Annual Gallipoli lunch, King’s Lynn, Town Hall, Norfolk.

Friday, 11th October 2024

Thirty members and friends together with the Mayor, Councillor Paul Bland, attended . On arrival they enjoyed liquid refreshment in the ‘Stone Hall’. Acquaintances were made and renewed.

The President John Crowe, welcomed all, and thanked them for helping to maintain the memory of the tragic events of 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsular in Turkey. Most had travelled long distances to attend. They included, Australian and New Zealand guests.

Many of the diners had family links with the campaign. Two actually had fathers that were involved and survived.

After the welcome Committee Member David Ellis, made a presentation. He presented the President with the gifts he had received from the Mayors of Tekirdag and Gelibolu.

David had left the group visit to Turkey in September, as the President was unwell.

During the meal there was a real buzz of conversation, which was a great opportunity to exchange family stories relating to the campaign.

After the meal, toasts were proposed for H.M. The King, by the Mayor, and G&DI by Committee Member, David Ellis, he explained how important G&DI was to him, and how he had led a visit to Turkey in September.

The President then proposed a toast for our good friends in The Turkish Association, ‘Gelibolu Dernegi’. He explained that G&DI had been launched 11 years earlier in Turkey with the help of Gelibolu Dernegi, and how important it was to continue to have their friendship and support. This toast was supported with great enthusiasm by all present.

The speaker Major David Bredin (Rtd) , who is a member of G&DI, gave a very interesting account of the Gurkhas at Gallipoli.

Both his father and himself had been officers with the 6th Gurkhas. He is also currently the Regimental Secretary to the 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles Association.

This was very interesting and much appreciated by all the diners.

Well done David, and thank you very much.

This wonderful, historic, Town Hall, has been booked again for Friday 17th October, 2025 at 12noon for 1pm. The speaker is still to be arranged.

Lest we forget.