The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Flower is powering plans to take veterans, a restored landing craft and 5,000 roses to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Holbeach businessman and veterans charities fundraiser Harold Payne has launched an RAF, army and navy themed flower festival.
Harold will hold the festival on his Anglia Motel site on the A17 over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 4-7.
Harold has worked extensively with D-Day veterans and says the oldest he knows turns 99 this year.
To mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day next year, Harold plans to take 5,000 red roses to war cemeteries in Ranville and Bayeux both of which are resting places of Lincolnshire Regiment soldiers.
“We want to get children from the local schools in Normandy to put the roses on the graves,” Harold said.
Work is already underway restoring the American DUKW (affectionally nicknamed “Duck” by serving soldiers of the time) amphibious landing vehicle.
Harold said five people have been working on the Duck for eight weeks so far and it will be rebuilt and operational for the trip.
He estimates the 2019 trip will cost £30,000.
Last Sunday he hosted a special sunday roast fundraiser at the Anglia Motel that raised £400 towards flowers for this year’s trip which will see six veterans aged between 94 and 97 return to Normandy.
Harold said he welcomes volunteers to help with the flower arrangements from May 1, and will provide food and drink to those assisting.
To help out, get in touch with Harold on 07530 006867.
