Forces' parade is the '˜best ever seen'

The day may have started overcast and windy but as the morning progressed the park was bathed in sunshine and by 10am provided the perfect setting.

The first stallholders arrived at 6am and were soon busy getting ready for what turned out to be a busy and successful day, with a total of 45 stalls and children’s rides altogether.

The Virgin Soldiers began the arena events at 10.30am and the Royal British Legion Concert band took over at 11.30am.

Twenty minutes later the Parade of Veterans and Youth Organisations marched on headed by the Hastings 1066 Pipes and Drums, which has already committed to next year’s event.

King Offa school dancers led by Pat King showed off their skills in the arena, and this year there was also St Richards Catholic College pupils performing under the direction of Rebecca Knight.

Local dance school Dance Moves came along and performed their routine led by Viv Wormley-Healing.

The Lord Lieutenant Peter Field and wife Margaret were in attendance along with MP Greg Barker, Cllr Joy Hughes (Chairman Rother District Council), and Bexhill Town Mayor Cllr Joanna Gadd.

Organiser Chris Gadsden said: “The Bexhill and District Veterans’ Association would like to thank all those mentioned above, and would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stall holders, and all the veterans from various local associations that attended, and a special thanks to the Air Training Corps, the Sea Cadets, Royal Marine Cadets, and the Police Cadets.”

Chris said there were some 150 in the parade in Egerton Park and added that the event was even better than last year.

He said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day.”

n Next year’s parade will be held on Saturday, June 29.

Contact: chris.gad@btinternet for further details, or call 01424 734204