Christmas arrived early for the children of 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment as the unit welfare office laid on a Christmas party in the Tiger’s Den. The party was held jointly with 3 Battalion REME and proved to be a huge hit with well over 200 adults and children in attendance. The day began with the hosting of Access All Areas BFBS dedication show, for the entire 3 hour duration of the live programme. Mums and children waited patiently to send a message to dad and husbands in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Messages to loved ones was certainly the order of the day as BFBS television turned up to record some video blueys, they were kept just as busy as their radio counterparts. The main event was of course the appearance of Santa himself and by the time he had arrived in his fantastically decorated sleigh, the kids were in a frenzy and certainly gave their hero a warm Tiger’s welcome.

The honoured guest fought his way through the throng of eager kids to the sanctity of his grotto and ably assisted by his ever cheerful elf, handed out presents to the kids for over 2 hours. Silly Billy the children’s entertainer was on hand and entertained the children splendidly. The sight of oddly shaped balloon animals will live long in the memory.

Many thanks to all who worked hard in organising the event, in particular Mrs Dawn Baynham, Csgt Brodie for the provision of some hard working rear party soldier’s, Sgt Chance (Ho Ho Ho) and his willing elf, a memorable day for all involved.

by Capt Mark Anderson