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Lourdes
encore with the International Military Pilgrimage, and this year
the 50th anniversary of the IMP, so it was always going to be a big
one. There were some 400 British participants joining with the
25,000 others from various nations. Almost 100 of our British group
were RAF, with six of us going from Marham. As always the IMP was a
spectacle, great uniforms in abundance, lots of marching about,
socialising, swapping bits and pieces .... and some prayers and
lighting of candles. Two things worked against us this year; the
numbers, which were far bigger than in past years and Lourdes
finding it hard to cope with the increase, particularly the hotels
with us being split up and therefore lacking a certain cohesions.
And then the weather, which was torrential and soaking and for most
of the time we just had to put up with being wet. But worthwhile,
and the youngsters will have enjoyed it greatly.