Walking With Friends April 19th

This morning Elaine and I were at Hayling’s Eaststoke Corner, having been asked to attend, and take part in, a Charity Walk on behalf of the Hayling Island branch of  Parkinson’s UK as this week is Parkinson’s Awareness Week.

Ready to go.

A large number of people were ready for the start at about 10.15 and the walk, which was from Eaststoke Corner to Beachlands Fun Fair, got under way in cloudy and breezy conditions.

The walkers, many of whom were suffering from Parkinson’s, finished the walk at the Fun Fair, but Elaine and I decided to walk back. However, in the manner to which we have become accustomed this year, the heavens opened and it started to rain quite hard. Luckily we were offered a lift which we gratefully accepted, although by the time we were back at the start the rain had stopped!

7 Platoon April 18th

Our visit to 7 Platoon, B Company, of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force at Purbrook Park School coincided with an inspection by the Force Commandant, Colonel Rodney Lambert.

We were greeted by the Army Cadet chosen for the next Mayoral year, Oliver Drain, and 2nd Lt. Hicks, the Detachment Commander.

Ration Pack.

Preparing to Fall Out.

We were able to see some marching drill, and then some cadets going on their first camp were given an explanation of what would be in their ration packs, and a demonstration of how to cook the food in safety.

We spoke at length to Colonel Lambert regarding the future of the unit, as they have been told that they will have to leave their base of many years in the very near future. Currently they have not found anywhere suitable for relocation.

The Platoon currently has around 25 members, both male and female, and it would be a great pity if these dedicated young people found their Platoon being disbanded.