I was going to do a post on Remembrance Day.  We always observe it, following in the footsteps of my late father, who represented the Merchant Navy Association each year.


My husband George is an ex-Royal Marine and he, along with a wonderful elder of the village, Terry, attend the Louth ceremony annually.  


We live in a tiny village, on the edge of nowhere - or so some people like to think.  When we moved in we got to know the villagers and one of the key village elders is Terry.  Ex-Royal Marine, survivor of three years as a prisoner of war during the Korean War.


Terry is a truly charming, quiet, fascinating man.  He never talks about his experiences to anyone other than George, and then not very much, or very often.  He is kind, gentle, and about  83 years of age.  A much loved man, hugely respected in our village and the surrounding area.


He had been the sole representative for the Royal Marines locally for many years, until we arrived.  He was delighted to find that George had also served as a Marine and they struck up an enduring friendship.


Each November they polish their shoes, brush their coats, don their medals and their green berets and march to show their respect.  I always have a lump in my throat when I see the pair of them.


Today Terry presented the wreath for the Royal Marines and George had to present one on behalf of the Royal Navy.


I wanted to take a photograph for this post.  I was astounded that what has been a small memorial service for so long has grown and grown and there were so many people attending today that it was impossible for me to get close enough to get that photograph.  Sorry.


Isn't it marvellous that so many people turned out on a damp November day - a good proportion of them were relatively young, some with young children, to show respect and honour the fallen.  






On an entirely different, much more light hearted  matter...


I have just received confirmation that three of my boys have made it as calendar boys for July!  




George, Harry, and Toby walking through 'our' barley field just before harvest.  They will feature in the local village charity calendar.