MBF Charity Walk Saturday 6th May |
| It was with a great sense of anticipation that the intrepid walkers from West Lancashire met up on Preston station at 6.45 on Saturday morning. When we arrived, even the coffee shop wasn't open. Thankfully this was soon rectified, and we left just before 7. Our Provincial Grand Master, Keith Beardmore, Wally Atcheson, Sword Bearer, John Bicknell, Provincial Secretary, Paul Snape, Special Representative, and Giles Berkley, new Assistant PGM, all boarded, and we picked up Ian Nairn, Asst PGM and Michael Clarke PAsstPGM at Warrington. Tony Farrar had done all of the arrangements for the trip, and we all thank him for his sterling efforts. |
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| We were all very disappointed that Wally had not brought the sword with him! The usual good humour ensued on the train, and despite the fact that a rather large chap stole my seat, all was well. We even had meat pies, provided by Keith! My displacement meant that I chatted to a nurse all the way down, and we discussed de-fib training, health awareness meetings, and of course PSA testing, and blood bikes to come - Mark initiatives all, ably promoted by Michael Clarke during his tenure as AsstPGM. She didn't get a word in! |
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| The trip was made even better as Paul Snape & John Bicknell knew the train driver - we are not sure, but we thought John went up to ask for a drive at one stage. Morag the trolley dolly soon put a stop to that. |
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| Arrival at Euston meant a quick dash to 86 St. James's Street by tube, and coffee and biscuits to gird our loins. The Pro Grand Master addressed us all, and advised that the total raised was £321,000 - which raised the roof with a round of applause. He led us off at 10.30, with strict instructions that there was to be no overtaking of the Province ahead......which was obviously complied with, for about 5 minutes, as we were one of the last teams out, in alphabetical order. Keith, Wally and John set a blistering pace - I think they had a quick time in the sweepstake. Michael, Ian, Paul and I were not as quick, with Ian giving us a fascinating tour of the Royal Parks, and all the monuments. I had absolutely no idea just how much open space there is in London, with huge expanses of parkland right there, near Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and of course right near St. James's Street. |
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| We had expected a nice little stroll through a few parks, but it turned out to be a little more than that - over 8 miles, thankfully under misty clouds, to keep us cool. When we arrived back at St. James's Street, 45 minutes later than Keith & Co, we were applauded through the doors - I may well insist on that from now on for West Lancashire - it was lovely! I think they thought we had been lost forever, the memorial service was well into the planning phase. On a telephone enquiry from our Provincial Grand Master, Paul Snape advised him we were in the pub, just to disguise our less than record-breaking pace! |
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| Mark Masons Hall provided us with a superb buffet (Ian liked the goujons, Keith & Wally had the cheese) and we all were forced, through having a little time to spare before our return train, to go to the pub - this time it was no bluff. Then on to the First-Class lounge at the station, and away back up North, eating more pies, sausage rolls etc provided by Michael Clarke, and naturally some gin and tonic.......A great day, with great friends, and for a wonderful cause. Only the sore legs, knees and blisters detracted somewhat from an otherwise perfect event. And yes, Keith, Wally & John did indeed overtake our Pro Grand Master!! |
| Words by Giles, Pictures kindly supplied by John Bicknell and Keith Beardmore |
