The Sandbag Times Issue No: 50

This year, Remembrance Sunday appropriately was
November 11th, 100 years since the Armistice was signed
effectively ending the fighting in Europe and the rest of the
World. The parades around Saltcoats, Ardrossan and
Stevenston belong to the community and all were welcome
to attend, march and participate. Many veterans and
families wore medals of relatives and wore them with
pride. A few little surprises cancelled on us at the last
minute however we did have the company of The Scottish
Military Vehicle Group and WW1 re enactors lining the
route during the parade. Some of whom travelled from as
far away as Dunoon to volunteer there time for all those
we lost during the war. Total respect to you all and thank
you.
Veterans Breakfast Clubs
Saltcoats Parade Marks
Remembrance 100 in Fine Style
change out of my wet uniform but I did manage along to
the Stevenston war memorial just in the nick of time to pay
my respects. Well done everyone involved I know how
hard you've worked this year and it certainly paid off.
Look out for the planting of the time capsule at Saltcoats
War Memorial next week.
Footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhI4ReJvkY&feature=share
Remember if you have anything you'd like put in the capsule
before burial please do let us know.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
At this year’s parade we had a column of veterans proudly
marching with us as there was no need to belong to any
ex services organisation, they just marched with us with
there heads held high. Those of whom were unable to
march were seated in the Melbourne Cafe so they could
keep warm and dry. We had a huge number of groups
marching in the parade, far too many to mention and the
deputy lieutenant from Ayrshire and Arran Matt Smith in
attendance (and whom like the rest of us got a jolly good
soaking).
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
This was a once in a lifetime chance and never to be
repeated opportunity to participate and I was really overwhelmed
with the turnout despite the weather. There are
525,600 minutes in this year, on the 11th November at
11am we all spent 2 of those minutes reflecting and
remembering those who paid the price so that we can
enjoy the remaining 525,598 in peace and freedom. I
salute each and everyone who took part, volunteered and
helped set up this momentus day, what an absolutely terrific
team effort by all.
The parade was live streamed by Eddy and his team from
Ayrshire Film company and we had a wonderful flow of
photographers. Thanks to Elaine at the Melbourne for
allowing us to display our WW1 memorabilia on loan from
my dear friend Pete Scally and Poppy Scotland.
Thanks to all our parade marshalls, councillors, local
groups, schools, history groups, flag bearers, isle of cumbrae
pipe band (who also piped at the war memorial at
6am), adelaide college who provided the sound system,
local veterans, breakfast club, legion, melbourne cafe for
opening early providing free food and drink after the
parade, The labour Club for the hot food and drink and
the Stevenston Masonic for the lovely food and drink too.
The Saltcoats Parade has never been so successful and
with such a brilliant team effort all round am really looking
forward to next years parade!
Despite the horrendous weather and boy did the heavens
open, it was a truly remarkable morning and a day I'll
never forget.
I didn't manage to make the Ardrossan parade as I had to
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