Armed Forces Day in Weymouth, a very popular event, which attracts veterans from all over the country. Rain was on the forecast, but it held off, thankfully. I gave myself plenty of time, arriving at the Conservative Club at about 1010. I was soon enjoying a coffee, kindly given me by Elaine, who cooks there. Then I wandered down to the Prince Regent Hotel, chatting to veterans as I went. Two of them, one a former member of the Scots Guards, the other a Grenadier, gave rise to plenty of good humour as we each resorted to the regimental leg-pulling that I remember so well. Once in the hotel, I met our lovely Mayor Cllr Ann Weaving, other councillors and VIPs. The salute was taken by Sir George Zambellas GCB, DSC, ADC, DL, a former Admiral, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. He was kindly standing in for the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, who clearly was elsewhere. Just before 1100, our small party were led out of the hotel to our respective spots in front of the Cenotaph. At that moment, a Hurricane came roaring over, causing everyone to look up and that feeling of nostalgia to wash over us. I don't know what it is about this aircraft and of course the Spitfire, but to me they represent our country's fighting spirit. They were flown, of course, by very young men during World War II, who achieved the near impossible at the beginning by resisting Hitler's air armada and thereby stalling an invasion, which then never came. The Mayor's Chaplain, the Reverend Brian Ellis, took the short Service, where representatives of the Armed Forces laid wreaths. Led by the Mace Bearer, we then strolled down to the stand, from where we watched the march past. This was followed by dozens of wartime vehicles, including three tanks, albeit one on a low-loader. Afterwards, I walked down the Esplanade to the Pavilion where the veterans were all enjoying some refreshments. Three singers kept us all entertained, singing wartime songs. They were brilliant. Another great parade, although I felt there were fewer veterans this year.