Recognition for Wootton Bassett
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Recognition?
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.
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.
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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.
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
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
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.
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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.
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.
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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
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
Last edited by SirPeterHardingsLovechild; 1st May 2012 at 21:21.
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Stop Start
Yes, Mandy is David Shepherd's daughter. She did the 'Forty Years' C130K Afghan Strip painting a few years back.
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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.
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.
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Painting commemorates last flight (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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.
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.
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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.
Representatives from RAF Brize Norton were at the council offices to lend it to the town yesterday.
Cool Mod
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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.
