I had a great ride yesterday, thankfully the weather was kind to me, with mostly blue sky's and no rain. (Looks like G&S copped for most of that!!).
I wanted to make something of this, I've never been in the services but really value what past and present people do and have done in them. So, I visited three monuments in three countries. I did want to do the national memorials but I think time would have been an issue. I found my three, (sorry to our friends in Ireland, both north and south) Abergavenny, Alloa and Seaham..
I brought some paper poppies and added IBA logos, thought it nice to put one on each...
The memorial in Abergavenny sits in the high street, it's a simple yet striking one -
To Alloa and one I found, much more graceful in person, than in the images I had seen -
I stopped for a receipt in Alloa at the main Tesco petrol station, I didn't need fuel so just picked up a bar of chocolate for 80p, paid in cash but asked for a receipt, the chap at the till said, "you really need one for that" I said "yes, I need to show I've been here" he asked why, so I told him I was on a ride around. A chap, about 65ish, who stood behind me said "what are you doing that for" I told him it was for the Poppy Appeal. He put his hand in his pocket bought out some change and tried to give it to me, I could not accept it but what a lovely gesture....
And finally to Tommy who sits on the sea front in Seaham. He has to be one of the most striking of all WW1 memorials I think I have ever seen and probably tells as different story to every one that meets him. To me he's had enough, seen and done things he wants to forget. This is the second time I've seen him.
When I got there last night Seaham had a fair on and I'd just missed the fireworks. There was a group of at least three families all together lining up for a group photo with him, So as one of the mums could be in the shot, I took the photo. There were small children climbing on Tommy and I got the feeling, he would have liked that...They all said "See you later Tommy" as they left....
You'll notice I put two poppies on him, I was introduced to Tommy by Foster so, one is for him (hope that's OK Foster and you are too).
I hope all of you planning to do this ride, have a safe and enjoyable one, which ever route you take..