The hottest day for several years on Hayling Island welcomed a visit from HRH Prince Charles to lay a wreath on the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP) Memorial. The memorial was a gift from the people of Cornwall due to the efforts of Robin Walton.
The beach was packed solid with locals and tourists. After a chat with the veterans he then turned towards the Hayling College students choir who performed a song that they were to sing at the Menin Gate which had been cancelled due to the disruptions at Calais. Their music teacher, Neil Ogley, is hoping it can be re-scheduled for later in the year. Prince Charles then broke ranks and did a walkabout amongst the crowd creating a great cheer. The Army from Thorney Island performed an excellent job at crowd control and directing parking. It was a great day for the Island and everyone went home with a smile on their face.
