Association Silver Centrepiece Project
Project Update - June 2023
Update by the Association Chairman
I am absolutely delighted and honoured to announce that the Association Silver Centrepiece was unveiled by Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB DL, Master Gunner St James’s Park at the 25th Anniversary Reunion Dinner on Saturday 24th June 2023. The commemorative Centrepiece, which honours the service of all the thousands of Artillery Clerks since 1903 in a visible and permanent way, is now displayed at the Central Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess in Larkhill.
The past 2 years have been very challenging, but through the support of many member donors, the Project Team was never short of encouragement to refine the original designs and find new ways of raising the needed funds
The Project Team worked in close and harmonious collaboration with the creative team and professional craftspeople of Silver Lady to turn our ideas, aspirations and vision into reality. Leo Lyall takes full credit for the outstanding original designs which incorporated the many proposals from our members. These designs were the foundation for what is now a striking and impressive centrepiece. Leo has kindly donated his original signed designs which will now form part of the Association archives.
Final Financial Analysis
The Fundraising Campaign attracted the stunning total of £12,423.75 (including £1,7586.75 refunded through Gift Aid – see below) from the following:
- 5 x Grants from Grant Giving Friends of the Association
- 60 x Donations from Association Members
- 4 x Donations from Honorary Presidents
- 4 x Donations from Honorary Members
- 13 x Donations from Association Members “In Memoriam of Absent Friends"
My special thanks go to Paul Corker, our Treasurer, for successfully negotiating with HMRC for all personal donations to the project that would attract Gift Aid.
Donation to the RA Charitable Fund
As previously announced the Association is proud to donate £1000 (a proportion of the fundraising surplus) to the RA Charitable Fund – our charity of choice. Roy Deal will present the cheque to the Regimental Secretary in the next two weeks
And Finally.
I am excited about seeing our Centrepiece which, amongst other features, keeps alive the memory of some of our former colleagues. Furthermore, the Centrepiece has given the Association the wonderful opportunity of adding further to our Regimental heritage - something that is very close to my heart.
Joe Falzon
Chairman