We had a great evening last Tuesday at our annual Christmas Carol party. The weather was mild and many dropped in once they heard the Salvation Army Band get going shortly after 6:45. A crowd of at least fifty enjoyed the mince pies and excellent mulled wine.
A dozen or more soldiers from the Blues and Royals stationed at Hyde Park Barracks joined us in uniform and a few were even persuaded to try some of the mulled wine.
The mulled wine was courtesy of Marianthe and Jane Bradbury of Number 39 with Neil Carthy adding some support.
We raised £1,483 for charity: 60% going to the Salvation Army fund for the Homeless and 40% to the Household Cavalry Foundation.
Since 1865 the Salvation Army has been one of the biggest providers of service to the homeless community in the UK. They have a variety of programmes including soup runs, breakfast clubs, evening support groups (emotional, spiritual and physical), provision of food and clothing, bath and shower facilities, advice and referral. Staff and volunteers build trust with the people using these services, which enable the Salvation Army to help them address the issues surrounding homelessness.
The Household Cavalry Foundation, which we contribute to each year, cares for and supports the soldiers, casualties, veterans, horses and heritage of the British Army’s senior regiments. The Foundation is entirely funded by donations from the public and we hope they will be able to continue to benefit all areas of the Household Cavalry family in these difficult times.