Friday, 18 June 2010
|
|
|
We had a pleasant drive to York through a couple of showers on the way, but
they had cleared away by the time we arrived at the Imphal Barracks for the
presentation of New Colours to the Yorkshire Regiment.
We were guided to the Officers Mess for a cup of coffee and an opportunity
to meet all the other chain gang (Mayors) of which there were about 19 from
all over North Yorkshire. We are lucky in Stockton as the borough
straddles the border between Yorkshire and Durham, so as Mayor I get
invited to events in both counties.
Everyone was then escorted to the parade ground and seated near the
saluting base. The 4 Battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment marched
onto the parade ground and took up their positions with the old Regimental
Colours. The Duke of York who is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment
arrived with the Duke of Wellington who at the age of 95 years was very
sprightly although he did need some help with stairs. The old colours
were marched off the parade ground to the band playing Auld Lang Syne.
The new encased colours were then marched onto the parade ground and
then uncased. They looked magnificent. The drums were set up
for a drumhead service and the new colours draped over them. The
Chaplain-General, the Venerable Stephen Collins consecrated them on the
drum. The Duke of York then presented each Battalion with the 2
colours and the flag bearers took them and held them aloft for all to see.
It was now inspection time and both Dukes carried out this duty
preceded by a Beefeater in full Ceremonial Uniform. This was followed
by the National Anthem and the Regiment marched past the Duke of York who
took the salute.
It was then time to retire to the marquee for our lunch where we were
seated with Richard Compton, the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.
While we had our lunch we were serenaded by the regimental band who
played a selection of music. Marjorie had a busy time taking
photographs after lunch and we managed to have our photograph taken with
the Duke of Wellington, Lord Mayor of Bradford and the Deputy Lieutenant of
North Yorkshire. We also spoke to some of the soldiers who had been
on parade and were enjoying a welcome cool beer. They will be in
Stockton on Thursday for Armed Forces Day and we are looking forward to
it.
A pleasant drive home after another enjoyable engagement.
Friday 18th June 2010
