Wind in the Willows June 30th

This evening we saw an excellent performance of Kenneth Grahame’s “Wind in the Willows” at the Station Theatre on Hayling Island.

This was performed by Hayling Island Young Actors, and proved to be a great show, well acted and staged.

The set design was very good, with various scenes projected onto a screen at the rear of the stage. This obviously saved having to build extra sets, and was well linked into the performance.

Backstage with the cast

It would be unkind to single out cast members for special mention, as they were all extremely good.

After the play finished we went backstage to talk to the cast and directors, and we can’t wait to see their next show.

Altogether, a very nice way to finish a busy day.

Leigh Park Carnival June 30th

Having been elsewhere when the carnival was opened at 1 o’clock, this was performed by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Paul Buckley, and his wife, Jackie.

We were invited to perform the opening of the second part of the Carnival, a band performance by Pink Floyd tribute band, “The Delicate Sound of Floyd”, at 5 o’clock.

Unfortunately, there was a delay in the band setting up their equipment and this meant that after we opened the music evening, we were unable to stay for the performance, as we had yet another engagement to cover.

Strawberry Fayre June 30th

This afternoon Elaine & I were invited to open the 31st Strawberry Fayre at Fairfield Infant School in Havant.

We were greeted by the Head Teacher, Brenda France, and the Chair of the PTA, Emma Dunn, who told us that the school was opened in January, 1896 and is still in the same, although updated, building.

We watched as the band from TS Unity led in a procession of children in fancy dress, before being shown round some of the stalls set up around the outside of the playground.

Fancy Dress Competition

Then came the time when we were asked to judge the fancy dress competition. This proved to be very difficult, as there were many very good costumes, all on the theme of “The Best of British”

Spirit of the Fayre

Having then looked at more of the stalls, we were invited into the school hall for a very nice strawberry tea.

A programme of Country Dancing performed by some of the pupils was next, after which the same children danced around a Maypole.

Having then pulled out the winners of the Grand draw, we left to prepare for our next engagement.

Over the course of three days we had visited the newest school in the Borough, Barncroft Primary, and the oldest, Fairfield Infants.

Freedom Ceremony June 30th

This morning saw the granting of the Freedom of the Borough t0 4-7 Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Before the commencement of the ceremony, Elaine & I met with senior officers from the Regiment and the Honorary Colonel, Major General Chris Wilson, CB, CBE, at the Public Service Plaza before making our way to Havant Park to await the arrival of the troops from 10 (Assaye) Company who were representing the Regiment and, equally importantly, receiving their campaign medals, having recently returned from their tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The Company arrived at Havant Park, preceded by a marching band from Horndean, and formed up in three rows across the park from the dais on which I accompanied Major General Wilson.

Presenting Medals

After prayers from the 4-7 Regiment Padre, Major Ingham, the medal presentations took place with Major General Wilson presenting to the front rank, myself to the centre rank, and Lieutenant Colonel Matt Crisp, the commanding Officer of 4-7 Regiment, doing the honours for the rear rank.

The Scroll

I then gave a short address before having the honour of reading and presenting the Freedom of the Borough Scroll.

Major General Wilson then gave an acceptance speech, following which the troops marched off, followed by the band, and we then returned to the Public Service Parlour for a reception and the chance to talk to some of the returning soldiers and their families.

Altogether this was an event in which I was very honoured and privileged to have taken part.