London Irish Regiment St Patrick's Day Parade
20th March 2016The Mistress and I were guests at the London Irish Regiment's annual St Patrick's Day Parade at the Army Reserve Centre in Camberwell. This year it was held on Palm Sunday but despite the temptation to distribute palms the tradition of giving everyone a bunch of shamrock was continued. Not the warmest of days it must be said and well worth wrapping up but nevertheless it was a stirring occasion which gave the regimental pipe band an opportunity to show their worth. General Sir Sebastian Roberts, former mentor to Prince William when he joined the Household Brigade, took the salute, inspected the guard and presented the prizes. This was another opportunity to get to know the regiment and during a welcome hot lunch of Irish Stew or Curry we were able to mingle with the soldiers and other guests ,including two Chelsea Pensioners, ex members of the Regiment, who are comfortably ensconced in the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Chelsea now admits women much to the delight of these two 88 year-olds. A very worthwhile occasion and a very enjoyable one not least because the Mistress won a bottle of whisky in the raffle. We had to leave before the draw and have yet to pick up the prize. I am rather hoping it might be whiskey with an 'e'! but any whisky is most welcome. Thanks to the Officer Commanding, Major Bob Brown and to the Commanding Officer Lt Col Tim Smart, who admitted to being an events organiser in his spare time. If this parade was anything to go by he organises events rather well.