California IV
12th April 2011
I was very pleased to see on email that we were going to have a Blue Knight from California visiting our area, to Bath in fact. Not wishing to miss out on meeting both him and his wife, I sent off an email so that we could meet. Soon I was speaking to Wally Rice, President of California IV and we arranged a day for Tina and I to go over. In fact, I arranged to collect them in the car so that I could take them out to Stonehenge which Linda really wanted to see.
So at 10am Tina and I pulled up at the Holiday Inn Express in Bath. What a spooky event that was for me. The hotel is located on land which was formerly my Traffic Base when I was stationed at Bath Traffic. This gave me a really weird feeling. However, walking into the hotel lobby lobby hoping that I would spot Wally, I could see that moment of recognition between us. It never fails - that police experience. In fact we laughed about it. After introductions were made, we then introduced them to Buddy our Springer Spaniel and Charlie, Ruth & Glynn's King Charles Spaniel who we were looking after.
I took a nice easy route down to Stonehenge and praising our luck as the weather forecast was rubbish, but we were bathed in beautiful sunshine. We talked and talked, it was really great. Whilst Wally and Linda did their tour, Tina and I enjoyed a coffee....... oh, and perhaps a little cake. It was little .... honest!
They returned full of enthusiasm having really enjoyed the experience, so I enhanced it with a trip further up the road to Woodhenge, where we all enjoyed a stroll around the site. But, the time was moving on and my master plan was to take them to my favourite site, Avebury and the famous stone circle. The drive up the A345 was as I remembered it from my time on the No.7 Region Police Driving School at Devizes in the 80's - great views. Whilst going through Upavon, I spied a beautiful thatched pub - and so, soon we were inside enjoying a good beer and fabulous food. If you are passing Upavon - make sure you visit The Ship - the food is great! I will definitely be going there again.
Over our meal, Wally and I exchanged Blue Knight tokens, as you do and the conversation continued to flow, both with us and the two ladies. I was really enjoying their company and was not relishing parting company.
Anyway, lunch over, time to head north again and Avebury, but not before we stopped so that Wally could photograph the White Horse on the way. Avebury is just breathtaking and so it was that day. Both Linda and Wally were really taken aback. We were soon walking them and the dogs around the banking looking at the stones and taking in the views. Fantastic!
Soon it was time to make tracks to Bath via Devizes, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon, pointing out many sites on the way, including the famous Caen Hill Locks. But, all good things come to an end and we found ourselves back at the hotel but neither of us wanted to part company, such was the growing friendship. We gladly accepted an invitation for afternoon tea and yet more conversation before it really was time for us to go.
We had a truly lovely day and made all the better as Wally and Linda brought the California sunshine with them. How kind was that! I am sure, new friendships forged. Thank you both for a wonderful day!
John Cooke
Chapter Secretary & Webmaster
Chapter Secretary & Webmaster
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