Earlier this year, The Army Foundation College Harrogate was announced the winner of the Carrington Drum for the fourth year running. At its recent annual Gala dinner in aid of our charity, guests gathered to celebrate the award presented to AFC Harrogate’s Commanding Officer, Lt Col Simon Fairbrother.
On 18th November, around 120 guests attended the AFC Harrogate Gala dinner hosted by Lt Col Simon Fairbrother MC QDG. Guests, who included members of our charity, its supporters and others with an Army background, celebrated the Carrington Drum being awarded to AFC Harrogate for the fourth year running.
Our Director of Regions, Brigadier Colin Tadier CBE, gave a brief oversight of our charity’s fantastic work in supporting soldiers, veterans and their families. Guests also heard from Simon Weaver, manager of Harrogate Town Football Club and one of the longest serving managers in the football league, who shared his personal memories of falling in love with football at a young age.
One of the highlights of the evening was an inspirational talk from charity ambassador Al Hodgson, who once served with the Parachute Regiment in Northern Ireland. Al was seriously injured in an IRA bomb attack which, sadly, resulted in him losing both of his legs. With support from our charity, Al later became a world skydiving champion, going on to win several medals. Read Al’s full story here.
Lt Harry Winstanley, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, led a toast to Her Majesty The Queen and everyone stood for the National Anthem.
Finally, at the end of the evening, guests took part in a charity auction with all funds raised going towards our charity’s work to support the Army family.
We would like to thank everyone for attending the wonderful Gala Dinner this year, including our partners and supporters at AFC Harrogate and those representing our charity.