Not strictly modelling but might be of interest to folks who build rockets and the like:
Today is the 50th Anniversary of the first man in space, the Russian, Yuri Gagarin.
After his epic space journey in 1961, he toured the world. Great propaganda for the then U.S.S.R.
On his tour of the U.K. he came to Chester and was Guest of Honour at a big 'Do'. My late father who was a big wheel in union matters at the time, scrounged an invite.
After the speeches, everyone sat around chatting. Comrade Gagarin wandered around with his interpreter answering questions.
He stopped at my dad's table and said to him "You out of all the people in here are a true worker." (My dad was a plasterer!)
"In recognition of this fact, I present you with this....."
Out of an ornate box he presented my dad with a solid bronze commemorative medal, the size of a jam jar lid, with Gagarin's head and shoulder profile. One side is him in his soldier uniform, the other in his space suit helmet. I still have it, complete with the box.
Dad never found out how or why Gagarin singled him out for the medal. Perhaps it was stage managed...I really don't care, anymore than my dad did at the time!
My mum and I had arranged to meet dad after the do and walk back home together.
When we arrived at the venue, we went into the foyer to wait for dad.
He came out and took us into the room where Yuri Gagarin was still wandering around.
Dad, who never was one for hanging around introduced us to him, he politely shook mum's hand and yes, he shook hands with a spotty, 14yr. old youth....Me!!!
Cheers,
Ron
Today is the 50th Anniversary of the first man in space, the Russian, Yuri Gagarin.
After his epic space journey in 1961, he toured the world. Great propaganda for the then U.S.S.R.
On his tour of the U.K. he came to Chester and was Guest of Honour at a big 'Do'. My late father who was a big wheel in union matters at the time, scrounged an invite.
After the speeches, everyone sat around chatting. Comrade Gagarin wandered around with his interpreter answering questions.
He stopped at my dad's table and said to him "You out of all the people in here are a true worker." (My dad was a plasterer!)
"In recognition of this fact, I present you with this....."
Out of an ornate box he presented my dad with a solid bronze commemorative medal, the size of a jam jar lid, with Gagarin's head and shoulder profile. One side is him in his soldier uniform, the other in his space suit helmet. I still have it, complete with the box.
Dad never found out how or why Gagarin singled him out for the medal. Perhaps it was stage managed...I really don't care, anymore than my dad did at the time!
My mum and I had arranged to meet dad after the do and walk back home together.
When we arrived at the venue, we went into the foyer to wait for dad.
He came out and took us into the room where Yuri Gagarin was still wandering around.
Dad, who never was one for hanging around introduced us to him, he politely shook mum's hand and yes, he shook hands with a spotty, 14yr. old youth....Me!!!
Cheers,
Ron
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