PW_4_2021

Article

Mayflower Postponed Wilf Rickard , Cornwall Branch Secretary On 16th September 1620, the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth on its epic voyage to the Americas. Much has been written about what happened during the voyage and on arrival at the east coast of the USA.

Part of the organising committee with two of the Hotel Staff at their presentation

I n the years leading up to the 400th anniversary , Plymouth City Council began planning to commemorate the Mayflower’s sailing with a week long programme of events. The IPA wanted to be part of these celebrations, so the Chair of No7 Region, Colin Gameson and the Region Committee, proposed a range of ideas. These included tour events, visits to local attractions and a Gala Dinner. A number of members willingly took responsibility, for transport, hotels, entertainments, visits etc. Colin Gameson became the Project Manager, Una Blundell became Secretary for Mayflower 400, on top of her Branch and Region secretarial roles, and other members took on specific tasks. During the next three years, a lot of progress was made. Arrangements with various agencies were progressing well, and we arranged for accommodation and the Gala Dinner to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is ideally situated, almost on Plymouth Hoe. Then, as with many other events, Covid forced a postponement of all things Mayflower 400 related until 2021. The Mayflower 400 Committee continued to meet with hotel and council representatives via Zoom video conferencing, to set everything up again in 2021. We also managed to add to the 2020 programme of events, with a Welcome Evening and Dinner at Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, which is very close to the Hotel. Sadly, as we are all aware, Covid remained with us as we entered 2021, and in line with the prevailing restrictions, Plymouth City Council cancelled the entire event. To comply with regulations over numbers and social distancing, the hotel also had to cancel our part of the celebrations, fully refunding everything our members had paid.

Throughout the three years of planning and postponement, the Hotel had been most helpful in their willingness to assist with our requests. Our sincere thanks go to Lauren Rogers, the Duty Manager, and when she was furloughed, the Assistant manager, Sandra Kirwan was equally helpful. We decided to make a small presentation to recognise their commitment to our needs. Four IPA members from the Mayflower Committee attended for the presentation, Colin Hutt, 7 Region Vice Chair, Una Blundell, 7 Region and Devon Branch Secretary and Wilf Rickard, Cornwall Branch Secretary and Hotel Liaison. Sandra Kirwan and Lauren Rogers were presented with flowers and Lauren was given a special IPA plaque. A presentation was also made to the Mount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall for their help and assistance.

The Mayflower Steps at Plymouth Hoe

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POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.4, 2021

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