British Armed Forces Day - 26th June 2010

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Story from the Sentinel:
Public urged to line the streets for Armed Forces Day

Colour Sergeant Neil Harding
THE public are being urged to line the streets to show their appreciation for Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and cadets when they parade through Stoke tomorrow as part of a nationwide celebration.

They will be taking part in events to mark the second annual Armed Forces Day.

Colour Sergeant Neil Harding, aged 43, of Eaton Park, will be taking part in the event – just hours before he flies to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty.

He said: "I am delighted to be part of the city's Armed Forces Day celebrations and I hope the public shows their support by turning up in Stoke for the parade."

Major Gordon Beddow, chairman of the city's Armed Forces Day working party, said he was hoping people would turn out in force.

He said: "I think it is vital people show their support and appreciation for what members of our Armed Forces have done in the past and will continue to do.

"This is one of the highlights of the calendar year for veterans' associations and seeing people on the street for the parade is important to them."

Major Beddow, aged 80, explained the reason for switching the city's event from Hanley to Stoke.

He said: "Last year, as you would expect, Hanley was packed with shoppers and so the parade was a great success.

"However, we need three ingredients to make the event go really well: a large church; a parade route which is comfortable for both young people and veterans – some of whom are in their nineties; and a hall to cater for as many as 400 people.

"We are sincerely hoping local people will turn out in good numbers tomorrow to support us."

The event includes a service, conducted by The Reverend Richard Pemberton at Stoke Minster at 11am.

Standards will be displayed and participants and guests are asked to be seated by 10.50am.

Following the service there will be a parade led by Watchman V – the Staffordshire Bull terrier mascot of the Mercian Regiment – and the band of the Black Watch.

They will form in Glebe Street and leave at about 11.40am. Watchman V and the band will be followed by standard bearers, veterans and associations, regular forces, reserved forces and cadets.

The parade will visit Church Street, Kingsway, Glebe Street and advance to face the Civic Centre.

There will then be a celebration and buffet lunch for about 300 guests at the Kings Hall at an event compered by Sentinel columnist Martin Tideswell.

Tickets for the event, which includes a buffet lunch, are priced at £5 as a contribution towards the cost. All guests will receive a pint of Titanic beer sponsored by The White Star pub in Stoke and The Sentinel, or a glass of wine from LWC (Central) Drinks.

There will also be a parade of military vehicles. For more details call the council's member support team on 01782 232625 or 01782 231922.