Beating Retreat at HCS

Guests attended a champagne reception and a ceremony of Beating Retreat in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan DCVO JP at Hampshire Collegiate School on Saturday 17 July.

The event was organised to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund The Soldiers Charity.

Over 125 guests heard presentations from Colonel W J Spencer RRC, the Director of Army Nursing Services and two officers who have recently returned from Afghanistan, Major Patricia Gibson MBE and Major Tessa Grieves RRC. All three are members of Queen Alexander’s Nursing Corps.

After champagne and canapés, guests moved outside to the South Lawn to see a magnificent performance by the Band of the Adjutant General Corps directed by Captain Ian Johnson.

The event organiser, Mike Todd said: "We are  grateful to the Hampshire Collegiate School who have been wonderful hosts and have provided this magnificent setting. The Hampshire Committee of the ABF, The Soldiers Charity also thank the many benefactors who have been so very generous.”