Sergeant William Hiseland, the last survivor of the English Civil Wars (1642-51), was one of the first pensioners to be admitted to the Royal Hospital at Chelsea. Little would he have realised that some 370 years later a group of 15 Chelsea Pensioners would be the guests of the Pedras da Rainha Nature Sports & Beach Resort, Cabanas de Tavira.
Colonel Mark Baker, Commanding Officer of the Chelsea Pensioners, said: “We have had a wonderful time in this beautiful setting. The camaraderie and organisation has been first class and we are grateful to David Reilly of Algarve Bowls for his input.”
There were old soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Army Ordnance Corp and REME, whilst the oldest bowlers were 87 year-olds Arthur Haste (Coldstream Guards) and Alec Murray (Black Watch).
A week previously Cardonald Bowling Club from Glasgow, who have been coming to the Algarve for several years, visited Pedras da Rainha. Trips to Seville and the local area were greatly enjoyed and the visit culminated with a ‘Cowboys and Indians’ fancy dress party. C.W.
Photo: Chelsea Pensioners and (front row) Pedras da Rainha bowlers
