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Since our last report we have led a fairly
sheltered life and not had as many activities as usual. We hope to improve
on this in the summer months. In the first three months of the year we
welcomed three new members – Mrs Elizabeth Winter (WRAC), Miss Beryl
Manthorpe (ATS) and Miss Hazel Pearson (ATS). We hope the momentum
continues throughout the year!
We held a very well attended annual lunch in
January, our welcome guests being the Vice President Lt Col (Retd) Sue
Westlake and our Area Chairman, Mrs Patricia Stevenson. Numbers were
increased by Cambridge Branch and several of our local WRENS Association
members. The February meeting was poorly supported owing to the usual
winter coughs and colds and the dreadful weather. We were outnumbered by
the “Trefoil Trillers” a group of former Girl Guides who came along to
entertain us with songs, poems and stories.
A number of gentlemen, supported by their
wives, came to our March meeting to tell us about the “East Coast Truckers’
Association”. Several years ago a few local HGV drivers got together to see
what they could do to entertain handicapped children in the city and
county. They began in a small way, taking youngsters to Yarmouth for a day
at the seaside. Over the years, this has grown into an enormous campaign;
they have had to limit the number of trucks to 80, with many more waiting to
join. From the film shown, it is an impressive sight, 80 trucks with happy
children transported from Norwich to be entertained at a camp in Lowestoft,
and then on to Yarmouth for a parade along the ‘Golden Mile’ and home. The
whole way is packed with sight-seers and well-wishers. They now have huge
support from the public.
Several of us thoroughly enjoyed the ATS
70th Anniversary Celebration at the Victory Services Club and we send our
grateful thanks to all those who made it possible.
Unfortunately we were not awarded the
Lottery Grant which we had hoped would enable us to visit Eden Camp and the
National Memorial Arboretum to celebrate our anniversary, so instead we are
making our aim to the attendance next March at the Grand Reunion in
Blackpool. See you there! |
