The Clarets enjoyed a truly memorable summer BBQ & family fun day, bringing together around 50 Companions, family members and friends for an afternoon of friendship, fun and fundraising.
With glorious weather providing the perfect backdrop, guests enjoyed a fantastic BBQ, plenty of good company and laughter, and the opportunity to take a ride on the miniature railway — an attraction that proved popular with both young and old alike.
We were particularly pleased to welcome our Most Excellent Grand Superintendent, E.Comp. Mark Shields, and thank him for joining us and sharing in such an enjoyable occasion. We also welcomed the PGM and MEGS of Bedfordshire, Nick Edwards who visited us with his family.
The afternoon also featured a rather special and unexpected highlight when an Air Ambulance flew overhead. Even more fittingly, one of our own Companions was the pilot on duty and was able to give everyone below a wave as he passed, creating another memorable moment in a day already full of them.
At the heart of the event was our fundraising, and we are delighted to report that an outstanding £860 was raised for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The money will be formally donated to the Appeal on 16 September 2026 through E.Comp. Edmond Brookes PAGSoj during the Chapter of Instruction meeting prior to the first Annual Dinner of the Clarets and Light Blues of Cambridgeshire.
A very special word of thanks must go to E.Comp. Edmund Brookes PAGSoj, who not only opened his home and grounds to host the event, but also very generously covered all of the costs associated with the day. This exceptional gesture means that the full benefit of the funds raised can go towards supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The Clarets are enormously grateful to WB. Edmund for his hospitality, generosity and commitment to making the event possible.
Our sincere thanks also go to everyone who helped organise the day, ran the BBQ and miniature railway, contributed to the raffle, assisted with preparations and clearing up, donated, or simply came along and helped create such a wonderful atmosphere.
With £860 raised, around 50 people in attendance and countless happy memories made, the day was a tremendous success and a wonderful example of Companionship in action.
Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped make it such a special occasion.
