All Livery Company Masters and Clerks were invited to the Governor’s
Review, which is an annual event held by the Royal Hospital to commemorate its
founding by King Charles II. Founder’s Day is held as close as possible
to the King’s birthday and the date of his restoration as King in May 1660.
This day is also known as Oak Apple Day as it commemorates the escape of the
future King after the battle of Worcester in 1651 when he hid in an oak tree to
avoid capture by the Parliamentary forces. The reviewing officer this
year was Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, Chairman of the Association of Lord
Lieutenants of the United Kingdom.
Last time I was at the Hospital was when my good friend General Lord
Walker was Governor from 2006 – 2011. He will host our Court Dinner in December
at the House of Lords. The present Governor is General Sir Redmond Watt. It was
a stunning summer’s day and I sat and watched as the Band of the Irish Guards
played and the Scots Guards gave a trumpet fanfare from the roof while the
Governor and Lord Shuttleworth inspected the proud red coated and very upright
In-Pensioners, also chatting to those in wheel chairs and those not able to
stand for long periods.
The Chaplain, the Reverend Dick Whittington MBE, said the Royal Hospital
Collect and then three cheers for the Chelsea Pensioners were requested by the
Governor with the Pensioners hats raised high each time. We were advised
that a tour of the Hospital with a Chelsea Pensioner or two could elicit many
fascinating stories of the Hospital and its inhabitants.
Special thanks were given for all the wonderful carers that look after
the residents. Thanks were also expressed for the many Livery Company
Masters present (a record number I was advised) and we then adjourned to the
South Terrace for drinks. The building and its grounds are marvellous and
I again glimpsed the interior which I have visited before. Hip, hip
Hoorah!
 |
| Mobility Scooters provide a handy vehicle for parading purposes |
No comments:
Post a Comment