The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Association’s West Cumbrian branch has donated almost £5,000 to various military charities and organisations during their annual presentation in Carlisle. 

The £4,800 of funds were raised through a year-long series of fundraising activities and will assist both active-duty and retired servicemen, as well as their families, during times of need.

Approximately 60 members of the association gathered at the Museum of Military Life in Carlisle Castle, the historical home of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Museum and its predecessor regiments, to attend the ceremony where the donations were awarded. 

The day began with a captivating presentation by Stuart Eastwood, the retired museum curator, who shared insights into the heroic actions of the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem, which took place from September 17 to 26, 1944. 

Bill Dixon, Treasurer of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association – West Cumberland Branch, presented cheques to various beneficiaries, including: 

• The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Charity
• The Soldiers, Sailors, and Airman’s Families Association (SSAFA)
• Blesma (The Limbless Veterans Charity)
• Combat Stress for Veterans’ Mental Health
• The Museum of Military Life
• The Ladies Section of Workington British Legion
• The Sea Cadet Corps
• The Army Cadets Force
• The Royal Air Force Cadets
• and Age UK West Cumbria’s ‘Back from Beyond’ military veteran’s project.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, such as Kingsman Jack Plant, who received a cheque on behalf of Blesma, The Limbless Veterans Charity. Plant, a veteran of the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, lost both legs in an improvised explosive device incident while serving in Afghanistan.

Also in attendance were the daughter and grandchildren of Wilf Oldham MBE, a veteran of the 1st Border Regiment who fought valiantly at the Battle of Arnhem and sadly passed away on November 27, 2021.

Oldham’s daughter received a special picture of the airborne landings at Arnhem as a token from The Duke of Lancaster’s Association. Notably, several members of the Bolton Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association, to which Oldham belonged, also participated in the event.

Reflecting on the occasion Mr Dixon said: “The West Cumberland Branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association has been raising funds since 2015. They have donated nearly £40,000 to local branches of military charities and cadet forces over this period. 

“The primary focus of these donations has been The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Charity, aiming to support soldiers, families, and veterans during their times of need.”

The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Association’s West Cumbrian branch continues to make a significant impact by supporting those who have served their country with dedication and valour.

Through their continued efforts, they ensure that the necessary support reaches servicemen, veterans, and their families, creating a brighter future for all those who have sacrificed so much for the United Kingdom.