A YORKSHIRE regiment relived a little of its history to mark the retirement of the commanding officer.
The stables at Aske Hall, on the outskirts of Richmond used to be where the Green Howards billeted recruits, but, 60 years on, the buildings are home to a number of businesses.
However, officers returned to the hall recently to say farewell to Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt. Before dinner, Lt Gen Dannatt was asked to unveil a portrait of himself - only to find the gift was more like a Picasso than a formal painting of him in ceremonial dress.
However, it soon emerged the picture was a joke arranged with artist John Blakey - and a real portrait was then presented to Lt Gen Dannatt, who was delighted by the prank.
Field Marshal The Lord Inge - Lt Gen Dannatt's predecessor as colonel of the regiment and a former Chief of the Defence Staff - gave the after-dinner address before Lt Gen Dannatt responded, wishing his successor, Brigadier John Powell, every success.
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