Monday evening with the Chelsea Pensioners

As well as the breakfasts we hosted at Dinner at the White Swan in Ampleforth.Robert Thompson and his staff did a wonderful job feeding the 54 diners to a full roast beef dinner. George Pickles ,the Ripon Hornblower came along and talked of the history of the Ripon Hornblower spanning over 1100 years. Kevin Hollinrake who is standing for our local MP in the elections in May and his lovely wife Nikki attended. Kevin presented the Chelsea Pensioners with 2 of the Tommy's Roses which were grown by RV Rogers of Pickering and kindly given by Ian Rogers. The roses were grown on soil brought back from the Flanders Battlefields and will be planted in the Royal Hospital Chelsea Gardens along with 2 of the Ampleforth roses which are supporting Help the Heros. We gave the latter as a momento of the Chelsea Pensioners time with us. Young Tom Cranage who is whipper-in for the Sinnington Hunt and also the horn blower for the Ampleforth Beagles. Tom was the runnerup in the National Horn Blowing Competition in 2014. He didnt realise he could take a breathe,so we hope he wins this year. A good night was had by all, which ended in the early hours with the Chelsea Pensioners at the forefront of the celebrations