Another great audience. Another great night.

I was invited as after dinner speaker at yesterday's meeting of the Basingstoke & Deane Rotary Club. A thoroughly enjoyable evening, made so by such a warm and enthusiastic audience.

I include in my presentation the story of newly posted Sergeant Pilot Tony Pickering who on being asked by his Commanding Officer "How many hours on Hurries Pickering?", replied "I've never sat in one or flown one ... and I've never fired a gun!".  Pickering was at readiness to intercept Luftwaffe raiders the following morning! Pickering was one of the lucky ones to survive their first encounter with the Luftwaffe, would go on to down four German aircraft during the Battle of Britain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross ... many of his compatriots would not be as fortunate.

Imagine my delight when I learnt that in the audience was a lovely man whose name was 'Tony Pickering' (no relation). Said I "Tony is with us tonight ... will you like to pick up the story Tony as you were there?"