COPP Memorial Sept 27th

Today saw the unveiling of the eagerly awaited COPP Memorial, between Eaststoke Corner and Beachlands on Hayling Island.

Formed in early 1943, the Combined Operations Pilotage Party was formed to conduct reconnaissance missions throughout the world, and was disbanded at the end of the Second World War.

During its relatively short existence, COPP was responsible for surveying the beaches that were to be used for the Normandy invasion in June 1944, taking core samples and measurements to determine the safest place to land heavy equipment, such as tanks.

Two members of the team, who, having examined beaches on Sicily, missed the rendezvous with their submarine, rowed the 75 miles to Malta with only one paddle!!

The idea of the memorial came from Hayling’s Robin Walton, and he has spent longer getting to this moment, than the COPP was in existence! Today’s ceremony was presented by Anna Chancellor and Wendy Adams Evans, with a speech be the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir David Richards, GCB, CBE, DSO.

Countess Mountbatten

Jim Booth

The actual unveiling was carried out by Patricia, Countess Mountbatten, CBE, followed by prayers and the laying of Wreaths.

After the Last Post and a minutes silence a short talk was given by Major General Ed Davis, CBE followed by another short talk, this time by one of the few surviving COPPists, Naval Lieutenant Jim Booth, who, despite his years, was extremely spritely!

A few final words then followed from the 2 presenters and the National Anthem brought proceedings to a close.

HIOWAA Presentation Sept 26th

The evening saw a presentation, held at the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, which was given by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

As is well known, there is no Government funding for any of the air ambulances throughout the country, and this vital service is reliant on the help of the public for the ability to continue to operate in its role of getting seriously injured people to hospital in the shortest possible time.

The air ambulance always carries at least 2 Paramedics, and it is hoped that, before long, a Doctor will always be available on each flight.

The whole of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be reached in less than 20 minutes from the base at Thruxton Airfield.

Portsmouth Omnibus

Portsmouth Tram

The venue, Milestones Museum, gives a fascinating glimpse into the past, with a wide range of cars, lorries, buses, locomotives and steam engines, including several buses and trams from Portsmouth. There are also shops containing artifacts dating back through the 20^thcentury.

Hart Civic Day Sept 26th

This was the day for the Chairman of Hart District Council to hold the annual Civic Day.

Minley Manor

We started at the delightful Minley Manor, the Officer’s Mess of the Royal School of Military Engineering.

After presentations from the Chief Executive of Hart District Council and the Commanding Officer of the school, Lt. Col. Jim Fernandes, we were taken to Hawley Lake for demonstrations of Army bridging equipment.

The John Pinkerton

We were then taken to Colt Hill Wharf, where we were told about the restoration of the Basingstoke Canal whilst on the Canal Boat. During the trip we made a brief stop to visit the ruins of King John’s castle, which lies next to the Canal at Odiham

Lunch was taken at The Cross Barn in Odiham. This is the oldest brick built farm building in Hampshire.

The final stop of the day was at the Police College at Bramshill. This is the home of the National Policing Improvement Agency, and is an imposing Jacobean mansion, completed in 1612. The house is said to be the home of several ghosts!