It couldn’t rain on Morecambe’s Remembrance parade

At one point during the lead up to the march off it looked like we wouldn’t be seeing the cadet forces marching. Their adult leaders and instructors were under orders not to let the cadets out in the rain. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!

Not only do we now have the situation where the cadets cannot form an honour guard with rifles, but also not being able to march in the rain - it beggars belief.

In the early 70s I had the privilege of being one of the corner markers around the war memorial with both the sea and the army cadets. In those days the rifles were heavy .303s and, if it wasn’t freezing cold, it was raining - we never stopped going on parade though.

I don’t blame the adult leaders of the cadets, they are only following instructions sent down from some MOD pen pushers who probably have never put on a uniform in their lives. As the fire brigade representative said to me, “skin is waterproof.”

As it was we had an excellent parade with the heavy rain just holding off. The watching crowds were so respectful during the service and the playing of the last post by Stuart Bateson was poignantly moving.

A big cheer also for the Poppy Scatter “Walk and Plod” as 40 of those brave souls faced the elements to raise even more money for good causes. The race was won by David Walker.

The most moving and fitting personal race of the day must surely have been won by Stuart Robinson. He is the ex-RAF Corporal who lost both his legs in Afghanistan.

He laid the wreath for the RAF with grit, determination and so much pride. Afterwards him and his Team Legless colleagues (not a pun, they can be found on Facebook) joined in with the celebrations in the York, suitably entertained by Ashleigh Wood who is now our Forces Sweetheart.

Don’t think a drop of rain would’ve stopped Stuart!