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National Arboretum - Annual Ceremony at the ROC Memorial

​This year the Gathering at the ROC memorial was on the 13 May, Jacqui and I travelled up to Alrewas for the ROCA event. With a car full of memorabilia from former No 1 Group members and families to pass to the Heritage Team, including uniform items and two large bags of ROC Journals. It was a smaller gathering than in the past. Five group Standards with the No 1 Group Standard carried by Jacqui Giles and the National Standard carried by No 8 Group’s Gordon Johnson
 
After a dull start and some drizzle on the way the rain held off and the sun broke through as the afternoon progressed. In the sunshine the No 1 Group tree was in blossom and looked healthy hence the photograph. Although the ground was rather spongy the Standards were arched down the Grove. For a short service led by the Rev David Simpson from No 20 Group and an address by the National Chairman, John Sharpe
 
A chance to look around the Arboretum and admire new and old memorials. There was also time to chat with the members attending. It was good to see some new Standard Bearers.
 
The RBL Bikers were there in good numbers for their Annual Service and AGM. Always a cheery bunch to chat to. Their theme this year was “All gave some, some gave all” a good thought to have in mind as our numbers dwindle. Jacqui and I had an overnight stay booked in a local hotel (in case we were soaked) and a drive home in sunshine until we got onto the M25 with the congestion through the northern part due the football supporters going to Wembley.
 
Overall, it was a pleasant weekend amongst friends and colleagues.
 
Terry Giles

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