Veterans fall in for first Armed Services parade

Chairman Chris Gadsden founded the Bexhill Veterans' Association last May, and this week unveiled their official new banner - a 700 hand-stitched emblem which Chris says belongs to the town.

"This is the first parade of its kind in Bexhill," he said. "And this banner is very important. It doesn't belong just to us, but to the town.

"Without the support of the people from the town, we might not be here."

Hundreds of representatives of the local community, including scouts, guides, the Bexhill branch of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) will gather in Egerton Park on Saturday, June 26, from 10am for the town's first celebration of Armed Forces Day.

Dignitaries including the town's mayor, chairman of Rother District Council and the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex are all supporting the event, which includes a dog show, children's rides, 35 stalls and music from the Robertson Pipe and Drum Academy.

But Chris's highlight will be the drumhead service, lead by Rev Robert Coates, of St Augustine's Church, and the blessing of the standard by Rev Daniel Smith, curate of St Peters and honorary chaplain of the local RAFA.

Chris, who served for 25 years with the Royal Corps of Transport, has built membership up to 85 after a group of 22 stalwarts met in the Sportsman pub, Sackville Road, in May 2009.

He says this is the chance for his veterans to thank the town for their support.

"Bexhill has accepted us, without question," he said. "They see us out and about town doing our collections and it's phenonenal how they have responded."

Thos interested in joining the Bexhill Veterans' Association can attend one of the group's monthly meetings in the Conservative Club building on Amherst Road.

They start at 1pm on the first Thursday of each month, and there is a 10 joining fee. The group support Help For Heroes.

For information on the group, or about Bexhill's first Armed Forces Day parade, contact Chris on 01424 734204 or email [email protected]