Master's Reception Tuesday
16th May 2023National Army Museum
My Master’s Reception was held at The National Army Museum (near Sloane Square) – a magnificent museum that was first established by Royal Charter in 1960 with the intention of collecting, preserving and exhibiting objects (including snuff, pipe, cigar and cigarette items!) and records relating to HM’s Armed Forces.
After some major refurbishments the late Queen reopened the museum in early 2017.
Almost 50 guests arrived for an evening reception and introductory talk from the museum’s Director, Brigadier Justin Maciejewski – Justin having had a 27-year career in the British Army and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Order! Liveryman Judith Donovan, a trustee of the museum, introduced me to Justin a couple of years ago.
Justin’s speech touched on the versality of the British soldier protecting the empire and our island; and highlighting the fascinating fact that our soldiers have performed duties in all but 16 of the 193 United Nations member states!
He also mentioned how smoking regularly brought some well needed respite to active duty, circulated some pictures of smoking soldiers, and referred to certain tobacco objects in the museum! As Justin said, this may be a smoke free museum, but our history is anything but!
And as General John Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front, once said – to win the war we need “tobacco as much as bullets”!
Guests then made their way through 2 of the galleries: The Soldier’s Gallery and The Global Gallery.
The evening ended with an hour’s mingling in the Board Room where we were served a range of canapés and refreshments – and a takeaway chocolate cigar supplied by the Mistress!
A wonderful evening and the support was much appreciated.