Recognition for Wootton Bassett

[Fortyodd2]

The chaps over on the "other" forum have raised a petition to get some official recognition for the people of Wootton Bassett who frequently turn out for the repatriation of the bodies of service personnel killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The ARRSE Wootton Bassett thread. (http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/viewtopic/t=112200/postdays=0/postorder=asc/start=0.html)

Petition Here:

petitions.number10.gov...onBassett/ (http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/WoottonBassett/)

Duly signed.

[trap one]

Signed.........

[Lyneham Lad]

petition to get some official recognition for the people of Wootton Bassett

Signed - and hopefully WB residents' votes will not be ruled invalid!

[Cornerstone958]

Happy to sign lets get this rolling
CS

[nigegilb]

Not really sure it is necessary. What happened in Wootty B was entirely spontaneous and heart felt. I live close by and whenever I am there for a repatriation it almost feels like an extended family turning out. Most people simply want to show respect and solidarity for the fallen. It is the least that any British citizen should do. Would hate to see it turn into a media frenzy. Perhaps those serving should relax, the people of North Wilts are setting a fine example to the rest of the country and the police authority of Oxon.

I would far rather see Lyneham remain open and maintain a relationship with the local community that is meaningful and long term.

Anyone know what is happening in 2012? Not far away now...

[Truckkie]

Anyone know what is happening in 2012? Not far away now...


In a word - no!

My deepest thanks go to the people of WB for their heartfelt displays during every repatriation.
:D

[Al R]

Nige said: Not really sure it is necessary. What happened in Wootty B was entirely spontaneous and heart felt. I live close by and whenever I am there for a repatriation it almost feels like an extended family turning out. Most people simply want to show respect and solidarity for the fallen. It is the least that any British citizen should do. Would hate to see it turn into a media frenzy. Perhaps those serving should relax, the people of North Wilts are setting a fine example to the rest of the country and the police authority of Oxon.

/\ .. what he said.

[kokpit]

I too would like to see Lyneham stay, however, petition still signed.

[Beatriz Fontana]

'Bout time. If Malta can get a gong, after all...

Signed with pleasure and pride.

[daze_gone_buy]

happily signed

[gar170]

Beatriz Fontana


'Bout time. If Malta can get a gong, after all...

Signed with pleasure and pride.


I would say there was a huge difference between WB and Malta.WB Has not suffered anything like Malta did.What WB has shown is how to show honour respect and dignity to the fallen which the whole nation should take note off and learn from.

[NutLoose]

Signed and proud too.

[DON T]

The people of WB deserve all their accolades but lets not forget the others along the route. During a recent repatriation, I was travelling along the A420 Swindon to Oxford road and a large number of people were congregated at the Shrivenham/Watchfield roundabout awaiting the hearse on it's journey. There was plenty of grey hair to be seen as well as WWII medals but there were younger people in evidence as well.

The recent parade in WB by all three services was much appreciated.:D

[orgASMic]

Signed. Thank you, the good people of Wooton Bassett.

[chappie]

Sadly, having been one of the family members being driven through the streets of Wootoon Bassett after a repatriation I wholeheartedly agreee there should be some sort of recognition for the people of the town. There are no words that can express being met with the unexpected sight of all the people lining the streets, showing their respect and sharing in your pain, especially after having realised that all you have left is a box and not someone to hold, you can feel incredibly lonely....and then you come into Wootoon Bassett and are blown away by the solidarity. I know I will never forget the sight for as long as I live, and will speak for many years to come about the wonderful people in Wiltshire. At times I have felt redunant in being able to initiate a suitable way to express my thanks and respect to the people of the town and I for one think this is perfect.I for one will never forget you..:D

[racedo]

I would be against official recognition.

Not because they don't deserve it for showing respect BUT because of the fawning culture that you would get as a result where towns and villages who decide to do one thing would then demand the same recognition as people who had done something out of the good ness of their hearts.

Politicians and other would jump on the bandwagon.

Better to be held in the hearts of people in thanks for the continual showing of respect that it becoming a "must do" because some politicians have done it and a place has received an award. Better to keep it private than it become a tourist thing.

[theotherhalf]

I have traveled the traumatic road of Wootton Bassett after a repatriation. I also have the priviledge of knowing the people of this area and I honestly feel that their respect and feelings for the hero's that pass through their town needs no more than acknowledgment for a community honouring their dead. I know many who live there, they genuinely feel sorrow and pride for the fallen. This pride has already been respected by RAF Lyneham - does it need more? I doubt they want it, this pride was displayed freely and with humility. Nothing in the world can top that. Whilst I know that others feel it needs recognising, the fact that people of this country are aware and may take their actions as an example should be acknowledgment enough. My man loved this area, he would have felt that his family were there for him - is there need for more?

[Airborne Aircrew]

My man loved this area, he would have felt that his family were there for him - is there need for more?I apologize for my bluntness up front, Sorry.

Yes, there is a need for more. Your man knew and loved the area and, possibly, some who lined the route knew your man. But many who pass through know not the people or the area.

In this modern, "do nothing without benefit to yourself" country that Britain is becoming these people step out, rain or shine, to do something selflessly. Such is the unusual nature of the gesture it is worthy of recognition. If for no other reason that it might draw others to consider a selfless act...

They, like those who populate "The Highway of Heroes" near Toronto, bring a tear to those who understand and they might, hopefully, (even in the smallest way), inspire others who currently either don't know or care to pay some modicum of respect to those who have given their life. Even the smallest step is a step in the right direction.

The people of Wootton Bassett have demonstrated what our country used to be about: Honour and Respect for those who, through volunteering or conscription, have placed themselves in harms way.

Personally, I applaud them and believe that they should be granted recognition as one small town making a big difference in some people's lives and, possibly, helping to maintain a national identity that is becoming harder and harder to find.

[End note]

I lived at RAF Hullavington for 3 years. Beautiful area, wonderful people. I might be considered "biased". But I doubt anyone could make that accusation stick in this regard...

[/End Note]

[theotherhalf]

In this modern, "do nothing without benefit to yourself" country that Britain is becoming these people step out, rain or shine, to do something selflessly. Such is the unusual nature of the gesture it is worthy of recognition. If for no other reason that it might draw others to consider a selfless act...


Sorry for being blunt, but if it takes recognition to encourage others to follow suite then it begs the question 'would they have done it otherwise?' In which case we are back to 'do nothing without benefit to yourself'.

The people of this town have done this wonderful thing out of respect not for recognition. The media coverage of it should surely be recognition enough. Too many people have said that this country does not care about its military and now people are finding ways to refute this statement, we want to reward them. I'm not sure that's right either.
The people of this country should honour our courageous men and women - past and present, and they should not need to be 'honoured' themselves when they have done it.

What a merry go round.
'Gongs all round.
Shake hands
Pat on the back
Let me stand at the front then I can smile at the camera!

Leave these fine people to do what they do best - look after our own with Pride.

[Airborne Aircrew]

Sorry for being blunt, but if it takes recognition to encourage others to follow suite then it begs the question 'would they have done it otherwise?' In which case we are back to 'do nothing without benefit to yourself'.

Behavior modification is effected with a series of small steps, (that often come with some form of reward), such that, when those steps have been completed, the resultant behavior is the norm. You can't change things by doing nothing and you can't expect the behavior modification process to be successful without the appropriate behavior being modeled. The people of Wootten Bassett are modeling the "appropriate behavior" and to recognize their "effort" represents the "reward".

Furthermore, the issue may force the government to look more closely at the way it deals with and thinks about the military, serving, ex and those who have given all.

Unless you want the Chavs to continue to multiply by a similar but opposite process.

[nigegilb]

Just been chatting with a lady in the village, she happened to be in Wootton Bassett on Wednesday during the repatriation of three soldiers. She had very mixed feelings about what was going on. Whilst admitting to feeling overcome with emotion, she did not enjoy seeing people hang out of windows above shops, staring at the procession. There were banks of photographers, reporters doing interviews with assembled members of the public and even a fire tender and crew stood to attention.

She likened it to being caught up in a media event.

I am concerned that what started out as a heartfelt reaction to terrible sacrifice is turning into something else. All we need now is a Government Minister to turn up and feel his presence is required.

Be interested to hear the views of anyone else who was there...

She said she does not want to be there next time there is a repatriation as it felt too uncomfortable. This is sad, as she feels terribly for those who have sacrificed their lives.

[downsizer]

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Honestly some people. You'd be quick to moan if nobody showed their respects.:ugh:

[mr ripley]

I happened to be in WB last year before the 'street lineing' became widely known about. I wondered what people were doing semi-assembled on the High Street then once I twigged found myself standing with everybody. It was a moving display of respect by all sections of the community but especially by the older veterans.

I think the parade and flypast by the Armed Forces held last year was an appropriate thank you. I personally would leave it at that.

[vernon99]

WRT the fire engine, the fire station in WB is a retained one, the firemen are therefore all locals, they wish to pay respects, but to do so, they need to take the fire engine, as they are "on call".

I would say that there are more people in attendance recently, certainly more military people, and judging from the lack of parking behind the high street, a lot of people from further afield.

To me if you are in the town, then you stop and pay your respects, you can tell if there is a repatriation on, as there is a considerable increase in the number of police cars around the area. I can understand old soldiers wanting to pay respects and travelling from local towns. But I do find it a bit strange that the members of the general public feel the need to travel from ??? to WB, is this a genuine way to pay respects (there being no other way if they don't live locally) or is it for personal gain?

My only complaint about all this is the way the press are there when it suits them, it is news when it suits them, it should be top of the news everytime there is a repatriation, if it is uncomfortable for the government to see people paying respects to the fallen every week, then they can do something about preventing it.

[tommee_hawk]

Sorry, but who are we to tell people whether they should come to Wootton Bassett and pay their respects during repatriations? Are we going to suggest next that people outside central London shouldn't attend the Remembrance Day commemorations?

I'm a little confused how people from out of the Lyneham/WB area know when a repatriation is taking place but if they want to pay their respects, why not? I can't imagine what personal gain they're likely to get for their attendance. If press coverage keeps repatriations and their human cost in the public eye, surely that's a good thing too?

I agree that this shouldn't be an excuse for politicians to turn it into a photo op, but what harm would recognition for WB do?. Anything that shows a community standing together these days can't be bad. The good people of WB are behaving brilliantly and doing what many supporters of the Armed Forces would like to - let's not downplay their endeavours.

[bayete]

Excellent to see on the news today during half time that the town's folk of Wootty B are being recognised for thier continued support for our troops comming home.:D

I never remember them complaining about the noise either, unlike the residents in the villages around another secret base in the next county.

Also fantastic Bassett Bangers for the BBQ:ok:

[anita gofradump]

Signed...................and bumped.

[Oldlae]

I've had an e-mail from a mate in Canada and a similar road used to transport the repatriates hearses from the airport in Toronto has been renamed "Highway for Heroes", perhaps WB could do something similar.

[SirPeterHardingsLovechild]

Moderators,

47 Sqn commisioned Mandy Shepherd to do an oil painting of the Wootton Bassett Flypast.

May I post a picture of it here please.

[racedo]

May I post a picture of it here please.

Better to ask forgiveness for doing something than ask permission if you feel it will be turned down.

[Airborne Aircrew]

Yes you can... Now get on with it before a Mod comes...

[SirPeterHardingsLovechild]

But I have already made this mistake before.

If I post the picture, it is for interest and information only.

There may well be a print run in the future, and I would imagine that it would be a combination of Wootton Bassett and/or 47 Sqn involved in it.

Not me. No Sir.

[SirPeterHardingsLovechild]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e66/SirPeterHardingsLovechild/Print.jpg

Last Flight from Lyneham
July 1st 2011
This print marks the occasion when the final flypast of three Hercules C-130J and one Hercules C-130K aircraft flew over Royal Wootton Bassett.
This farewell to the County of Wiltshire marked the moving of the Hercules Force to their new home at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

[StopStart]

Very nice :ok:

Is Mandy any relation to the other famous Shepherd, David? I know he's done a few Herc pics in the past :)

[Top Bunk Tester]

Very nice, will any future print run be LE and signed by the artist?

[SirPeterHardingsLovechild]

Stop Start

Yes, Mandy is David Shepherd's daughter. She did the 'Forty Years' C130K Afghan Strip painting a few years back.

Top Bunk Tester

If you (or anyone reading) has any contacts on 47 Sqn then you will find out more. I have heard that the oil painting is going on loan to RWB, I guess, the Town Hall, but only heard a rumour.

[SirPeterHardingsLovechild]

Painting commemorates last flight (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald) (http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/archive/2012/05/23/Swindon+News+%28swindon_news%29/9721178.Painting_commemorates_last_flight/)


http://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/resources/images/2013906/?type=display

Painting commemorates last flight

A PAINTING of the last time a Hercules aircraft flew over Royal Wooton Bassett has been presented to the town for the summer.

The picture, which was painted from a photograph taken last July, was presented to the town council yesterday by RAF Brize Norton.
It is on loan to the town for the next six months and residents across the town are invited to come and see it.
Royal Wootton Bassett mayor Mike Leighfield said: “It is on loan to us for six months. People can come to the town council offices and see it on display on an easel.
“The painting shows the Hercules coming away from Lyneham up the High Street, it is their last journey out.
“It is an absolutely glorious picture and we have got some copies on sale over the road.”
The painting was created by artist Mandy Shepherd and she presented it to RAF Brize Norton.
Representatives from RAF Brize Norton were at the council offices to lend it to the town yesterday.
For more information phone the town council on 01793 850222.

[ratty1]

The painting was created by artist Mandy Shepherd and she presented it to RAF Brize Norton.
Representatives from RAF Brize Norton were at the council offices to lend it to the town yesterday.


Surely that should read "Representatives from RAF Brize Norton were at the council offices to give it to the town yesterday as Brize Norton don't like the Hercules fleet as they generate too many noise complaints and make the place look untidy".

[SPIT]

Hi
I have tried to add my signature to this BUT I CAN'T FIND THE CORRECT PETITION for the life of me ??? ANY IDEAS :{:{:{

[PPRuNe Pop]

What petition is it you are looking for? IF - it is the one in support of WB you are wasting your time. It is now Royal Wootton Bassett and has been for some months.