willing to  travel, knowing that the venue arranged by Tony Bentley would be first class.

June 5th 2003. Founders Day The Royal Hospital Chelsea. This is also such a colorful sight, the Parade by the Old Comrades, in their March Past is a sight that will never be forgotten, it was very sad to see Tom Parnell unable to march due to his leg operations but present on parade and in good cheer, and beating time on his knee to the music of the Band.

June 19th 2003. Southern Shiners Lunch at the Weald of Kent Golf Clubhouse, this was far larger this year as some had come from further away, from Essex, it was pleasing to see John Aylott and his two sons, John a veteran from 1943 had much news to catch up with from Tom.

August 20th 2003. A visiting Ex 10th Royal Hussar from New Zealand was extended a very informative and enjoyable day with other  guests of the Kings Royal Hussars at Tidworth, he has expressed his pleasure and gratitude to all those who were involved in making the visit so memorable.

November 9th 2003. The Parade to the Cenotaph White Hall London, for the Service of Remembrance, whilst remembering those who lost their lives, during the 2 minutes silence, we know of the other services being held attended by Shiners spread all over the country, keeping that bond together.

November 23rd 2003. Newmarket midday Lunch.. East Anglia Branch of the Kings Royal Hussars Association Reunion. The invitation was for all the Old Comrades of the 10th, 11th, 14th / 20th, Royal Hussars, Kings Royal Hussars.

I had never been before, I was surprised to find several ex 10th there who lived within that locality but have not attended any other  venue as they were unaware of them, I have given them details of All that is available to them.

This venue although shared is to be recommended  as I enjoyed myself, and met up with as  lost mates, the meal was good and well priced.

November 26th 2003. A party of 12 guests invited to a days visit to the Kings Royal Hussars at Aliwal Barracks Tidworth, I had stayed  the night before at my usual accommodation an Amesbury, giving me plenty of time to arrive at 10 o'clock, we were greeted at the main gate of the garrison, our passes were all ready and we were escorted to Aliwal Barracks, tea and biscuits  as we got to know our hosts, we were shown the Squadron Office with all of its Memorabilia, then we had a film show of the things that the Regiment have been involved in, and conversion for the future role of the regiment. We then had a class of instruction on the ammunition used in present day warfare, this was most informative and different to our ammunition. We had  the opportunity of using the simulators in the new Bowman system that they now use, for the C.O. to be able to speak to and see what that soldier  in a forward position  can see is astounding.

My preconception  has changed as I was expecting the  RSM to be barking away somewhere, I found the whole place very quiet, the soldiers were concentrating on their classes in their simulators, most noticeable is that you may now talk to an officer, in our time you were not allowed to address one. We dinned in the Sergeant's Mess, what a choice of meals, with our hosts. In the afternoon we had a guided tour of the Officers Mess, the pictures of the famous predecessors, Medals, even Picture Albums going back to the old sepier brown pictures, I fond one of the tank I was issued with, I recognized the crew made up of my Troop, although I know I was driving it  I could not be seen through the visor.

Now the tanks, seven vehicles were on display for us, with steps for us to climb made it easy, we discussed the differences  of our old tanks, these are far more advanced not just in their fire power but the lack of maintenance needed as self lubrication and adjustment is automatic, the inside is light and spacious compared with ours, as I am not proportioned for fitting into any seat I just relied on memory, photo's were taken for later insertion in scrapbooks and Albums. Tea and biscuits  brought the day to a close, a day to remember given by our hosts the men of the Kings Royal Hussars. I would like to express my thanks to them all and the pleasure it has given me is unsurpassable

We have lost several of our old Comrades, but they will always remain in our memories.

With thanks to Smiler.