The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Branches of the Regimental Association met on Sunday 14th August to celebrate Blenheim Day at The Keep, Kempston. Major John Whatley DL as Chairman of the Bedford Branch conducted proceedings, and the service of commemoration was led by Honorary Assistant Regimental Chaplain, Stephen Smith, who can be seen in the photograph below blessing the St Albans Branch Standard for a final time before it is laid to rest.
Mr Eric Olley, who served with the Bedfs. Herts during the Suez crisis, was made custodian of this Branch Standard when the St Albans Branch closed, but sadly died in April this year, so his daughter Rosemary got in touch with the Area Secretary to return it. On the day Mr Olley’s granddaughter, Beverley Crofts, a seasoned RBL Standard Bearer carried the Standard for its final journey to the Garden of Remembrance.
After the service drinks and an excellent lunch was enjoyed by all in the Keep for the first time since 2019.
