We set off at Lunchtime on Saturday 3rd August and, after taking just under three hours to get past Bodmin, arrived at Wesleys’ Chapel in London, our accommodation for the night, shortly after 7pm
On our arrival we were greeted by The Boys' Brigade President, Lord Griffiths of Burry Port. This was an unexpected pleasure as he happened to be at the church we were staying at. An honour nevertheless and he spent some time talking with the boys about our company and what they get from being BB members. After this meeting we changed into our uniforms and walked the mile and a half through the City to The Tower of London.
That evening we had been invited as VIP guests, to attend the Ceremony of the Keys. This ceremony dates back over 900 years and is quite a spectacle. We really were given a fantastic evening, very special treatment, and were delighted to also note that many of the Yeomen at The Tower recognised our uniforms and came forward as ex BB members themselves.
We then returned to Wesley’s chapel and settled down for the night.
On the Sunday morning after breakfast we got changed into our new shirt and tie uniforms. Looking ‘mega-smart’, we took The Tube into Westminster arriving just in time for The Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade. If only we could do drill like that!
Following on, we then attended Westminster Abbey where we were once again VIP guests. Canon Macey met us at the door and gave us a tour of the Abbey before showing us to our seats at the High Altar for the communion service. I think it can be said with some honesty that this is the only time that not one single boy has moaned or groaned about going to church on holiday! It was an awe inspiring occasion, very far removed from our usual parade services at Camborne Church.
After lunch, and taking in the cycle race that was whizzing through Westminster at the time, we then had an extremely privileged visit to No.10 Downing Street. This is not something that can be requested or arranged externally and we are very proud that we were personally invited to step behind the famous door. It really was a once in a lifetime event that I’m sure none of us will ever forget.
After leaving No.10, we boarded The Tube once again, got back to our cars and returned to Cornwall – getting back at 2.30 a.m. on the Monday morning, tired but very happy.
If you would like to know a bit more about the trip, please contact us at contact2cbb@gmail.com or follow us on Twitter @2ndCamborneBB
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