On
Thursday 9th July team manager 'Jan' Rendall attended a Royal Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace to celebrate and commemorate the Centenary of Naval Aviation.
The event provided a chance for those who share in the heritage of
Royal Naval Aviation to mark the Centenary by swapping stories over afternoon
tea in the Palace Gardens, with Royals and the Royal Marine Band in attendance.
The Garden Party was open to serving and former serving members of the
Fleet Air Arm and Royal Naval Air Service, Fleet Air Arm Associations, affiliated
organisations and their families. A total of 6000 guests took part in the day,
representing a cross-section of the Naval Aviation community, past and present.
Following
the event, the Cornish Pirates were contacted by Alfie Halford who advised that
he had the pleasure of serving with Jan in the Fleet Air Arm many years ago.
Alfie
commented: "Jan and his wife had been chosen to meet Prince Andrew
and Jan, in his usual upbeat way, didn't waste an opportunity to speak to the
Prince about the Pirates."
Alfie added: "Please
pass on my best wishes to Jan and his family, he is truly proud of your club and
is the best ambassador you could ever wish for!"
On
his return to Cornwall Jan said he was delighted to by chance bump into Alfie
among the thousands gathered at Buckingham Palace. They were at one time fellow
members of the prestigious Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew and they had not seen
each other for about 20 years.
Jan said that Alfie was the fittest man he
ever knew who also at one time played squash with Prince Andrew's bodyguard!
