Page 14 - Police World Edition 4, 2013
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14
Article
Police World
Vol 58 No.4 2013
Po
The Caravan and Camping Group D-day ralliers
T
here were gasps of surprise from the 30
plus ralliers - including 1 new member
and 2 dogs - when we were graced with
an impromptu visit by four members of the Royal
Family - including the Queen. I was assured that
they enjoyed ‘visiting’ their faithful subjects. The
visit coincided with the Diamond Jubilee of the
coronation of Queen Elizabeth. We all dressed in
Red, White, Blue, (or all three) and many Union
Flags were flown.
As organisers we had decided that a raffle would
be held in aid of the two police convalescent
homes at Flint House and in Harrogate. The
ralliers donated many prizes, with four mystery
prizes purchased by us.
Angela Hullah had spent most of the rally knitting
a ‘Golfer’. We decided to auction this as it was
just too good to be a raffle prize. The auction
raised another £40, from a generous member.
It had also been planned that ‘Robbie’ Robson,
who at 80 was the oldest member there, was
going to make a ‘Tandem Parachute’ jump; he
had asked that each person sponsor him for £5
to raise even more money for the Homes.
Unfortunately, due to high winds this could not
happen; he did try again the next day but again it
was cancelled.
The raffle and auction raised a total of £220. I
was able to present both cheques at the group’s
AGM at Flint House, which, fortunately, was also
attended by the Director of the home in
Harrogate.
Many of us went to the
main museum at Utah
Beach; this was the scene
of an official D-day
celebration and service,
followed by a ‘Round’
parachute jump from an
original DC3 aeroplane.
There was much
celebration with a marching band, BBQs, and
later entertainment with a jazz band. General
Patton’s great grand-daughter was there to
celebrate, and was handing out CDs of the music
to go with next year’s 70th anniversary fireworks.
Members of the Normandy branches were invited
to our farewell evening and three members
attended, including the Presidents of two of the
three branches. We exchanged gifts - which
included unusual bottles of commemorative IPA
wine, and a drink made by one of the group
called 44. The group decided that
Barbara and I should have this as a
thank you for organising the rally.
David Marchant
David and Barbara Marchant organised a Caravan and
Camping Group Rally invasion of Utah beach and other
sites in Normandy, France. David tells of what took
place - including a brush with royalty - during the
D-Day Celebrations.
Surprise Guests in
Normandy
Maybe next
time Robbie
The Royal visitors
To see more
photos from this
prise-Guests
Vehicles at the D-day celebrations
