Fundraising Dinner at Dean Clough Mills
On Friday 8th March the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment Memorial Appeal welcomed over 240 people to The Arches in Dean Clough Mills, Halifax for an exclusive fundrasing evening which raised over £18,400.
The private function included a champagne reception, dinner – words from Brigadier Andrew Meek and sculptor Andrew Sinclair, who has been tasked with creating the memorial in honour of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment’s 300 years of service to the Crown. As the evening progressed, guests were treated to a spellbinding performance by Britain’s Got Talent winning magician, Lance Corporal of Horse (LCoH) Richard Jones. This was followed but a recital of “Tommy” by Capt John Hogg accompanied by a display by the Corps of Drums by the Yorkshire Volunteers. At the end of the evening there was a live auction and raffle.
Andrew Sinclair said: “To be selected as the sculptor for this incredibly prestigious memorial is a wonderful honour. Having a great fascination for military history, I am very much looking forward to delving into the longstanding past of the Regiment and creating a sculpture which commemorates its admirable spirit and the qualities of the Yorkshire soldier within the design.”
Brigadier Andrew Meek CBE said: “It was tremendous to see so many people at our event in Halifax, showing their support for the Regiment. Our goal is to raise £240,000 for the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment Memorial Appeal in order to unveil Andrew Sinclair’s sculpture, which will sit in the heart of Halifax, home of the regiment for two centuries.”
The memorial will honour the members of the Regiment who gave their lives to our country, acknowledge those who served in all battalions and recognise the families and their home county.
Photos by Gerard Binks, Halifax.
Lance Corporal of Horse Richard Jones entertaining the guests.
At the end of the evening there was a live auction and raffle.