60TH ANNIVERSARY VE DAY CELEBRATIONS at BROADSTONE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Saturday 7th May 2005

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" - normally associated with weddings but in this instance something old were the superb collection of historical military vehicles, memorabilia and artefacts from the Second World War.

Something new was happily the large numbers of children accompanied by mums and dads who gazed in awe at the sights and scenes of nostalgia.

Something borrowed, at least for the day, was in particular the Scimitar armoured vehicle, 25 pounder, quad and limber (the most used artillery piece in the 2nd world war from Bovington Camp together with 10 military vehicles from private collectors.

Something blue, well it was a lovely day and thankfully plenty of blue sky allowed people to enjoy a wonderful day out.

Many months of preparation had gone into arranging the day. A parade of military vehicles with horns sounding and lights blazing travelled through the Broadway, Broadstone, and arrived at the Broadstone Royal British Legion watched by crowds lining the pavements cheering and waving flags.

This then set a precedent for throngs of people to visit the Club and admire the excellent range of memorabilia on view together with a superb exhibition of work (pictured) from the children of Broadstone First School who have been studying the lives and experiences of evacuee children during the War. Further entertainment for the children came in the form a bouncy castle, sumo suits, hopscotch, colouring competitions and camouflage face-painting provided by Royal Wessex Regiment. The children and adults alike were allowed to 'clamber' onto vehicles, explore the inner regions of armoured vehicles and also the superb fully operational fire tender courtesy of Wimborne Fire Station.

To enhance the atmosphere, Ronnie, the resident chef provided traditional food in form of boiled beef and carrots, stew and dumplings and bangers & mash. Judging by the length of the queue which lasted all day, everybody wanted a taste of this traditional cuisine.
In the evening party time continued and everyone danced and laughed to the 'rustic' tones of the New Forest Plonkers, one of Hampshire's most celebrated traditional country musical groups, only to be interrupted by a substantial raffle with prizes ranging from ladies seamed stockings to the traditional wines and spirits.

The crowning glory was a visit from Meridian Television whose visual report was broadcast both on Saturday evening and the following Sunday lunchtime news.

Particular thanks to Mark Barnard, Social Secretary, Dave Craft, Club Secretary, and Steve Barrett, Chairman, together with all members of the Committee who worked so hard to make the day such a successful one.

Steve Argyle, Vice Chairman

Archive Summer 2005 | next

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