Jim Baxter reports from Bethune

Bethune 2009 – 65th Anniversary of the Liberation of Bethune.

The IMPS annual tour to Bethune had a slightly more significant slant to it this year, as it is the 65th Anniversary of the Liberation of that lovely city, and the 20th year of IMPS ‘Bethune’ tours, as they have become known. The municipality of Bethune once again invited IMPS to take part in their liberation celebrations, and more importantly, to represent their Liberators, the British Army in the form of the 7th Armoured Division – the famous Desert Rats.
…and what a commemoration it was. This was probably the best Bethune tour we have had for some years. That is not only my opinion, but that of a number of the IMPS members who took the time to talk to me towards the end of the week end. No doubt the weather, hot and sunny, after a very wet and stormy week, contributed to the feel good factor. That was, however, only one contributing element. The real reasons for the success this year, I believe, include a less stressful drive from Calais, with an arrival at the campsite by mid afternoon, rather than well into the evening, which gave the participants time to set up camp, and relax a little, before the evening entertainments, which included a 40s dance at the Sports Centre. This was particularly appreciated as many of those who travelled from England on Thursday and who were severely delayed by the very bad weather in the Channel. This had resulted in late arrivals at Calais, and consequent shorter nights sleep for some. A long and tiring drive on Friday would not have been popular, so the long lunch stop at Gonnenheim (and excellent lunch provided by the town), followed by a short run to the campsite at Annezin was most welcome.

The camping site itself was very pleasant, being the fields of a sports complex on the edge of town, overlooking countryside, but with a delightful formal garden alongside the sports grounds. Hot showers, toilets and electricity were laid on, albeit the power was not available completely throughout the site. Nevertheless the location was considered a significant improvement on last year.

The Saturday drive out around the local village was a pleasure, with many local people coming out to greet us, and once again, not too much driving, which can be stressful for drivers, particularly in the heat. Hence this year’s tours was more relaxed than in the past, and hence more pleasurable. A further 40s dance in the town square, and a magnificent firework display from the Tour du Roi, rounded off the day well, along with some good food from the excellent restaurants around the square.

Having said that, I think the real factors that made this year’s trip particularly good were the wonderful welcome we received from the towns and villages we visited on our convoy runs, with the inhabitants coming to their doors and windows, and gardens and streets, to waive to us and make us feel that they were happy to see us. This welcome, and the fact that we were once again back in Bethune Square for the parade on Sunday, really made the tour worthwhile. This is not in any way to denigrate the municipality of Souchez, who had taken on the responsibility of hosting the Liberation commemorations when Bethune had been unable to do so, and we in IMPS will always appreciate the hospitality we received there in the past. Nevertheless it has always been the ‘Bethune trip’ for IMPS and it was good to be back in the main square with its splendid architecture, and magnificent town hall. The Sunday Parade through the town, past the dais with the dignitaries, and Richard Beddall excellent commentary on the vehicles, in French, and the drive around the square to park in the middle, was once again the highlight of the trip. The Parade was interspersed with bands, including Scottish Pipe, Belgian Police and Bellorusse military, and this year, once again, IMPS managed to come up with a good variety of tanks, armoured cars and other vehicles, many British and Canadian, which are rarely seen in France, all of which, including the tanks, paraded through the streets, past the Mayor and into the square. It was good to see again the crowds of people lining the streets to watch the parade, and then coming into the square to photograph the vehicles and meet and talk to the drivers.

The Bourse in the underground car park was back again, this year, with many IMPS members having a good rummage around for bargains, although with the value of the Euro, bargains were no doubt difficult to find.

In the afternoon there was an excellent band concert in the square which attracted large crowds, and was clearly well appreciated.

Unfortunately the trip was slightly marred by the IMPS group leader, Tony Lawrence, falling ill on Friday, and having to visit hospital twice over the week end, before returning home early to have kidney stones removed.

Nevertheless, Tony Lawrence’s unfortunate illness aside, somehow the combination of all the factors referred to seemed to create the right ingredients for probably one of the Bethune Liberation tours we have had. What more could one ask.

Finally I must thank the Mayor and Municipality of Bethune for their Hospitality, and Bernard and Gregory for their excellent organisation

James Baxter
President IMPS