By Margaret Sheard ….
Following the Remembrance service and lunch on Sunday 10th November, there was a trip on Monday 11th November, organised by the Royal British Legion Kyrenia Branch to Wayne’s Keep Cemetery followed by a lunch at Ledra Palace hosted by the 27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corp. Sector 2 URR UNFICYP.
We met up at the Pia Bella Hotel in Girne, 2 coaches arrived and at 9.30am off we all went to our destination of the Buffer Zone via the Metehan Crossing. We were also joined by members of the Royal British Legion Larnaca Branch for this event.
Our first port of call was the Wayne’s Keep Cemetery where there was an Act of Remembrance conducted by The Reverend (Capt) Mark Chadwick CF. The ceremony commenced with the Standard Bearers – Kim Tyler – Union Flag, Michael Bone – Kyrenia Branch, Iain Taft – Larnaca Branch, and Bugler – Paul Shaw.
During the service wreaths were laid by Kiera Hay – Kyrenia Branch and Les Briggs – Larnaca Branch.
Refreshments were provided at the Cemetery and there was an opportunity for crosses to be laid at the graves of some of the fallen by those attending.
We then boarded the coaches again and travelled to Ledra Palace where lunch was waiting for us. There was a lovely array of food, salad items, various curries, rice etc. and a fantastic assortment of desserts.
Chris and I were very indebted to Chaplain Mark Chadwick who went out of his way to ensure we were seated comfortably and had a drink, he was so kind and very nice to talk to.
Many of the group had chosen to sit outside the dining room in the sunshine and Kyrenia Branch Chairman and the Larnaca Branch Chairman both gave a short speech, both saying how nice it was that the two Cyprus Branches of RBL had joined together for this visit.
Soon it was time to make our way back to Girne where we said our goodbyes to the people who had made this exceptionally nice trip with us.
Thank you to Dave Horsfall and Jill Bell and the RBL Kyrenia Branch team for a well organised and very enjoyable trip.
