HAC Dinner – 14 July 2015
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A great night was had by all at the SUPPORT OUR PARAS Charity Dinner on 14 July 2015 at the Honourable Artillery Company in London.
Guests were greeted with a champagne reception and displays in the courtyard. We were joined by serving soldiers, who spoke to guests about what it takes to join the regiment and what sort of kit they use on a daily basis. We were also very pleased to have the Airborne Museum in Duxford, to talk guests through The Parachute Regiment’s history. To top it all off, one of the BTCC Paras Racing cars was on show, as well as The Parachute Regiment’s Bobsleigh team, complete with bobsleigh!
Although Air Traffic Control windows closed on the Red Devils Freefall Display, guests were treated to a performance from The Parachute Regiment band before heading inside for dinner.
Each table was hosted by a serving member of The Parachute Regiment, and the room was addressed by Lt Gen John Lorimer DSO MBE, Colonel Commandant. After a three-course meal, our guest speaker, Martin Hewitt, got up to say a few words. Martin served eight years as a commissioned officer with The Parachute Regiment before being wounded in Afghanistan. Since he left the Regiment, Martin has successfully trekked to the geographic North Pole with HRH Prince Harry; he was the first disabled person to reach the summit of Mt Manaslu and attempted the summit of Everest. He has made the records books on a number of occasions and we were delighted that he was able to join us and treat our guests to such a wonderful speech.
The final event of the night was the Auction, where guests were able to bid for items such as a Tandem Day with the Red Devils, a weekend with the Paras Racing team at Silverstone and a beautiful piece of Airborne jewellery.
To view a selection of photographs from the evening, please click here. Our thanks to Craig Allen for capturing the night for us.
SUPPORT OUR PARAS would like to extend a very big thank you to everyone who came and supported us on the night. It is with the generosity of our supporters that we are able to continue to support our Paratroopers in a way they deserve.