From the book Swords And Ploughshares, Codford During The 20th Century, by Romy Wyeth, 2007:
The Oldest Living Commando – Stanley John Bissell
Stan’s thirst for life and passionate interest in everything and everyone around him never faltered. He cycled and taught tennis to the local youngsters. After the death of his wife Helen in 1988 he continued to support local activities, which included theatre visits, coach trips, gardening club outings, attending Evergreen Club meetings, and almost to the end of his life he went on day trips with a group of male friends usually Ron Sutton, Jim Hunter and the Reverend John Tipping, very much ‘Last of the Summer Wine.’
John Tipping explains “It all started at the Codford Evergreen Club in March 1994. Danny Howell the local historian had come to give a talk and spoke in glowing terms about the County Records Office in Trowbridge. He told us it would be well worth a visit. The outcome of this was to see Ron, Jim, Stan and myself all in Jim’s car going one March morning to Trowbridge where we spent a couple of hours in the Records Office, and a fascinating place it was. As we came away we were drawn to have lunch at the Lamb, which was very near the Office. As I recall there was a special offer for Old Age Pensioners – so we all had fish and chips – a menu that was to feature prominently on our subsequent outings. We enjoyed the meal and I was expecting that we would return home. The suggestion was made that we go for a ride – on we went I can’t remember exactly where, except that we ended up for tea in Lacock, with some lovely fruitcake in a cafe that had an affinity for cats – ornamental or real, I can’t remember. I do remember the village was rather crowded as a big funeral was taking place! Even after this we didn’t go home – I have recollections of going through Calne and Devizes. We got home about 4.50pm with a strong desire to do this sort of thing again – so was born the idea that reminded us of the TV programme ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ and even associated our different members with the TV personalities!”
The nucleus of the group was Stan Bissell, John Tipping and Jim Hunter, with Ron’s place occasionally being taken by Ken from Warminster and once by Norman Bennett. The group’s adventures took them to the Cotswolds, the seaside and the Isle of Wight, they visited military museums, abbeys and railways. There was a thirst for new experience and an appetite for wholesome food.