ST GEORGE AND SEAFORD TOWN VETERANS & ARMED FORCES DAY


July 2nd, 2018.


Seaford Town Council and the Seahaven Branch of The Royal Society of St George (RSSG) jointly arranged the Veterans and Armed Forces Day on Saturday the 30th of June at the Martello Fields on behalf of the whole District of Lewes and surrounding towns and villages.


It was a great success with the parade of Veterans and Cadets led by the Surrey and Sussex Drum and Bugle Band. Their presence setting the pace that really enhanced the whole of the parade and the following inspection. The inspecting officer was David Allam DL. As well as having been High Sheriff of East Sussex, he is also Deputy Lieutenant for the County. He took the salute accompanied by Cllr Linda Wallraven, Mayor of Seaford, and Laurie Holland, President of the Seahaven Branch RSSG. The parade was commanded by Major Bob Peedle MBE, Chairman of the Seahaven Branch RSSG and of the Joint Committee. For the Inspection, the General Salute, Last Post and Reveille were all sounded by a Trumpet Group from the Seaford Silver Band under the leadership of former Royal Tank Regiment bandsman, Christopher Goodchild.

The weather was superb - what a change for the wet and drizzly day in 2017. The event started at 11.00am and closed at 4.00pm, during which time many people visited to witness the parade, see the stalls and the arena events.

Up front expenses for the day were met by grants from Newhaven Town Council, Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, Telscombe Town Council and the House Project Centre (Peacehaven). Surplus monies after the event are being given to the Forces Charity - Combat Stress. Once again the Joint Committee extend their grateful thanks to all those who took part and everyone from RSSG and Seaford Town Council who turned up to help with the event. Car parking was in the hands of the Newhaven Station of the National Coastwatch Institute and safety marshals for the parade came from the Seaford Bonfire Society.

The Royal British Legion Seaford Branch welcomed many veterans from elsewhere, including members of the Eastbourne Veterans Breakfast Club. All the services were represented, Royal Navy, including Royal Marines, Army and the RAF, which is 100 years old this year. It is also 100 years since the signing of the Armistice following the First World War and this was emphasised by a TOMMY guarding the entrance to the Arena on the Day. The 30th of June is significant as it is recorded as the Day Sussex Died, the battle of Boars Head, 30th June 1916. ‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’.


Cllr Linda Wallraven said; 'It is a privilege for Seaford to host this event to celebrate the men and women of our Armed Forces past and present. Also recognising the 100 years of the signing of the Armistice, as well as the birth of the Royal Air Force. It made me very proud to watch the parade and inspect our veterans and young cadets on behalf of our town. Thank you to everyone involved making this special day possible.'

Chairman and Parade Commander, Major Bob Peedle MBE said; “It is so pleasing that so many from our local community get involved to help run this annual event which celebrates and commemorates those of the Armed Forces, both past and present, and with the cadets on parade we are also supporting the future. Reserve Saturday the 29th of June for next year’s event.”

For more information about the Royal Society of St George visit www.royalsocietyof stgeorge.com

Pictures:

Top - TOMMY stood guard at the entrance to the arena before the arrival of the parade.

Middle - The detachment of veterans marched past led by (centre front) Ray Fazzan OBE, President of Blind Veterans UK (St Dunstan's) being guided by an army cadet.

Bottom - At the saluting base, Laurie Holland President Seahaven Branch The Royal Society of St George, David Allum DL the inspecting officer and Cllr Linda Wallraven, Mayor of Seaford.

Home
About Us
Contact
Archive News
© Redcat Marketing Limited.
Privacy Policy