I’ve broken my flag!

One of the great traditions on British cruise lines is the Sailaway Party.

This is usually held on the top deck upon leaving your last port of call, where Union Jack flags are handed out and proudly waved in time to the sound of Rule Britannia and other good old sing-a-longs.

I have always kept my flags and over the years they have been on display or used at events such as a Royal Wedding party in 2011 and of course the Jubilee and Olympics last year.

In the last 12 months they have gathered a bit of dust in the vase in my office where they reside amongst my many souvenirs of my travels, a Mauritian china dodo,  Jamaican cuddly monkey and photo of climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge to name a few.

On 7th July however, out they came again to celebrate Andy Murray winning Wimbledon!! I used to go there at least 3 times every year with my Mum and longed to see that happen. Well done Mr Murray! Well deserved flag waving from me there.

To top it all, what has happened to our weather??? It’s hot and sunny and glorious. That alone warrants a bit of a celebration.

On Saturday afternoon came another outing for me and my trusty flags. My sister, brother-in-law, John and I trundled off, clutching baskets and bottles and chairs, to beautiful (stunning in the sunshine) Leeds Castle for a picnic and open air concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Military Wives choir with fireworks and air displays from Spitfires and an air display team showing off some hand over mouth manoeuvers. It was fantastic but gradually caused the demise of all the flags. They ended up held together with strips of carrier bag and eventually even that was no use.

So now I look forward with yet another reason to my next cruise and my next Sailaway.