He was gone for what seemed like ages! He came out smiling, and announced 'down here, turn left at the tank and follow the signs' So we did- and eventually arrived at the Mess, where a smart young officer was standing on the steps to greet us.
We had a lovely evening - the officers were all in their regimental ties, so you could easily work out the guests who were not members of the Guards. I learned lots of history. 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards is one of the oldest regiments, their roots go back to 1685, when the King's Dragoon Guards and The Bays were founded [pre-dating the foundation of the 'British Army']
In 1896 Queen Victoria met Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, when they were both staying in Nice. She offered him the role of Commander-in-Chief of the KDG. Hence the badge of the regiment became the double-headed Austrian eagle, and their 'quick march' is the Radetsky March. In 1959, the KDG merged with the 2nd Dragoon Guards to form the Queen's Dragoon Guards. I completely forgot to ask if they'd change back to being KDG in the future [mind you, they had 64 years under Victoria and never changed to QDG then!]
There was a magnificent painting of the battle hanging over the glorious open fireplace. Zoe [the only female officer, and the one responsible for maintaining the artworks] and I had a great conversation about art, and Waterloo [and the battlefield, which Bob and I visited in 2008.]
I chatted to the local Rector, the Bishop of Norwich, lots of officers, a fascinating antiques dealer, and others - also caught up with people I already knew, Bob's colleagues on the PC.
The KDG 'liberated' it at the end of WW2 and brought it back to England [it weighs a ton!] They cannot guarantee that Adolf actually sat at this table though. It is a lovely piece of furniture.I had a look online. There are many photos of the building showing tables with this distinct pattern of three lines along the edge.I must mention the refreshments - cheerful soldiers spent the entire evening checking we had plenty to drink and serving canapés from silver salvers. All terribly elegant little mouthfuls which were relatively easy to pick up and pop in, and enjoy. I avoided the miniature filled Yorkshire Puds - they looked like a two-bite job to me, and I was afraid of making a mess and dropping bits on the floor [Bob did not have that problem!] My favourite morsel was the tiny diamond shaped crisp tortilla pieces, with paté and chutney.It was a memorable evening, and the generous hospitality and warm welcome from our military hosts was exemplary. The guards are moving to a purpose built barracks in Wales in 2027 - I think their presence in the community will be missed. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet such interesting people, and learn something of their story.
I once attended a reception at out local RAF Station which had the Red Arrows. As you say, a wonderful occasion with very classy food. No Reichstag table but a display by the Arrows!
ReplyDelete"Classy food" is exactly right. It must have taken hours to make the trays of "Posh nibbles"
DeleteSounds like a wonderful evening and the refreshments sound delightful!
ReplyDeleteThey were great [and vegetarian options too - everyone catered for]
DeleteInteresting about the rather impressive table. One notable table I have seen (and helped carry, as it happens) was a table used by St. John Payne (martyred in 1582) for saying clandestine Masses, in Ingatestone Hall. With the Bog Oak table I wrote about recently, I feel a 'Famous tables I have know' coming on ....
ReplyDeleteI should love to visit IH. I seem to remember going past it in a car when I was a child, it looks fascinating from the outside, I expect the inside is even better
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful evening!
ReplyDeleteOh it was!!!
DeleteThe only time I have been in an army barracks was when I used to drive my son back to base, he was not an officer so I only got to see the bog standard living quarters, and squaddies wandering the corridors in their combat gear.
ReplyDeleteYour visit sounds so much more civilised and tasty too.
These surroundings could never be described as "bog standard"!!
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful evening!
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteWhat a lovely experience! We are invited to a special Summer Salmon barbecue by the university every year. It's for donors above a certain level. Starts with people mingling outside and super nibbles circulated by student waiters.
ReplyDeleteThen a sit down salmon meal. They hire a chef who is a specialist in barbecuing salmon.
We are unable to attend now because of health problems. JanF
Oh Jan, how fabulous - you have such a variety of salmon where you are, sockeye etc. What a thoughtful gesture for those donors who have supported the Uni. You both must been sad to have missed that special treat this year
DeleteWhat a lovely outing in beautiful surroundings and so many interesting people to chat with as well! I've been to a few receptions over the years and enjoyed some remarkable canapés. You were wise to avoid the "two-bite" Yorkshire puddings although they sounded delicious. I agree there would be too much risk attached!
ReplyDelete😊👍
DeleteI had to collect a cheque for our charity from the local barracks once. I drove up to the gate, as instructed and wound the window down to be greeted - very respectfully - by a female member of the armed forces carrying a real and I assume fully loaded gun. Bit of an eye opener but like, you, a really interesting afternoon was had.
ReplyDeleteI reckon they'd read your file beforehand (forewarned is forearmed, as they say)
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