On Sunday the 5th of December the Gunners Association Western Province Branch held their Last Lunch of the Year combined with the celebration of St Barbara, our Patron Saint at the usual venue of all of our lunches, Barristers Grill in Newlands, Cape Town.
Notable attendees included the Gunners Association’s National President Gunner Roy Andersen, HLVP Gunners Ian Mckinney and Colin Doyle as well as past Deputy Mayor of Cape Town Gunner Ian Neilson and his family. Amongst the 45 people that attended included the WP Committee, friends, and supporters of the monthly lunches over the years and the Autshumato Anti-Aircraft Regiment’s Pipes and Drums. (Previously Cape Garrison Artillery).
The Pipes and Drums, under, Pipe Major Tony Reis played outside Barristers Grill for 30 minutes, not only entertaining us but all patrons of the restaurant. This has become a standard over the years at our end of the year lunch which is well supported.
The Families of the late Gunner Phil Pretorius and Gunner Wynter Prevost also attended the lunch represented by Gunner Phil’s son Philip and his family as well as Wynter’s son Graeme.
Gunner Roy Andersen in his address paid tribute to both of these giants in the Gunners Association giving wonderful background and anecdotes of the two of them.
Gunner Padre Tony Bethke, before he said Grace asked Russian born and great supporter of the WP Branch, Dr Elina Komorov-Tagar to sing the Lord’s Prayer in her native tongue. It was extremely moving and emotive.
Grace was said and various Toasts, as is customary, were given then lunch was served off a set menu of various popular dishes. After lunch winning raffle tickets were handed cash prizes.
A wonderful afternoon was had by all of fellowship and camaraderie.
Gunner Kevin Ashton
National Chairman.