I think we can all agree that this last week has certainly been one thing: hot!
Sunday saw me attend the Trowbridge and Westbury Lions, “White Horse Classic and Veteran Vehicle Show”.
Hundreds of beautiful, desirable, and interesting classic and veteran cars from the daily used to the concourse prepared had gathered from near and far and were being exhibited for the public to enjoy and stare at enviously. For a dyed-in-the-wool petrolhead like me, this was an event to savour! But there weren’t just cars. Oh no, there was a good selection of classic and veteran motorcycles, emergency vehicles, agricultural vehicles, and static engines on display, plus stalls selling all sorts of merchandise, food, and drink, and a stage with live music throughout the day. All in all, a really good mix with something to appeal to everyone.
Unfortunately, I don’t think either my wife or I were fully prepared for the sun and heat that we had that day! Certainly, I know that I very quickly regretted the poor decision to turn up in a suit and tie to wander around a field in the blazing sun. My wife very sensibly decided to take refuge in the tea tent and rehydrate, and I really had to give a massive shout-out to the president of the Westbury Lions group, who kindly walked her over to the tea tent when she started to feel a bit faint. This kind and caring chap made sure she waited for me in the shade with a welcome cup of tea!
Thanks, Trowbridge and Westbury Lions, for putting on a really good event!
Wednesday is Market Day in Trowbridge, and a week or so ago I promised our Community Policing Team that I would come along and spend an hour or so with them when they set up a stall to engage with anyone walking through the market this week.
We had some very interesting conversations, notably about how there seems to have been a significant reduction in low-level crime and anti-social behaviours in the town centre recently, but also about the continuing need for members of the public to report any issues as and when they see them occurring.
I know I’m constantly going on about this, but it really is important that the police are made aware of problems. Anti-social behaviour is the main one, so they can do their best to deploy their resources effectively where they’re most needed!
At the end of the day, if you don’t tell the police about something that you see happening, how are they supposed to know?
And then came Saturday: Uniform Services Day, Heritage Open Day, Weavers Market Day—all in all, a very busy day in Trowbridge.
I’m going to concentrate here on Uniform Services Day, which was held in the town park.
I was there to open the event with our wonderful town crier, Trevor Heeks. It is worth mentioning at this stage that last week saw the thirty-seventh anniversary of Trevor’s appointment as Trowbridge Town Crier. During those thirty-seven years, Trevor has been a constant rock in this town; his stentorious tones have heralded in evens large and small over the decades in a way that has become almost synonymous with Trowbridge itself. He is truly a town treasure, and his contribution to our civic life cannot be overvalued. Thank you, Trevor!
The event had been conceived and overseen by a committee of councillors, retired councillors, and residents and had been managed and organised by our own TTC Events Team. Both groups made our town proud, and the day was a resounding success. Saturday’s Uniform Services Day certainly knocked it out of the park!
It was a wonderful celebration of everyone who goes to work in a uniform, be they in the armed, emergency, medical, or rescue services!
I met some truly inspirational people—not just those currently “serving,” but veterans and the next generation as well. I have nothing but admiration for everything they do to protect, defend, minister to, and save each and every one of us.
Thank you to everyone who exhibited, displayed, and entertained us. There are too many to list individually. Thank you to all the volunteers who willingly gave up their time to man the stalls and steward the event. Thank you to the local residents, councillors, and others who helped conceive and plan today’s celebration. Finally, thank you to Vicky and her team from Trowbridge Town Council, who worked so hard to bring this all together. You all made us proud.
I have to finally mention my Mayoral Cadet, Sgt. Rose Church (yes, she’s a sergeant now) of 2196 Squadron RAFAC. Rose accompanied me around innumerable stalls and exhibits on what was the hottest day of the year with a smile and a courteous word for everyone. She’s a true credit to her unit.
And I got to sit in the driver’s seat of a fire engine. Could life get any better?
That’s it for now, so until next time, keep safe, and please be kind to each other.
