'On a frosty, cloudless, November morning we ambled along, in the bright winter sunshine, by the embankment, past numerous canoeists carrying out timed training excercises up and down that section of the River Trent between Trent Bridge and the nearby footbridge – their cox's, using loud mega-phones, were dishing out instructions – some were even operating on the promenade, giving individual canoeists training advice as they peddled their push-bikes alongside, dodging the odd illegal fisherman', sunday strollers, dog walkers and such-like.
Several joggers puffed by, as we sat drinking tea in an almost continental-style outside area of the cafe (the one that wasn'tadvertising Hala burgers – wtf?!)
 |
| Water feature to the rear of the Embankment Memorial |
We decided to have a look at the memorial garden to the rear of the structure. It was, surprisingly, fairly spacious and neatly decorated with an array of leaf-shedding trees and grassed areas – there was an impressive water feature in the centre with a large cascading water fountain display, designed to emit a continuous flow in a sort of mushroom cloud effect.
 |
| HRH Queen Victoria |
Heading this, elongated pond-like feature, was the impressive Queen Victoria statue that had, previously, stood for decades in the Market place in the centre of the city.
This was the first time I'd even noticed it! It was 'effectively' entombed in a steel metal wire cage for some reason (H&S probably) preventing anyone getting close to it. Why such a glorious monument has been transferred to this secluded area is a mystery – it should be returned to it's original location and that 'other'shrine statue relocated to a more suitable place outside the city.
 |
| Service of Remembrance Programme |
The City council had printed a numerous amount of special 'Remembrance Service' pamphlets which were being handed out in copious quantities. Taking our copies, we stood waiting for the military procession to commence proceedings being led by the brass band in their distinctive red uniforms, following which were the various representatives of the forces – regular soldiers / navy / territorial / reservists / etc.
 |
| Parade stands to attention prior to commencement |
 |
| Military Band set off playing their instruments |
 |
| Followed by Navy |
 |
| Then the regular army |
 |
| Banner Bearers |
 |
| Sea Cadets |
 |
| Army cadets / reservists |
 |
| Members of Fire brigade |
As the crowds began to swell outside and around the monument we went to view the site from the 'other' side of the water – some people, shockingly, weren't even aware what was going on!
Doing a circular, we passed back over the Trent Bridge side, briefy viewing the war plaque on the bridge before going round to the other side back to the gathering.
On the Eleventh hour the two minute's silence was observed, followed by the wreath laying ceremony. After this followed some brief recitals / prayers before 'God Save The Queen 'was sung. It was then that the crowd began to, slowly, disperse, as the military personnel procession did their pass out march.
A memorable morning remembering the brave, (past and present). - Those prepared and willing to lay down their lives for Queen and country – we will always honor their sacrifices.
The only noticeable lack were many of the regular scooterists - but they had good reason to be so sparce - they must have packed out the nearby Clifton Memorial Service which was this year's planned rideout. A few scooters were still spotted here ...
 |
| Neat Lambretta scooter (one of several) |
 |
| 'England - Love It Or Leave It' |
On our return, we stopped off at a nearby church's graveyard and placed our poppies on a couple of , randomly selected, war graves.
 |
| Little poppy left on a soldiers grave |
Once again I was disappointed by the lack of representatives from our 'wonderous enrichers' - but , hey, what do I know - I guess, to certain sectors of our society, I'm just a bigoted 'knuckle-dragging' waycist-scumbag-fascist-nazi-ignoramous. (tired)'
I thought I was just a patriot.
[Jeffrey]