Today it’s my father-in-law Hywel’s birthday. So Gillian and Hywel popped across on the ferry to Devonport for a day out. Devonport is one of the oldest suburbs in Auckland having been first settled in 1840 (70 years after our house in Wales was built) and is also  home to the Royal New Zealand navy and its 2 frigates, 6 patrol boats and 3 miscellaneous support craft.

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s marching band were practicing in Windsor reserve (marching in formation and playing various tunes) in preparation for an event that evening.

G & H chose a bench and proceeded to watch this spectacle. A navy officer approach them  to ask whether they would be coming to the event that evening to which Gillian replies ‘No, ever so sorry it’s my husband’s birthday and we are going out for a meal to celebrate……’

Three minutes later the band is called to attention and further instructions are dispatched. The band proceeds to march directly towards G & H while playing Happy Birthday. Those  not playing instruments requiring the use of their mouth are singing Happy Birthday too. The crowd of about 150 who have been watching soon cotton-on and join in the the rendition.

Gillian goes red with embarrassment, and Hwyel, having become use to public adulation after the ‘Mad Butcher’ affair, takes it all in his stride.

A very memorable Birthday indeed.