1990
Using bicycles around the estate became a regular feature for my cartoons. Most didn't ride a bike except at Balmoral. The choice was take your own or use police issue. Having your own did mean you looked after the thing. Collapsing modes of transport isn't what you need when Royals were in the area...
One highlight of each trip was the Gillies Ball which was held twice each visit, once each half tour. Only a few officers where allowed to go and with only one inspector on duty they rarely had the chance. This year the Inspector was very desperate to attend and this was a dig at his plight, would Cinders go to the Ball?
Golf was a main pastime during your downtime. Some took it very seriously, others, myself included, saw it as a bit of a laugh. One of my first rounds around the Balmoral course found me playing against some real pros. Ted managed to hit a horse AND Greg, who in turn managed to knock out a rabbit hiding in the rough!
Golf was never taken any more seriously than when the Met officers played the Gramps. Every year there would be a big challenge between the two with the winner taking a crystal bowl. During the rest of the time smaller matches where played where some rules may have been bent. Above resulted in a Gramps win but not without a fight. Jimmy, from Windsor, had even revealed a Celtic shirt just as the opposition, a Rangers supporter, was in full swing on the tee.
Somehow the Inspector managed to get to the ball! The background shows other officers as stereotypes. The uniformed members did their best with smart clothes whilst plain clothed protection officers turned up in their formal work suits and Dickie bows. Chris, with his arms out wide, is telling of the big fish that got away, behind someone is suggesting otherwise.
Staggering between the Castle and outlaying accommodation whilst under the influence was a challenge for some members of the staff. Not seeing in the pitch darkness could mean finding you were not alone when caught short mid journey...
© Alan Graham 2015