5:23pm Saturday 7th November 2009
THE red carpet was rolled out for Marlow's war heroes at the annual Veterans' Lunch held at Court Garden House today.
Marlow mayor Neil Marshall greeted the 82 guests, which included 26 veterans and dignitaries from Marlow's twin town Marly-Le-Rois, for the meal which is held every year before Remembrance Sunday.
Marlow Town Councillor June Coleridge and resident Corinne Field were also celebrated for their secret work as codebreakers at Bletchley Park during the war after the Government finally recognised their endeavours last month.
Cllr Coleridge said: “We were awarded our medals last month and we were both delighted, especially after such a long time and it's also wonderful to be here for this meal.
“The two of us were sent to different training centres, I was based at Mill Hill and I remember it wasn't finished when I arrived there and I spent a lot of time scrubbing the floors.
“After I finished my training, I faced the panel to find out where I would be stationed but they said I didn't have the skills required – they did had a change of heart and said dismissively, 'oh actually we might have something you could do'.
“They wouldn't tell me where I was going or what I was doing until we signed a secrets act and even then I wasn't told – just to show up at the train station at a certain time.
“We arrived at the Manor in complete darkness with next to no lighting, still having no clue where we were, and we got to work in eight hour shift patterns.
“I can remember thinking about how far we were from the sea and also the fun we had hitch-hiking into London and chanting on our way in with the lorry driver.
Mayor Scott said: “I'm amazed at how long it took for them to be awarded their medals because they were at the forefront of our plans and richly deserve their recognition.
“It's always a wonderful occasion this meal, we hold it every year the day before the Remembrance Parade and it's fantastic to see all our heroes gathering together to share their stories.”
Click on the link below to see where you can pay your respects to the country's fallen soldiers on Remembrance Sunday.
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