The Sixth Inverness (Scotland) Company .. St Marks Church Boys Brigade .. Jubilee Year Tour .. 1909 – 1959 ..France and Italy. This is a silent movie. The Movie It begins with our boarding our bus outside St Marks by the river on Huntly Place, friends and relatives wave us away. A map shows our first refreshment stop at Dunblane and us exiting the bus for a short break, re-boarding and an internal view of us on the bus. The idea was to try and reach Paris in one long drive, so obviously us at Dover and then sailing across the Channel to Boulogne. Arriving in Paris we were greeted by Dr Caskie (The Tartan Pimpernel) we attended a service there and stayed the night in the church hall. We then travelled on to Lyon where we had a break. Some fun in the town park, followed by a march past for the benefit of the locals. Henry our piper leading. A further jaunt and stop at Mont Cenis Pass. Reaching our destination and campsite at Torre de Laggo. Setting up camp (note the bell tents) our first night, breakfast and ablutions. A few days later march onto bus destination Barga. This was the trip mentioned above arranged by Lorenzo. Allow me a few moments for you to savour what occurred. We were not sure what to expect but the welcome was phenomenal, the village was decorated throughout with flags and bunting and most of the villagers turned out to see us arrive, it was nothing short of a civic reception. We were welcomed by the Mayor, taken into the town hall and served with wine etc. (imagine that ... wine!) We were shown round the village, taken to Renzo’s mother’s restaurant and received a large meal with many courses. Later, a party in the village square. There we had an opportunity to show off our skills in Highland dancing. On leaving a few of the lads wanted to stay on and a tear or two was shed when this was refused. Back to the camp and an excursion to the Lake which was quite close. I can remember the sand was so hot we could not walk barefoot. We had other excursions including a visit to Pisa which do not feature in this film. Time to pack up and return home but a visit to Monaco was arranged, which was our first stop. We had gifts for Prince Rainier and Princess Grace but they were not at home. We did however get a guided tour of the Palace and its gardens. Onwards to Calais. There we arrived too early for the ferry and slept in an open field. No tents but straw bales. First stop on UK soil was London where it was pre-arranged for us to visit Westminster we were shown round by some distinguished guide (can’t recall) and remember being in the debating room. I suspect the camera was not allowed. Inverness and the bus arriving, along Huntly Place. Family friends and some well kent faces. A holiday well worth remembering. The Players (As far as I can remember) .. Stanley and Douglas Bennie, Robert and Sydney Severn, Derek and Norman MacRae, Tom and David Rilley. Ian Skivington, Alistair MacLennan, Willie Godsman, Robert Wilson, Bonzo (Officer), Henry (Piper), Allan Hardy, Bernard (straw hat) George Bland, Spekkie (Lost an eye), Hughie (the fish), James Falconer, Rev D. Graham, Freddy Chapman, Douglas Mearns, Mike Galleitch. (To be continued.)

• published: 10 Feb 2015
• views: 7