What a wonderful day was had by all. The marvellous boys from the Allied Special Forces Association set up their bevy of tents and gazebos; strung the bunting; laid out the tables and chairs and then to top it all provided Simon the Piper to entertain the growing group of people attending the 2nd. Annual Memorial Picnic for Violette.

Rain clouds threatened at the start and some rain splattered down and fortunately there was plenty of shelter as people arrived and set up their own picnic tables. A great buzz went about as Virginia Mckenna arrived and autograph books were immediately flashed under her nose. She took it all in good humour and was rewarded by the Bear Squadron girls Wendy and Gill with a bear named after her husband.

The service was ably led by the Rev'd David Enoch and Rosemary Rigby. Mr. Peter Davies of the Normandy Veterans Association gave a fine talk, followed by Michael Buckmaster who's father was Colonel Maurice Buckmaster in charge of F section - Special Operations Executive.

Virginia McKenna, delightful as always recited "The Life That I Have" a coded poem written by the late Leo Marks - Codemaster. Click on the heading above to read this poem!

Besides Virginia receiving a Bear, a surprise was in store for Rosemary as she was presented with one as well. The third Bear was raffled and raised a further £50.00p. towards the upkeep of the museum.

As on all days like these a mixture of happiness is twinged with sadness at the loss of youg lives, be it the young lads on the Normandy beaches or the young girls who braved all in the middle of the foe to help give freedom to us now.

We should therefore not forget those that perished at Ravensbr&#252ck - Denise Madeleine Bloch, Lilian Verna Rolfe and Cecily Margot Lefort . God bless their souls.

Before the proceedings got underway a veteran who had urgent need of the new toilet block found his way barred by a Rover car which had parked in front of the door. He was quite relieved when we all discovered that it was Simon the Piper! who immediately blamed the RAF Cadet, but nonetheless ran off and moved his car. We will not forget Simon in a hurry!