Out and about with Max and Minty

thumb_arnhem_minty I was parachuted in from HQ Bears to the leafy wilds of Hampstead, to meet eminent Author, Historian and film maker Max Arthur. My first duty was to attend his 70th Birthday, which was held in a very nice bistro [none of your egg 'n chips here, BMG!! Just Champagne and totty!!

Then it was down to one of the real reasons Max had invited me: I was to accompany Max to the home of the Dambusters of 617 Sqn, inspect the Lancaster and tour the dams.

Whilst on standby, I was tasked to attend a book launch at the impressive RAF club in Piccadilly. The book was "The Battle of Britain" by James Holland, where I got to meet some very interesting people including Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Strirup (I got quite giddy at all that scrambled egg) and Flt Lt John Nichol, the Tornado navigator who was shot down in Iraq.

Then I was tasked to visit the Eastenders set. For those of you that don't watch it, apparently it's a very popular TV "Soap Opera", and I was the guest of my Bearer's old school chum Chris Parisi [aka "Minty"] who is a massive supporter of Hols4Heroes. Minty showed me round the set, and I even got to hitch a ride on another TV programme's ambulance which had strayed from Holby to Walford. Thank you for a great day out, Cliff.

I was to meet Minty later on another outing

My Bearer seems to have a varied circle of friends, so we went to watch Polo at Hurlingham. I never got too see a single Chukka, as I was ambushed by young ladies in boots who wanted to keep me out of the sun [Hoooorah!!] and Bjorn Again who sang for us [and very good they were too].

Celebrity wedding.
Cor, this is fun, I got to go to Cliff and Tara's wedding! What an amazing day out meeting lots and lots of film, TV and media stars! Due to publication rights, my Bearer was not allowed to take pictures, however Cliff and Tara have done so much for Hols4H, so thanks guys and we all wish you well for the future.

The Cricket
My Bearer and VH had organised a fundraiser awareness day for Hols4Heroes, and The Eastenders cricket team had agreed to play a team from Hols4Heroes. A Big thank you to Cliff , Rudolph, and Ricky. We also had pearly kings and princes, sumo suits, bouncy castle, and a fire engine ... and the cricket. The result was ..... Celebs 172 for 3; Hols4H 166 all out.

Yet again many thanks to all the people who gave their time and effort to make this event a success, especially Mini VH who worked ever so hard. Minty wore a shirt with a special message to "Dingerr" ... the shirt is now on it's way to Dingerr, and we all wish him well.

The journey so far has been hectic, full of meeting and greeting the media bods and literary world and the occasional pretty females champagne (no beer ho hum) and late nights. There was more to come ...

The World Cup.
A "Fun in the Sun" day, sponsored by Oral B, on the day of that England v Algeria game. However, I got to meet the great George Cohen, the best right back England ever had, and a member of the 1966 winning team. I gave him a few tips and he promised to pass them on. And i met Jamie Theakston [TV and Radio presenter] - oh, so many blokes to meet! (and there were girls there too!)

Alternative World Cup.
Our friends at Burgess Salmon raised a massive £4,900 for Hols4Heroes at their table football World Cup in Bristol. I got to present the trophy and medals to .... yes, you guessed it ... the German team. Well done everyone for your generosity and sporting spirit. Apart from my Bearer, who was a surprise player on the French team and got a yellow card.

I had a further 2 tasks to complete then hopefully back in my box to the relative safety of HQ Bears and the BMG - The Battle of Britain and The Dambusters Raids.

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and I was to accompany Max Arthur again to the launch of James Holland's book "Battle of Britain", an oral history of those dark days in 1940. We again were allowed into the hallowed rooms of the RAF Club where, in addition to meeting the author, I was humbled to meet such men of courage and integrity who 70 years ago fought for this Island. I also got to meet the charming Randolph Spencer Churchill, great-grandson of Sir Winston and Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Wellum DFC who was one of those amazing BofB pilots.

I attended my first film premiere, WOW!! How posh is that? It was in Soho House, the place to be seen you know! Max Arthur's definitive documentary on Operation Chastise [the WW2 attacks on the Germans Dams]. The documentary is an oral and visual feast, with interviews with surviving Aircrew and amazing footage.

Then it was off to the Groucho club for champers and nibbles, yes lots of totty there too! And on my last night in London my Bearer took me on a tour of Soho, some sights to be seen but not for the squeamish!

Right, I think I'm done. Did I say thank you to my friends at Petards, who donated a much-needed £2,500? Ooops ... no nearly missed that. Oh, and Stuart Page of Randy Wood for sponsorship and providing the cricket shirts. So many people have been so helpful and generous ... it's very difficult for a small Bear to keep up when surrounded by such important and kind and helpful people. Huge HUGS to you all.

Anyway, it's been a great 2 months, but now I can't wait to get home for a rest. I'd like to thank everyone who assisted me on this journey, and helped me generate a load more publicity and awareness for Holidays4Heroes. I've met some lovely people and, if CDS reads this, can I mention my overdue promotion to sgt?