I was at the meeting tonight and was given the agenda notes, along with everyone else. These showed that Item One had in fact been changed. So that instead of a 'Reject' it was 'Granted.' But there was still the meeting to overcome - but it turned out to be a good oemn.
There were dozens from both PPRuNe and from ARRSE. Also there was Captain Peter Norton GC and his wife Sue. There were also guys from Headley Court who had only one leg and one without both. But they were there to offer support and certainly didn't want sympathy. Their loved ones had to come from places like Essex, Wales and Liverpool. One girl was at the meeting supporting her man and she came from Liverpool. A most charming lady.
SAFFA spoke first. Very much to the point and very eloquently putting forth their reasons for wanting the house in Grays Lane.
Sue Norton then spoke, with a heap of emotion, putting forward the supporters reasons for having the house/haven for visiting families. It was a tough time for a lady who had spent hours and hours traveling with her two sons from Gloucester to Headley Court. In fact, 20,000 miles in the last year. So determined was she that husband Peter should be able to see his two boys. Just take a moment to think about that.
The council debated the issue and it became clear that there was a strong feeling for granting the application and so it turned out. 17 to nil with two abstentions. It would be fair to say that there was a minor eruption of joy with much hugging and congratulations for those who had striven so hard for so long to bring this about.
The press were in abundance as was TV. Interviews were being conducted all around, together with much back slapping. Medals were in view some of which had been hard won.
All the regular PPRuNers who were there, now sport a PPRuNe badge as do the guys from Headley Court including Peter Norton and his wife Sue. I also gave a few badges to those brilliant workers in the field who served the Queen bee that was ARRSE so well. It was to some extent a joint effort but it MUST be said that the major input and success is due to the gallant and wholly successful efforts of a whole bunch of people from ARRSE. But, I was heaped with thanks for the help that PPRuNe and this thread had given and now happily pass this on, first to Danny, and also to you - who contributed so much and gave so much hope for SSAFA and Headley Court.
This was a victory! No two ways about it. It was won by a tenaciousness that was awesome.
Each one of these people can justifiably put a hand on their hearts and be proud that this result was achieved with a dedicated approach and a strong determination.
I thank the contributors to this thread who had forseen some problems but were uncannily correct in the assumption that the premise chosen was the wrong one in planning terms. And those who kept the whole thread up to date with the latest possible information.
Well done everyone.
PPP