Lawride 2009
25/26th July 2009
CARE OF POLICE SURVIVORS 7TH ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND LAWRIDE
We were excited – the time had arrived to go for our Lawride Weekend 25/26th July 2009 and this year a few of us would be going to Leicester to participate in the Members AGM before joining England VIII in a charity Social in aid of COPS.
The Chapter representatives were President John, Vice President Pete, Secretary Muddy, Director Trev with John Rooke and Pony Moore. Chapter Editor, Pat and his wife Carole were staying just outside of Stafford and would be joining the others for Lawride the following morning. El Presidente was also carrying a rather large wreath which would be laid by the blue Knights at the Memorial Service. You should have seen it, impressive AND it survived the journey ……. Just!
The ride started when all gathered on the A46 just north of Bath with El Presidente leading the group up the Fosseway through Tetbury, Cirencester and Stow on the Wold where the group enjoyed some refreshments courtesy of Pony but don’t ask why, They soon dodged the far eastern camera nuts before heading on through Morton on the Marsh . Just before the A5, Pony’s bike developed a fault – the clutch lever snapped and so he waited for the breakdown and missed the remainder of the journey. He did get it repaired later in the day, but missed out on the weekend. The main group continued onto the M69 and into police HQ very hot and very sweaty and dying for a drink. John never even tasted his first one!
The AGM followed with reports being given by the three officers present and questions given answers. The buffet was enjoyable and very welcome after several hours in the saddle. The evening’s entertainment consisted of drinking and socialising with a disco and raffles to raise money for COPS. Doug Marshall and his team put on a good show for all. But with all the travelling, some had to get to bed ready for the early start the next morning.
And it was early – 7.15 am. Russell brought Amanda and Holly over so they could ride with the Chapter and they also brought a young survivor with them who rode with Al. We left HQ without our usual police escort as the bike GP was on at Donington Park and the bikes were committed there. We ravelled to the services on the M1 where we met up with other blue Knights and with Al Goold leading, El Presidente acting as ‘sweeper’ and with Pete and Muddy marshalling; we made our way to Stafford. The rain – ALWAYS that blasted rain! We arrived with just enough time for a hot drink , to meet up with Pat & Carole before we were called to form up.
Escorted by a dozen marked Police BMWs and Yamahas the group of about 70 bikes accompanied by a selection of old Police patrol cars including an American cruiser, left Stafford and negotiated the rainy route to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, where, as the weather had abated , they were greeted by the massed numbers of Chief Officers and Survivors and families. This is when it really occurrs to a participant what the ride is all about. The organisers had excelled themselves this year and a huge marquee was available to accommodate all participants, including the Nottinghamshire Police Pipe Band. The cover was well received by all Knights in view of the days weather, especially those with memories of last year. There seemed to be even more Chief Officers than previously and rightly so. The Service commenced with a welcome to all by Mick Foster QPM, Chairman of COPS who handed over to Christine Fulton MBE, co-founder of COPS, whose manner lifted spirits in what could be a totally sombre occasion. Two songs by Diane Whylie, who has a wonderful voice, and two moving poems were interspersed with the wreath laying ceremony, carried out by the Chief Officers and other organisation representatives and the sobering “Roll of Honour” read by Christine, naming the 17 officers who had died or been killed on duty in the last year. This was the highest number to date, including 5 from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and 4 from the Metropolitan Police. A final closing address was read by Jan Berry QPM, former Chairman, Police Federation, which was slightly marred by an ill chosen comment about why she had not attended the year before.
Upon completion of the ceremony, the wreaths were placed by Chief Officers, representatives and Survivors at the commemorative trees planted along “The Beat”, whilst the local Police helicopter hovered, dipped in salute then carried out a fly-past in tribute, above.
Participants were then free to look around the many memorials at the Arboretum, socialise amongst friends not seen for some time or take refreshment in the excellent restaurant. John, Muddy, Pat and Amanda, participants in the forthcoming September England XIV “Ride Up and Down” in aid of Child Victims of Crime were able to meet the very sociable Chief of Fife Constabulary, Andrew Barker and receive a cheque for £500 towards the event.
Then came the inevitable ride home in the worsening weather. The rain lashed down and the M6 and M5 seemed to be longer than normal as the England XIV Knights rode, the journey being lightened a little by some bike-to-bike radio banter.
For the future, if Knights wish to attend but cannot or choose not to stay at the Leicester HQ, a bed and breakfast establishment situated about three minutes from the starting point at Stafford Road Policing HQ can be recommended by Pat and Carole. See www.wyndaleguesthouse.co.uk
Once again the event had proved to be a moving and memorable one and one to be written into calendars for next year. For those who have yet to participate I reiterate, it is so worthwhile and for others returning yet again, the date for next year is 24/5 July 2010.
Pat
Chapter Editor PHOTO GALLERY