After a very wet night, the sun came out this morning and it
has been a really nice day. Walked into town this morning, taking us about 10
minutes to get to the bridge and city gate. The large moat and very high brick
wall makes a very impressive entrance. First stop was at the Visitors Centre
where we received a warm welcome. Picked up programs for the next few days and
maps etc. And we hadn’t walked very far when we bumped into a group of kiwis
who were checking out the town as well. And as we continued along the main
street we bumped into many more. Most people are staying at the nearby town of
Valciennes as there is very little accommodation available in Le Quesnoy.
Talked with another couple who are also staying in the campground with us.
Chatted with a bunch of young lads from the Army Band who were very happy to be
here. Spotted street signs and building signs, including Place des All Black,
and one named after Helen Clark! Shops had windows decorated with New Zealand
and French flags along with photos from the war. The whole town is behind this
commemoration.
We passed through an archway into the memory garden and followed
the pathway to the wall where the NZ soldiers entered the town, and the NZ
memorial is, but it was closed off while a rehearsal was taking place. Wandered
back into town and stopped at a small café for a coffee, where people shook our
hand and welcomed us. While we were sitting there a guy spotted Ian’s NZ cap
and called in and had a long chat. It was Chris Pugsly who is a war historian
and has just had a book published about Le Quesnoy.
Walked back around the wall and were able to see the NZ Memorial
which is attached to the brick wall, it is pretty special. The wording … In honour of the men of New Zealand through
whose valour the town of Le Quesnoy was restored to France. They have set
up the stage for Sunday and a film crew were there talking to a New Zealander
whose grandfather was at Le Quesnoy and survived. In front of the dry moat
there is another monument with the words … From
the uttermost ends of the world. It really makes you realise how important
New Zealand is to this town.
With the sun shining it has been a great day to find our way
around this really nice village. Looking forward to the next few days. Tonight
is the coldest we have had and a frost is predicted, thankfully our heater is
working very well and we are nice and toasty.
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| View from the bridge entering town. |
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| Smiled with this window display for a disability store. |
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| Preparations underway |
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| Entranceway to the emorial gardens |
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