Bexleyheath's Military Weekend Celebrations
Bexleyheath hosts Military Weekend and celebrates Armed Forces Day
A local celebration to show appreciation of the work of the Armed Forces was held in Bexleyheath Town Centre on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th June. The event which was free to attend featured children’s workshops, stage performances, and a display of retired military vehicles. The Royal British Legion hosted stalls across the weekend offering a range of Poppy products, to raise money for their Poppy Appeal.
The event was held as part of Armed Forces Day, the annual national campaign that gives everyone the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces past and present, including currently serving troops, Service families, Reservists, veterans and cadets.
Similar events have been taking place across the UK, enabling people to come out and show their support, and giving a much-valued morale boost for Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Town Centre Manager, Tony Garratt said “Bexleyheath Town Centre is very proud of its historical military roots and it is wonderful to see so many families come together to join in our event to commemorate Armed Forces Day. We are very proud of our connection with the local Royal British Legion and we hope to raise lots of money over the weekend for their cause.”
On Sunday hundreds of retired and serving military personnel alongside local cadet groups marched through the town as part of the Bexley’s Annual Civic Parade. A service followed the parade led by Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley, Peter Reader who had formerly served in the Merchant Navy.
Ken Sprowles from Royal British Legion Bexleyheath and Welling branch said “A big thanks to Bexleyheath BID for organising the Bexleyheath Military Weekend to mark Armed Forces Day. A huge thanks to the people of Bexley for their generosity in contributions to the Poppy Appeal collection which totalled over £1400 for the two days. Together with the Civic Parade and service at Christchurch, this was a hugely successful weekend and we were proud to be a part of it.”
The UK Armed Forces defend the country and its interests. Every day of the year they are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers and providing security and fighting terrorism.
Notes to Editors:
For further information, contact Tony Garratt at info@bexleyheathbid.co.uk
For information on Bexleyheath BID www.bexleyheathbid.co.uk
Further information on Armed Forces Day, including a full list of events, can be found on the dedicated website www.armedforcesday.org.uk
This year, Armed Forces Day was held on Saturday 24 June 2017.
The National Event celebrating Armed Forces Day is being held in Liverpool. For more details, please visit the Armed Forces Day website: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/