Photos and story by Helen Playford
Saturday 13th June 2009, was a day for the Normandy Veterans celebrate and remember the waterfront history in Southampton waters .
Veterans and invited guests, saw the newly elected Chairman of New Forest Council, Les Puttock, present the cup.
Veteran Bill Price the originator of the cup, also presented a voucher cheque from the New Milton Conservative Club.
Vice Commodore Trevor Tennison accepted the cup and cheque on behalf of the winner Rodger Lockett. Invited guests included Peter Hodge, General Secretary to NVA, Cr Paul Woods, Cr Alan Rice, NFV President MP Desmond Swayne, MP Julian Lewis and New FNV Secretary Ernest Stack.
Sue Mitchel, Bill Price, Helen Playford ,Peter Hodge
The third year of the D-Day Normandy Veterans sailing cup was won by Hythe Sailing Club member Rodger Lockett. Rodger owns a fast going ocean racer called Blue Print. His crew member was Peter Liddard, and they knew early on, in the windy conditions, even with their handicap, they had a good chance of winning the race. The yacht is a Swedish built „Albin‟ which Rodger has sailed for the last 30 years.
The welcoming address by Veteran Bill Price gave an interesting insight to the history of Hythe and its contribution to the war effort. “At this time in June 1944 Operation Overlord was in progress, there was a major storm, which destroyed the American
part of the Mulberry Harbour and affected the landings” We celebrate the 65th anniversary of the landings, and remember those who did not return to their loved ones, and those not with us today”
The village of Hythe and surrounding waters played a very positive part at the time from the building of sea rescue boats, to the embarking areas for the encamped troops. Operation Overlord was the turning point in warfare operations to liberate France and Europe by the channel crossing on 6th June 1944 from Southampton waters in world war history.
The General Secretary of NVA was delighted to attend the event, as it was his final year with NVA, and invited all Veterans to submit for the Heroes Return subsidy, and would be delighted to assisted anyone needing in formation. He concluded his speech with a invitation to all to sing along „For he‟s a jolly good fellow‟ chorus for Bill Price.
NFV Secretary Ernest Stack presented Bill Price with a Artillary shield as a personal gift from himself and his wife Barbara, to celebrate his 95th year. NFV Chairman Ted Thurston, dropped in for a flying visit and presented appreciation gifts to Sue Mitchell for her recent framed embroidery logo to the NFV. Veteran Gordon and Gwen Berryman were missed by all because of poor health, and we wish them speedy recovery.
Biil Price, Chairman NFC, Ernest Stack
The Hythe Sailing Club was decorated with a Union Jack, flags, photos from their recent Normandy Commemorations, and red white and blue table decorations, provided by club member Sue and Mick Mitchell, who had recently returned with the Veterans from Normandy. Sue personally took her holiday leave to decorate the club, and presented chocolates and roses to all the ladies of the Veterans. Thanks also to Fiona Grist and friends for the lovely Buffet Lunch hosted by Hythe Sailing Club.
 |