The Livery Newsletter and Gazette Issue 32 Spring 2020 | Page 18

St Patrick’s Day 2020
In January 2020, the Tobacco Pipe Makers confirmed
its affiliation with the Irish Guards Association
and to build on that relationship we were invited to
attend the Regiment’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations
on Sunday 15th March at Wellington Barracks.
The Master, Senior Warden and family, Clerk and
a hardy band of Liverymen and families took their
seats ready for the march on parade. The parade was
formed of the Regimental Band of the Irish Guards,
serving members of the Irish Guards, members of
the Irish Guards Association, including our own
Clerk’s Assistant, Alan Beggs who is the Honorary
Secretary of the Irish Guards Association (London
branch) and the London Irish Rifles together with
members of their Association.
As most of the Irish Guards are serving in Iraq or
South Sudan, the parade was abbreviated in numbers
but not in spirit. For the first time the London Irish
Rifles of the London Regiment, the reserve battalion
of the Irish Guards, to whom the Tobacco Pipe
Makers also has an affiliation, took part adding an
extra dimension to the ceremony.
Guards, Irish Guards Association, London Irish
Rifles and all guests with the traditional Shamrock
sprigs to be worn in cap bands or lapels.
It was a stirring sight watching the Parade once again
come to attention and follow the Band to the Guards
Memorial at Horse Guards Parade to lay wreaths
in memory of those Irish Guardsmen who paid the
ultimate sacrifice.
On what was probably the last outing for many
before lockdown, we then enjoyed a visit to the Irish
Guards Library, lunch and an excellent afternoon
listening to traditional and modern Irish music in
the Sergeants Mess. We were joined by members of
the London Irish Rifles including Major Bob Brown
who retired as Officer Commanding on 17th March
and members of the Irish Guards Association. With
probably the best pint of Guinness this side of the
Irish Sea available at less than £3 a pint the afternoon
was particularly memorable…..
Tony Scanlan, Court Assistant
The Parade was called to attention in front of the
barracks and as the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen
Mother and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke
and Duchess of Cambridge have done many times,
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Chief of the
General Staff and Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of
the Irish Guards took the salute and his wife, Lady
Carleton-Smith presented the members of the Irish
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