On Saturday the 7th August, 86 members and guests assembled at the Sussex County Cricket Ground in Hove for the summer BBQ. Due to the uncertain weather the event was held inside the Cow Corner corporate pavilion, on the Southeast corner of the ground.
The Association’s guests were the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field, on one of his last appearances before retiring next month. Also in attendance were the High Sheriffs of both East and West Sussex, Miles Jenner, and Neil Hart, respectively and their wives, and His Worship the Mayor of Brighton and Hove and his consort. Other invited guests were the Secretary of the Queen’s Regimental Association and the Chairman of the Sussex Veterans Breakfast Club and his wife. Sadly, the Mayor elect for Brighton and Hove was unable to attend as she had received the dreaded ping from Track and Trace and was therefore in isolation.
Before the BBQ itself got under way the Chairman welcomed the assembly and there were two presentations made, firstly to John White from the members of the Chichester Branch for his dedicated service as Branch Secretary for 33 years. John has now stepped down as Secretary and holds the post of President of the branch, remaining an active branch member. The second presentation was to Miles Jenner the High Sheriff of East Sussex and Head Brewer of Harveys of Lewes, for his loyal support to the Association over many years.
The venue was decorated with hanging Branch Standards which looked magnificent along the length of the pavilion. The Communications Director assembled a wonderful collection of images of various Association events and from Regimental history which were projected onto screens around the venue, much to the delight of everyone.
The food and service by the staff was magnificent with everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves. It was considered by all as a great success as the first all Branch event with many calls for it to become an annual item in the Association calendar.
