Police Memorial Day
27th September 2009
Once it was announced that the National Police Memorial Day was being held at St David’s Hall, Cardiff this year, we, as a Chapter, decided to show a presence. I ordered six tickets from Al Kinsey, and the usual suspects decided to go, Muddy and Lesley, Pete Lambourn and myself. We knew that Amanda was going from oxford with Russell and Holly and that we would meet them there.
The Memorial Day was immediately following our Cheddar Gorgeous Mendip ride-out put on by Simon, so Pete decided to stop over with Tina and I on the Saturday. Pete was pleased with that, as he got to have a go on my Pan, which got him all excited!
Sunday morning came and Muddy and Lesley called for us before we headed for Cardiff. The weather was excellent - dry, warm and clear blue skies: perfect! The only difficulty we had was nearing Cardiff and major road works on the M4, but never mind. Now, I had found St David’s Hall on the map before leaving, but no sat nav on the Pan, as yet, so had to revert to ‘old style’ and followed my nose and ask a passing PCSO. Having ridden around trying to find somewhere to park (PCSO didn’t know) I chanced our luck at the Arms Park, and we struck lucky, thanks to the guy there.
From there, it was a short walk to St David’s Hall and it was follow the Chief Constable (there were quite a few) to the Hall, and having got there a little early and now happy we had found it, time for coffee and cake! Soon it was time to go in, but not before speaking to the two RPU Bikers parked outside and photo’s taken. Once inside, we went to the top and having spoken to a very nice lady, were shown to front seats in our own block overlooking the stage. How cool was that!! Whilst we were busy talking, I suddenly looked up and saw a lady beside us and two security officers (in suits) wanting to know who we were, as we were dressed different to everyone else. I knew I shouldn’t have cut my hair so short J They soon realised who we were and suddenly we became celebrities with people waving at us from below. Members of Wales 2 joined later, so we had about 10 Knights overlooking the stage all on our own in a Block of 200. Excellent.
The service was very moving, with the National Police Orchestra, a Male Voice Choir (well, this is Wales for goodness sake) a Harp soloist (see above!) and Ministers from each of the Denominations. I will not go through the Order of Service, but it was moving and lasted about 90 minutes and was very moving.
Following the Service, we made our way for refreshment, although we didn’t make it, as we were stopped by so many people wanting to speak with us - including the Minsters. Well, we met some very nice people including Amanda, Russell and Holly and after so chatting it was time to make our way outside and another coffee at a stand before heading out of Cardiff and the traffic jams at the road works. Even this didn’t dull our sense of achievement having attended our first National memorial Service. Unfortunately, next years is in Ireland, just a little far to ride for the day, but next time it is at Cardiff, we will be there.
John Cooke
Chapter President PHOTO GALLERY