Commemorative service at Cholmondeley Park of the 83rd anniversary of Czechoslovak service personnel arriving there in 1940

We had been watching the weather reports with a fear of dread as thunderstorms and heavy rain had been forecast, but we are happy to say we were blessed with sunny spells and not a drop of rain fell until we were all finished.

The event began with a marvellous parade of standards, including those belonging to the Czechoslovak veterans, the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Force Association, the Army Cadet Force (Nantwich) Detachment, 100 (Nantwich) Squadron Air Training Corps and 310 (Widnes) Squadron Air Training Corps. They were led in by Parade Marshall Gary Timmins and the Cheshire Drums and Bugles. The cadets looked so smart and I know the veterans would have been so proud so see them carry on their tradition.

We were delighted to invite for the first time, The High Sherriff of Cheshire Dr Dunn, who has recently been appointed into the role by His Majesty King Charles. He gave a wonderful opening speech and talked about his own personal connection to the Czech and Slovak Republics, having visited and worked with their university professors shortly after the Velvet Revolution.

Speeches were also given by their Excellencies, the Czech and Slovak Ambassadors and myself. We all mentioned the warm welcome the veterans had received after the Fall of France by the Cholmondeley family and the local people. We also focused on how the close relationship between Great Britain, and Czech and Slovak Republics continues, as they work together to support Ukraine in the war against Russia.

The Reverend Canon Christopher Samuels led the service, with the last post being played by Ted Fowles. The Remembrance Exhortation was spoken in Czech by General Beran, the Czech Defence Attaché and the Kohimah Epitaph in Slovak by Colonel Stolárik the Slovak Defence Attaché.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by, The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Dr. Dunn, Her Excellency the Czech Ambassador, Mrs. Chatardová, Czech Embassy London and His Excellency the Slovak Ambassador, Dr. Ondrejcsák. Slovenské veľvyslanectvo v Spojenom kráľovstve / Slovak Embassy in UK

A wreath was laid by Mr Hall on behalf of Lord Cholmondeley and the estate team, Colonel Forbes on behalf of the Army, and Group Captain Booth on behalf of the Royal Air Force. Others were laid by The Deputy Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor Marilyn Houston and The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Majid Khan, Cholmondeley and Chorley Parish Council, was laid by Mr Fennell, The County Chairman, Royal British Legion Cheshire, by Mr. Bagshaw and on behalf of the Royal Air Force Association, Mr. Revell, The Chairman, Royal British Legion Bunbury, Mrs. Davies and The President, Royal British Legion Nantwich, Mr. Dwyer, and on behalf of the Polish Airmen’s Association, Mr. Roth. The Chairman, Friends of the Czechoslovak Memorial Fountain Group, Leamington Spa, Czechoslovak Freedom Fountain Mr. Loquens and Mr Pavel, presented flowers.

Special mention has to go the Mrs Sheila Novak (wife of veteran Joe Novak,) and Lady Milena Grenfell Baines, Milena Grenfell-baines(a Nicholas Winton evacuee). Both were determined to pay their respects and share their personal memories with us, both during the service and afterwards. They are a shining beacon for their generation and remind us why it is so important we must continue this event.

Thank you to Mr Losman, the Consul for the Czech Embassy Manchester and Mrs Losman for attending along with all those who made the day so enjoyable. In particular, we must mention Paul McCabe and the Friends of Waterloo Tennis Club in Liverpool, who cycle down every year to pay their respects to the veterans, no matter what the weather. Our event just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Also, thanks to Helen Partington Helen Partington for making the most delicious Czech biscuits to go alongside the fantastic afternoon tea created by Belinda and the Castle Café team. (I definitely recommend the cream, jam and strawberry scones!)

Finally, to Lieutenant Colonel Nick Southward O.B.E, for organising the event so well and supporting me to deliver it. His attention to detail always ensures it all goes to plan on the day. I hope he enjoys a well-earned break now. And to John Polak our Treasurer for all his help with the programmes.

I am sure our veterans would be delighted to see the tradition they started is alive and well, and the values they fought for are still as important today, as they were 83 years ago.