International

First the journey through the suburbs of Birmingham and then a wonderful afternoon at the Birmingham International Tattoo - an awesome show from start to finish featuring  marching Bands  of our Army, Navy, Airforce,  parade of the massed standards British Legion, Sea Cadet Corps, massed pipes and drums and Highland Dancers;  and bands from France, Hungary, Sweden and Italy. We hoped the reigning champions, RAF Cosford would win the RNRMC Field Gun Competition again this year, but despite all of our loud encouragement, the honours went to ......  the Navy!!  The British flyball Racing (dog gymkhanna) was as entertaining as ever and Guest singers Tim Pitman and Rebecacca Robinson opened and closed the show with wonderful performances.  The Finale was so moving with all the performers together in the arena, and whilst flower petals were released from above the massed bands played and Rebecca sang 'The Evening Hymn and Sunset' followed by 'the day thou gavest' - that finished me off and tissues were needed.

A fantastic afternoon's entertainment - and a hassle free journey home.