What started as a simple social media post, tipping a hat to someone on Armistice day, things got a little out of hand.
County Councillor and former Soldier, Ian Dore was just about to read the Exhortation at the Memorial in Binstead for Armistice Day, and something caught his eye.
“30 seconds ahead of the recital, I was in my own bubble, looking up the hill and traffic was moving as normal. What stood out, was the bus that had just pulled in. It had clearly turned off. The driver came out, moved to the rear of the vehicle and was looking at the Memorial.
“Back to the task in hand, I read the immortal lines from Robert Binyons, For the Fallen; then Andy the bugler started the Last Post.
“It was at this point that the driver bowed his head, and proceeded to take part in the act of remembrance. All the passengers were still on board and he, along with his travellers, were observing the silence. This I know because people on that bus have subsequently told me.”
Ian went on to add,
“What was an absolute stroke of genius, was that the driver had changed the number from 9, to 11 11.
“At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we will remember them.
“There he stood, head bowed, observing the silence.
“It caught me right off guard in what is an emotional moment anyway. Before I knew it, Andy kicked in with the Reveille and I read the Kohima Epitaph. Only myself and Councillor Simon Cooke really noticed the gesture, as everyone was facing the Memorial. It may sound daft to some, but as a veteran and one who has the privilege to read at such a significant occasion, on their own patch; it resonated with me as incredible moment.”
However, it didn’t end there, Ian continued,
“Anyway, I thought I’d tip my hat via social media as things like this are good to hear about and frankly, I just wanted to say thanks. It helps restore your faith in humanity, knowing that someone’s gesture, no matter how small in their minds; is appreciated by others. Also, it helped me work out who he was.
“On Tuesday night, ahead of a meeting in Fishbourne, I was waiting for the number 9 bus. Not to ride, but to shake a hand. I simply wanted to say meet him face to face and tell him that his gesture was appreciated. That was clearly the message from almost 3,000 people on social media too. It turns out he has an incredible back story, and his Grandad was in the First World War. Moreover, his kids had paraded with St Johns Ambulance, in Newport on Sunday. We chatted briefly and just like that, he was on his way.
“To quote The Simpsons, ‘Hail to the bus driver’. Who in this instance was Chris Hadgraft.”
News shared by Ian, Ed
