At this time of year, thoughts turn to the festive period, and the precious and joyful time to be spent with family and friends. It also gives us all a valuable chance to reflect on the year past.
We have had some marvellous and moving events this year, including the final, dignified laying to rest of an unknown Borderer from World War One in France in April, a very well-organised and equally well-attended Minden Day parade, the outstanding Somme Battlefield tour, an excellent Malayan Veterans’ dinner, and another triumph on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. Our new website is up and running and proving to be major success in keeping us all informed and in touch, and we have our wonderful new Regimental history to enjoy. Sadly, however, we have – inevitably – lost a number of Borderers this year; we miss them all and mourn their passing, remembering with pride and gladness their contribution to Regimental life in so many ways. In all of this we have been very fortunate to have a number of dedicated staff and volunteers prepared to work hard at making our events possible – and they wouldn’t happen without them.
As President of the Association, and on behalf of my fellow Trustees, I wish particularly the staff and volunteers at Berwick and beyond, and all members of our Regimental Family, all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. 2017 will be another year of World War 1 memories with, amongst other things, the centenary of two VCs for us to commemorate within two days of each other in August. Whatever it brings you, make the most of it, and remember:
Borderers,