The coach then to us to Overloon Cemetery where another wreath was laid and Malcolm Jordan spoke the Oration. Some time was spent here because there were some individual tributes laid by members. This is a place which brings back many memories to our lads and has a special place in our hearts.
Lunch was taken at the ''Cafe Museum Zicht '' near the Dutch National War Museum in Overloon. The museum was visited by some members, others either sat around enjoying the weather or walked into the village along a lovely avenue of Horse Chestnut trees narrowly missing being bombed by the many falling conkers. I wonder whether Overloon Council is considering cutting these down as Norwich Council was planning to do. I hope not !
We returned to the hotel for dinner and spent a quiet evening. Well, some of us did - but Taffy Davies and Nevil Griffin (Griff) with two Coldstream Guards were busy trying to become 'stars'. A reporter and a photographer from the local paper came along to interview them. We did eventually receive a copy of the paper and photograph showing our 'Stars'. During this evening, every man who had been present on liberation day was given a case containing some excellent goodies, given by our very generous mysterious benefactor whom we call 'The Chocolate Man'. For a full explanation you must read B&C Issue 94 Jun 2000.
Tue 25 Sep. Liberation day in Helmond. On this day in 1944 the Royal Norfolk Regiment liberated Helmond from the Germans. The residents, especially the older ones, still show their gratitude. We are still stopped in the streets by people who wish to shake our hands and say 'Thank you for my freedom'. It is always very touching and we often have tears in our eyes.
We went to Norfolk Plein, a small garden on a housing estate now, where on a low specially built wall is a plaque which shows Britannia and wording in Dutch, which translated reads Liberation 25 September 1944. Royal Norfolk Regiment 9th Infantry. 1st Battalion. The area is surrounded by nine oak trees which are now fully matured. As with many memorials it gets a bit mucky, but Richard turned up trumps with a bucket of soapy water, cloths and a brush and in no time it was sparkling clean. Thank you Richard !
Lunch was at the Cafe de Bank by the canal in Helmond. Later we had a tour of the Castle Museum. A visit to the Boscotondo Art Gallery was also arranged. In a new complex, housing a cinema and offices, it is quite a striking feature which we have watched grow from a derelict site. I have to admit that some of the modern art exhibits were well over my head!
We had, rather belatedly, received an invitation to join the Coldstream Guards and members of the Town Council at a small Thanksgiving service at St Josephus Chapel during the evening. We would have liked to have arranged for a wreath but time was too short. However Stan Rasberry read the Oration and the local Slavisch Choir sang beautifully.
After the service, Radio Brabant interviewed Nevil Griffin and a Coldstreamer on their thoughts and memories of Liberation Day. The programme was broadcast early the next morning. Drinks and eats were provided after the service at the local Leisure Centre. We then departed, some to bed and some to the Cafe De Bank.
Wed 26 Sep. Today a visit to 'De Porceleyne Fles' in Delft had been arranged. We were welcomed at the factory by our guide and had coffee and cake before the tour began. It was fascinating to see the artistry of the ladies painting the designs on the pieces of Delft. A sort of copy paper is used to put the design on the piece so that the artist knows what she has to do. They need a steady hand. We had lunch at the factory, then visited the shop and made our purchases after which we wandered around Delft until it was time to return to the hotel for dinner and a free evening.
Thu 27 Sep. The itinerary had said: 'A visit to Autotron Rosmalen Veteran Car Museum' however the general feeling was that not enough members were interested. After much discussion the decision was made to visit Eindhoven, but due to the weather even this visit was cut short and an early return to the hotel was made.
During the evening there was a small celebration by the townspeople. In the hotel we were suddenly aware of the sound of band music outside. We all rushed out and there on the other side of the Canal was the town band marching, accompanied by some gentlemen all dressed in black and wearing top hats and black and white scarves. We believe these were members of an organisation called Carat, who look after the culture in the town. This occasion was the switching on of seven floating fountains down the middle of the canal. There was quite a festive atmosphere and the lighted fountains looked beautiful and have brightened up what had been rather a dull expanse of water. Some of our group marched happily along behind the band as it made it's way to the dispersal point. The rest of the evening was spent at the ' Cafe het Oude Brouwhuis'.
Fri 28 Sep. Richard, our driver, had his rest day today and therefore we had the day to ourselves. During the evening we invited our Dutch friends to join us in a party evening at the hotel. Our usual big draw was taken, members had provided some superb prizes. Due to the hard work of Peter Gould and his helpers a good sum of money was raised for our funds.
Sat 29 Sep. Time to go home after another lovely holiday. We left at 1 pm, waved on our way by many of the Vrienden who always manage to get to the hotel in time to see us leave.
Everything went fairly smoothly and we arrived at the Norwich TA Drill Hall shortly before 9.30 pm.

On such a trip as this it is often the little things one remembers later, such as:
George leaving his jacket at the restaurant in Harwich on the way out, not needing it all week then he and Richard getting soaking wet trying to track it down at Harwich on our return !!
Stan, who had once been a butcher, enlivening the dinner times, especially for Ron, telling him how he prepared the meat and sausages!
Derrick’s friendly banter when Beryl lost her voice for three days and asking Nevil how he had managed to silence her !
We also remember the companionship and friendliness of the whole group.
But above all I think we remember the one person who had organised and booked all this and was unable to enjoy it with us - Bill Holden.
We give you our thanks, Bill.

RULE BRITANNIA

Beryl Griffin

And see Bill Holden MBE from B&C 84 Jun 95   Helmond Visit Sep 1998 by Beryl Griffin    Helmond 55 Years on Sep Visit 1999 by Beryl Griffin