National Heroes Day Oct 19th

Sunday is National Heroes Day, and today staff at the Public Service Plaza were encouraged to dress up as their heroes and make a donation the the Help for Heroes Charity.

Some of the Heroes

There was also a cake sale with cakes made and donated by some of the people around the offices. This resulted in quite a lot of donations which helped to swell the amount raised.

Several members of staff dressed as their favourite hero, with Chief Executive, Sandy Hopkins, amongst them and dressed as Queen Guinevere, but the winner was judged to be Greg Emerson who was dressed as an American Combat Soldier.

Southdowns All-Weather Pitch Oct 19th

This morning Elaine & I were at South Downs College for the official opening of the new all-weather sport’s facility.

Cutting the ribbon

This very impressive multi-use facility has been established by South Downs in partnership with Havant Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and local community groups.

The College use the pitch from 9am until 6pm Monday to Friday during term time and in the evenings, and Saturday mornings, it is open to other community sports clubs.

While we were there we saw a march past by the Uniform Services students and after the cutting of the ribbon there were demonstrations of coaching in various sports such as football, netball and golf.

With the Maasai

Although curtailed by the wet weather, we then watched a demonstration by a group of Maasai Warriors in their colourful costumes.

We then went back to the College where we saw the impressive restaurant and the new cake shop.

Trafalgar Night Dinner Oct 18th

This year’s annual Trafalgar Night Dinner, organised by the Southern Branch of the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association, was held at the RNA Club in Waterlooville.

We were greeted by Lt-Cdr Tony Crisp and introduced to some of the other guests, including the guest speaker, Commodore John Clink, OBE, RN and his wife who have lived in the local area for many years.

After the first course, the traditional Trooping of the Baron of Beef was performed by cadets from TS Active, MTC. An uncommanded rifle drill was performed during this.

After dinner we were treated to a very interesting and amusing account of Admiral Lord Nelson and his various battles and paramours.

This was a very interesting evening.