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Article reproduced from The Gazette 2007
Grenadiers@Littlecote 2006
Friday 9th June, the venue-Littlecote House in Royal Berkshire.
This was the third time this event had been arranged; it was, as always, not without trepidation.
It is often difficult to stir up members to attend anything, let alone an event lasting four nights and five days. However, the organisers, Colin Knight, Secretary of the Gloucestershire Branch and John Southern, (Master Stitch) together with their wives, Elaine and Christine, had the pleasure of arriving at the venue the day preceding, with the satisfaction that all rooms had once more been taken. The bonus was that the long-term weather forecast was warm and sunny.
From the Friday until departure on the Tuesday it was wall to wall sunshine and constant activity. Members came from far and wide including Australia and Canada. It was nice to have Betty Pickering, the North American Branch Secretary, with us. The tie was everywhere, shining toecaps; blazers were to the fore with the reception staff a little bewildered by the many scenes of handshakes and greetings that were taking place,
Friday
Two newly erected flagpoles, requested by us, outside reception with the Union Flag and the Flag of Saint George fluttering in the breeze, greeted members on arrival. It was onwards into reception to be greeted by the staff attired as Military Police and to be suitably admonished as only a "Red Cap" could do. As a point of interest, the flagpoles are to remain as a permanent feature.
Littlecote House is an historic building with a long history in connection with the Regiment. It is set in magnificent grounds with modern accommodation newly built in keeping with the style. During the afternoon groups of people could be found from the great dining hall, various ante rooms and the garden, all without exception getting on with the immediate task in hand of reminiscing.
An early attendance at the bar for a complimentary welcome pre dinner drink and introduction was the first item on Part One Orders posted in every room. Littlecote Training and Retention Centre. Serving Guardsmen, resplendent in their uniforms and Two Flunkies in full uniforms and powdered wigs greeted guests. Cameras were to be seen everywhere while photo opportunities were taken. The theme of the dinner was The Regiment. After dinner it was off to the theatre for an address given by the president Colonel E H Houstoun OBE. The Warners In House Team presented Showtime. The theme being, 'Around the World'. It was a varied and lively performance. After the show, it was now getting late, found the majority of guests making their way back to the bar area where they stayed to the early hours. Talk about "Swinging the lead". The portrayal of housewives leaning across the fence putting the world right had nothing on this lot. This late finish was to set the pattern for the remainder of the stay. The fact that "Happy Hour" was available after the show every night may have had something to do with it.
Saturday
Early morning, saw an incredible number turn out for the PT Parade. This sorted the men from the boys especially as it was taken by six young serving guardsmen. It was a most enjoyable, if not knackering experience, with John Southern cheating a little by turning up on a pedal cycle. After all the exercise
breakfast went down a real treat.
Later that morning saw a Drill Parade taken by John Southern. It was well attended with all on parade being issued with a complimentary blue baseball cap inscribed Grenadiers@ Littlecote it certainly added a different aspect. It brought back many memories, yes we were shouted at and Roy Ingamells even lost his name. For his punishment, later that day, he was seen in fatigue order working the bumper. Oh! the good old days.
For lunch a BBQ was to hand. Early afternoon, for those who had an interest in football, they were able to watch England playing a World Cup match on the big screen in the theatre. Others enjoyed a leisurely afternoon sunning themselves in the gardens.
Afterwards a real treat was in store with the Sealed Knot re-enacting the Battle of Sedgemore on the lawn. Plenty of colour, cannon and musket fire. Fortunately there were no real casualties. Also an excellent interesting commentary was given as to the battle plan, formation and history. I am sure most of you were aware that in this battle it was the first time that grenades had been used in action.
On arrival for dinner guests were welcomed into the restaurant by a Guard of Honour of some 60 musketeers and pikemen. It was an amazing sight. The restaurant was festooned with balloons and bunting. The top table was marched in to the sound of the pipes played by Pipe Major Ian King, escorted by the Town Crier of Newbury Brian Sylvester, two Flunkies and the six guardsmen. During dinner the ceremony of "Roast Beef of Old England" accompanied by the fife and drum was performed. Norman Mitchell had the honour of reading the proclamation and declaring it "Fit for human consumption
After dinner Major General Bernard Gordon Lennox addressed members and their guests. Loyal messages were read out that had been sent to Her Majesty our Colonel in Chief and His Royal Highness Prince Philip our Colonel. We were then entertained by The Blues Floozies and our now established favourites The Stage Door Johnnies, who once more brought the house down. During the evening a giant Birthday Cake suitably decorated 350th Birthday of the Grenadier Guards was brought on stage. Without warning the cake exploded with two delightful trim young ladies appearing from the cake dressed in tunic and tights and proceeded to march around the stage to the British Grenadier. No one looked like that in my squad. "How about yours?" It goes without saying that this was very well received.
Sunday
After breakfast members assembled on the lawn for a Drum Head Service. Pipe Major King, resplendent in full Highland Dress, played while guests assembled. The Reverend Eric Davies, who did his National Service in the Regiment as a Guardsman, conducted the service. We were also fortunate to have joined us the Association Corps of Drums whose drums, of course, formed an altar. The surprise came when from a concealed position behind the high wall that surrounds the garden the Sealed Knot marched on and joined the parade, laid their drums and participated in the service. Then members formed up in their respective battalions for the parade and March past. afterwards it was coffee, collect packed lunches then to the coaches and off to Wellington Barracks for the Annual Remembrance
Day Parade and Service.
On arrival back at Littlecote it was a quick change for dinner. Positioned in the foyer we had the pleasure of Colonel Henry Hanning with his highly acclaimed book "The British Grenadier" The Colonel signed copies of the book and posed for the inevitable photographs. After Dinner, the Theme being Remembrance Day, with a poppy at each place setting. Dinner having been consumed it was to the Kennet Suite for our Festival of Remembrance. The evening commenced with a representative from each of the six battalions getting on parade, followed by a muster of nine Branch Banners. A first it is believed. The padre was the Reverend Eric Davies who conducted the service. A selection of singers from the Kentwood Choir acted as choristers. The past World, European and British Champion Town Crier from Trowbridge, Trevor Heeks. Jim Norris, former Regimental Band Sergeant Major, sounded bugle calls from each battalion. And on the conclusion the representative from the battalion after stating his name blew out a candle burning in front of him. after the last candle was extinguished, last post was sounded in the darkness. After the silence' the piper marched on in darkness playing Flowers of the Forest, an erie experience. Brian Mitchell read the poem "Why are Poppies Red Mummy?" Throughout the proceedings a film ran in the background showing aspects of life in the regiment both past and present, concluding with scenes from Flanders and the Poppy Fields. After the service and an interval the full Kentwood Show Choir took stage and gave a very professional and polished performance to the great delight of the audience.
Monday
After breakfast it was a leisurely morning with squad photographs on the lawn. Later it was collecting lunch boxes and off to Buckingham Palace in a fleet of coaches for the Royal Garden Party.
After a most tiring day in the heat it was quick change, dinner, quick dash to the foyer to meet John Browne (former Grenadier) and his new book Grenadier Grins and then to dance the night away until the early hours with Todd Miller arid the Joe Loss Orchestra and Singers. Flags on the tables for use in the patriotic finale; it was a tremendous evening. Most stayed until the very end. Where did everyone get all their energy from?
Tuesday
As all good things must come to an end Tuesday morning saw members checking out and having a chinwag for the last time. Our energetic resident photographer showed from his laptop the formal and not so formal photos taken throughout weekend. All his large selection of varied shots are to be found on his web site. As a member of staff remarked, "Normally people just book out and leave but this group just seems to want to stay".
It was a most memorable and enjoyable stay. The venue, attention to detail and co-operation of the staff and management, together made this an occasion to remember.
The organisers would like to thank the Commanding Officer of Nijmegen Company. Major M G J Elliott Square, for allowing the Guardsmen to attend. Also the staff at Regimental Headquarters for their cooperation during a very busy period. Brian Mitchell was of great assistance throughout the entire proceedings giving advice and a hand as and when required.
Will there be another Grenadiers@Littlecote?
Watch this space.
