The Intendant General, R.Ill.Kt. Nicholas White, is always keen to promote the Division of Devon and Cornwall across the country. The invitation to N&E Yorkshire was no exception, the date was fixed and travel booked. Anticipation was high for a great couple of days back up north.
The excitement was challenged on arrival at Plymouth station. The train was only going as far as Birmingham New Street. As seems to be the case these days, a shortage of staff to take the train onwards to Edinburgh. At least we had notice.
It has been a long time since the IG had stopped at New Street, so it was an interesting delay. The new Bull Ring building with its glass, steel structure and hosts of shops was impressive, as was the statue of a bull. The IG pondered whether, in ancient time, had any sort of bovine beast had ever set cloven hoof in the area?
The onward connection to York was ‘rammed’ with the customers of its original bookings as well as the customers from the cancelled train… standing room only between Birmingham and York. It’s a busy line with a lot of stops, not many getting off!
Finally, arriving at York onto Northern Trains to a train full of Christmas shoppers. Arriving at the hotel in Middlesbrough was a relief. The IG met with the R.Ill.Kt Williams Grey in the bar with his pre meeting team who had gathered to prepare the room for the next day. A good nights sleep was had!
Saturday started well with a welcome coffee and a selection of Pork Pies, plain or with apple and one with…. Black Pudding! Local delicacies.
Catching up with fellow IGs, some of whom had been with us the previous weekend in Devon & Cornwall, was, as usual, great fun. No one counted the amount of pie that was consumed.
The meeting ran very smoothly with the Divisions own elements making it a delightful spectacle. On mentioning the distances R.Ill. Kt Nicholas White had travelled, the response was that it was the same distance from Plymouth to Middlesbrough as it was from Middlesbrough to Plymouth. Intendant General had to manage another unruly element in the IGs, some comments were made relating to the IGs strong Scottish tones.
The festive board consisted of a Haggis roll (pastry), chicken with an apple pie following. Delightful speeches, with humour but reflecting the respect the Division has for their IG.
The journey home…. well that’s another story.