Centenary balloon Launch to commemorate the start of the Great War
At one of our Jubilee branch committee meetings we were mulling over what we could do to mark this occasion that would possibly stand out from any other. After much discussion and soul searching it was suggested that we might consider launching 100 commemorative balloons each with a label attached which we would sell to the public or organisations with the sponsor’s name detailed on each. In addition it was agreed that a parade would need to be organised to include branch standards, band, armed forces personnel, youth organisations and voluntary services furthermore we would need dignitaries to actually launch the balloons. The centenary date was 4th August 2014, a Monday so getting people to attend was going to be difficult and who had sufficient experience to get it up and running?
Jubilee branch had never attempted anything on this scale but luckily our knight in shining armour proved to be Debbie Clewes our fairly new secretary who had organised a similar type function in her previous branch in the North of England.
She set to with a vengeance arranging publicity with local papers, radio and even TV (fame at last), a venue, stadium MK thanks to Pete Winkleman the Chairman of MK Dons F.C., helium for the balloons sponsored by Woodfines solicitors, a Parade Marshall in the form of Captain (or is it now Major) Bill Holland and after much persuasion, heartache and considerable stress managed to persuade the Sea Cadets, Red Cross and other voluntary organisations to take part including two pipers from our local Pipe Bandand a bugler all for free. A real accolade for us came in the form of our National Chairman John Crisford who agreed to come along and do the honours together with local dignitaries including the Mayor of Milton Keynes, our local MP and the Chief Executive of MK council. We also had representatives from Buckinghamshire County RBL including the county President and Chairman.Not sure how she managed to do this but we were not going to ask too many questions!
All we had to do was sell the tickets to the public which proved to be exceedingly difficult although we thought the price of £3.50 was about right. Quite by chance our PAO John Wren was contacted by Haig House to see if he could supply 4,000 poppies to the centre MK which had a three dimensional Poppy structure set up in Middleton Hall which had been drilled with holes to enable the public to write a name/message on the free poppies and decorate the structure. We all rallied round and having dressed appropriately manned the area and immediately inundated with people who wanted to either donate to our cause or actually purchase a ticket. The idea of putting a poppy on the structure for free seemed totally alien to the public and we were exceedingly grateful for all the voluntary donations. It was manic but the day raised over £500.
The big day arrived and we were not off to a good start with a slight issue with timings but this was soon rectified and we set to work getting the balloons blown up and placed in the nets. A slight problem, balloons lying on concrete burst so with a quick change of plan we hurriedly moved to the grass pitch and loaded up with additional balloons to allow for bursting. Eventually they were ready and we moved the whole lot to the centre circle. We owe grateful thanks to Joe the MK Dons grounds man for supplying the two football nets and allowing us onto his hallowed ground.
Whilst all this was going on tea, coffee and cakes were made available in the red area and branch/committee members and supporters were allocated to their respective areas. We had no idea of numbers attending so it was with trepidation that we waited for gate 7 to open and proceedings begin. George turned up with his trusty 4 wheeled Ferret Scout Car and started a collection by the gate with our treasurer, Liz Goodman’s daughter assisting. Invited guests arrived at irregular intervals and were ferried to the red area. We had a slight panic with the late arrival of our bugler but all was ready in the nick of time.
John our PAO using his own initiative stood by the balloon net to stop any escaping while Debbie acting as MC opened proceedings with her amazing address which was accompanied by the occasional balloon bursting imitating explosions which was very effective and appropriate even if not planned!!This was followed by the parade which marched round the pitch and halted in front of the main stand for the prayers, reading, last post and balloon launch performed by our selected dignitaries, and yes, we did appear on the telly albeit very fleetingly together with reports in the local papers and our Parish magazine.
Inspite of the little mishaps the day went well with great feedback from our guests and the public. We are indebted to Pete Winkleman, MK Dons staff, Doubletree hotel personnel, Woodfine solicitors, participants, helpers and the public for supporting us without which the event could not have been staged.
On the day a collection raised over £170.00. As we had some balloon failures it was decided that the tickets attached to them would be collected and a further release with new balloons followed later in the day.
In a further gesture of support I understand Pete Winkleman has written off the additional tea and coffee that was consumed on the day which was over our budget. For this we are exceedingly grateful.
I am particularly pleased that our small branch carried it off and am grateful for the support and hard work put in by the committee and branch members, particularly Debbie who was the chief organiser and planner of the whole operation. Well done to all.
