Saturday 6 October 2018 was the Regimental Memorial Service and Lunch in York Minster and York Racecourse. Serving and former members along with their wives and partners of The Rifles, Light Infantry, RGJ and KOYLI attended this annual event which is usually held in the Regimental Chapel in York Minster. Sadly, due to renovations in the Minster the Regimental Chapel could not be used and therefore was held in the Minster Lady Chapel.
During the service, presided over by Rev Andrew Martlew, the new KOYLI Standard of West Leeds Branch was blessed and joined the Pontefract Branch Rifles and Light Infantry Standards carried by Brian Clayton, Steve Tagg and Colin Cranswick. Last Post and Reveille was sounded by Pete Bate.
At the lunch at York Racecourse Brigadier Charlie Collins welcomed: Civic dignitaries from the Freedom cities and towns of Doncaster' Leeds and Wakefield; serving members of The Rifles; Light Infantry and KOYLI Retired Officers and Association members. In his address Brig Collins restated the importance of the event that brings together the Rifles 5 Pillars: Regulars; Reservists, Cadets, Association and Community.
Planning for next year’s Memorial Service and Lunch has already started which is open to all serving Riflemen, those who served with the Rifles or any of the forming regiments and the KOYLI.