8 The Squadron is Feeling Better

The following day brought good news. Ten birds were back on their feet and the seriously ill birds were all looking a lot better. “The magic seaweed is doing the trick,” said Polly. “I thought it would,” replied Tubby. "I decided to cook some of it," said Polly, "it turned out very tasty and all the boys ate some. Brighton, the sea gull was hanging around for ages because he could smell the sea so I gave him some to sample. He devoured it in seconds, pointed his beak in the air and kept making those loud sea gull noises."

Boiled Wakame

By mid-morning Tubby decided it was time to return to Rosehill. “We have done all we can here Nigel.” he explained, ”we must get back to 'The Firs'.” “We cannot thank you and your family enough old chap,” said Nigel. “We will always be indebted to you.”

At that moment Percy entered the loft. ”The Commander also wishes to thank Tubby and his family for their good work and to let you know that from now on only organic food will be given to the Squadron,” said Percy. “Ducky also announced that there is to be a Celebration Party. It will be in two weeks time when everyone has recovered and regained their strength. He suggests Rosehill Downs on the first Saturday of next month at 1200 hours.”

Rosehill Downs, venue for the celebration party

“Lots of food I hope,” said Brighton, “I can’t wait.”

The three birds then said their final goodbyes and flew back to Rosehill.

Over the following week Peter looked out each day hoping to see a fly past but there was not one. Then the following Monday at 11 o’clock the Squadron made a fly past. It was a small group on the first day and as each day passed the number of birds increased. The day before the Celebration the formation was back to its full complement of twenty-one birds.  

 On the morning of the celebration Wing Commander Drake phoned ‘Carters’, Rosehill's main greengrocer.

Carters of Rosehill

 “Is that Carter?” inquired the Commander. “Speaking,” replied Mr Carter. “Drake here, Wing Commander Drake; I’d like a wide selection of organic fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables for one hundred guests of mine,” said the Commander. “And I’d like the food delivered to the tall trees at the top of Rosehill Downs by 11 30 hours this morning. You can send the invoice to me at Malvern HQ he added.” “There will be no charge,” said Mr Carter. “My father served under your command in the 2nd World War. You piloted a Lancaster and the pair of you were shot down in France and taken prisoner by the Germans. Somehow you and my dad managed to escape, met up with the resistance movement and found your way back to England.” “’Curly’ Carter, you are Curly’s son, how is your dad?” inquired the Commander. “I’m afraid he died a few years back,” said Mr Carter. “Sorry to hear that,” said the Commander. “He was a dear friend of mine but we lost touch with one another after the War. Look, when you deliver the food to the Downs stay on a while, we must have a chat. Please ensure you are alone though as my guests are pigeons. My racing boys are very accustomed to people but wood pigeons get very nervous when humans are about."

To be continued...

Photographic Acknowledgements

The above images were provided, with thanks, from the following organisations:

Boiled Wakame - en.wikipedia.org
Rosehill Downs - www.treeshart.com