Liskeard members in front of the Naval Sevice Memorial
The minibus being put to good use again.
The course was set, the crew aboard, ably piloted by Warwick, we proceeded in a northerly direction. The sun shone, the temperature rose, until finally the air conditioning controls were identified and initiated to the relief of all.
Upon arrival at our accommodation, the berths were very comfortable but stowage space was somewhat lacking, nay, non-existent but this did not detract from an enjoyable stay. Though landlubbers and defaulters insisted on smoking their deadly weeds at the entrance to said accommodation, befouling the atmosphere. Not to be put off, we ran the gauntlet on more than one occasion.
The local hostelry fell short of victualling expectations, providing lipstick-stained cups and hair-borne carrot cake. However, that evening, it proved to be a suitable muster station for the essential alcoholic lubrication, following close inspection of the glasses. Luckily, we found much better places to eat and were particularly impressed by the Nipa Thai Restaurant at Barton Marina.
The National Memorial Arboretum was arrived at the following forenoon in good time for the daily memorial celebration with the Last Post, Two Minute Silence and Reveille, set in a most interesting chapel resplendent with interesting wood carvings.
Following a short reconnaissance, we boarded the land train for a guided tour, gaining valuable information and an overview of the 150 acre site. We then wandered freely between the memorials, reading moving inscriptions. We were stunned by the starkness of the “Shot at Dawn” memorial, highly recommended and not to be missed and the “Hand of Peace” statue.
We may be biased, but the most artistic and attractive was the Naval Service Memorial. With bright sunlight shining through the glass sails, we posed for group photos, which were taken by a pressganged Canadian.
Returning to base, a mutiny broke out against Capt. TomTom (satnav) who was trying to sail us into the dangerous waters of the M6 Toll. However after a swift tack to starboard, then port, then all points of the compass, the dreaded TomTom was overthrown and we made it safely back to home port.
Thanks to all for a great trip
S/M Jerry Fleming and Lynne
