Veterans and their families, and friends of families, gather here, at Pegasus Bridge and the beaches of Normandy annually, with the express hope of stimulating subsequent generations to take on and continue to reflect on those events, and so to remember the sacrifices of those who took part.
On 04 June 2009, and again on 04 June 2019, a remembrance at this point was followed by 200 young and old setting off to run to the D-Day anniversary commemorations at the bridges in Normandy.
An informal gathering "happens" here in the hours before dusk on 05 June each year. All are welcome. Please feel free to say "hello" and chat to others.
-----
Before your visit, look at the guide to walks offered by one visitor: www.walks4softies.co.uk/Jwa07/Tarrant_Rushton/index
Thanks to pcgooner (found 20Feb12) for these further links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Tarrant_Rushton http://www.content-delivery.co.uk/aviation/airfields/regional/Dorset/TarrantRushton.html http://www.controltowers.co.uk/T-V/Tarrant_Rushton.htm
This cache replaces The Secret Airfield with a modest three-stage clandestine offering that will take you about 1 km via the northern threshold of the former main runway to a high point on the perimeter track that is now an established bridal way within a working farm.
Vehicle access is prohibited. Wheelchair access is not easy and assistance may be useful. There are several access points to the airfield.
-----
Stage 1
Start at the above co-ordinates. Take a note of the information on the memorial. From here, enter through the gate, walk forward and turn right along the perimeter track to rendezvous with "Taff" near the small copse about 50 metres ahead, and collect more useful information.
I never met Taff, though interestingly, we share the same birth day and month, though not his years, so I feel I can relate to him.
Now you should have enough information, so rest a moment while you calculate the stage 2 pick up point that holds vital clues to the cache at stage 3. I like round numbers, so both these co-ordinates follow format: 50N51. _ _ 0; 02W04. _ _ 0.
Stage 2
N51.ab0, where ab0 = the number of the Lancaster reduced by four times our common birth DAY
W04.cd0, where cd0 = the sum of the two squadron numbers, less twice Taff's birth MONTH.
Brambles, gloves useful! This hide is fragile so please take care and report any damage found.
Stage 3
Similar clues and calculations to those used at stage 2 take you to the cache which is on the inside of and close to the perimeter-track.
-----
Please respect crops and livestock, note signs asking you not to stray from the peri-track (other than at the cache) and observe the highway and country codes.
Having found the cache, in recognition of the 78th anniversary (on 05May22) of the events here on D-Day -1 (remember 05May44), the stage 3 cache offers an opportunity to look for and exchange a few goodies - should you wish to accept the challenge.
Otherwise simply return the same way or complete the circuit, about another 3km.
-----