July 1 2013.


Hundreds of visitors, including many veterans and their families, crowded onto the Martello Fields at Seaford for the Seahaven Veterans and Armed Forces Day last Saturday, the 29th of June. The weather was kind and helped the day go well.

The event was organised by Seaford Town Council and the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St George, for the whole of the Lewes District. Throughout the day there was many arena displays, including the Seaford Rock and Jazz Band, a Flyball Dog display, Seaford Lifeguards, the Up theTempo Dance Group and a display of drill by the Newhaven detachments of Air Training Corps and Army Cadet Force.

The Parade took place at 12.30, marching behind the piper and the Seaford Sword from the Martello Tower down to the arena. The salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant, Mr Peter Field, the Mayor of Seaford, Cllr. Anthony White and the resident of the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St George, Mr Don Mabey MBE. A problem of how to get the saluting party to the saluting point was solved by Seaford Taxis who provided a multi-passenger taxi, free of charge, as its contribution to the event.

When the saluting party returned to the arena, it was greeted by a fanfare trumpet by two members of the Seaford Silver Band. Before the inspection, the branch Chaplain, the Revered David Farrant, led the prayers and gave a blessing for the day.

There were many charity and other stalls around the field as well as a Fun Fair, and a special mini-tank arena where youngsters could have the thrill of driving a realistic tank. Helping the day go with a swing was the Tavern in a Tent, provided by the Seaford and Seaford Martello Rotary Clubs. The Royal Society of St George, as a special tribute, gave all veterans on parade a voucher for their first drink in the Tavern.

As an attraction for families, a fun fair was set up in the Martello Fields. The parking for the day was organised by the Newhaven Station of the National Coastwatch Institute, who raised funds for their own charity.

Finance for the day was not only provided by the organisers, but it was supported by the town councils of Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe. Over £340 was raised towards the cost of the event by the sale of soft toys and a bucket collection. The profits of the day will be donated to Blind Veterans UK (St. Dunstans) and their President Ray Hazzan will collect a cheque at the Seahaven Branch's next lunch at the Green Man at Ringmer on Friday the 12th of July.

Chairman, Bob Peedle MBE, who commanded the parade said: "What a wonderful day. So many people made a great effort to help the event go so well, especially those from Seaford Town Council, as well as our own St George's members. The support from so many organisations and spectators, as well as the turn out the veterans and cadets were a major factor in the day's success."