On Thursday, 2^nd July 2026 our re-branded annual Awards Lunch took place for the first time at a new venue, the Victory Services Club (VSC).  The lunch allows the Company to present annual awards to members of our six military affiliates; the Royal Air Force Regiment (RAF Regt); the Royal Military Police (RMP); the Royal Air Force Police (RAF Police); 3 Military Intelligence Battalion (3 MI Bn); HMS MEDWAY; and 35 Engineer Regiment (Close Support) (35 Engr Regt (CS)), and to a Kings College London (KCL) student, who has authored the best essay as part of their degree course.  Although all six affiliates were present, a KCL representative was not able to attend and therefore, the Best Essay prize will be awarded this year at the Annual Dinner.

Fifty-two people attended the lunch, with the figure made up of members, guests, awards winners and command representatives from the affiliates.  Following a drink’s reception, the Master, Wes Harper, Immediate Past Master, Susan Jones, Senior Warden, Andrew Knights, Middle Warden, David Lee, Junior Warden, Tim Molden and principal guests were clapped into the Trafalgar Room.  Grace was then given by the Clerk, Adrienne Harper.   

The Master welcomed everyone to the lunch and was delighted to see representation from all our Affiliates.  The Master thanked Carlisle Support Services, who generously supported the lunch.  However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they were unable to attend.  Therefore, the framed WCoSP Certificate, which was to be presented to Carlisle Support Services by the Master, will be presented at a later date.   A fabulous 3-course lunch, accompanied by good wines and port, was then enjoyed, after which, the Master toasted The King.

Following the lunch the Beadle read out the Citations for the awards winners; the RAF Regt (Corporal Kial Shields); the RMP (Staff Sergeant Shane White); RAF Police (Corporal Chris Duckworth); 3 MI Bn; HMS MEDWAY (Warrant Officer Class Two Marine Engineer Stephen Shannon); and 35 Engr Regt CS (Lance Corporal Alexander Martin).  Unfortunately, due to operational commitments, both Corporal Kial Shields and Warrant Officer Class Two Stephen Shannon were unable to attend.  Therefore, their awards were accepted on their behalf by Warrant Officer Andrew Cashmore, the RAF Regt’s Corps Warrant Officer, and by Commander Craig Clark, Commanding Officer (Designate) HMS MEDWAY.  Each of the other award winners were presented with their award and certificate by the Master.   

The Guest Speaker, Deputy Commandant General of the RAF Regt, Group Captain Matt Morris, gave a very informative speech about the RAF Regt and its current, high-tempo, support to ongoing UK military operations.  Then, in time honoured fashion, he asked all present to toast the Company, “May it flourish root and branch forever”.

The Master thanked the Group Captain for an illuminating speech and then proposed the final toast, to all the guests.  Before retiring to the bar, all present showed their appreciation to the VSC and its staff for putting on a fantastic lunch. 

It is hoped that as many members as possible will be in attendance in 2027 to once again witness the presentation of our awards.