Veterans at Armed Forces Day

Bexhill veterans took part in a series of Armed Forces Day events beginning with a celebration party with their Hastings comrades.

Members of Bexhill Veterans Assocation were welcomed at the London Trader in Hastings on Friday night then went to the Angling Association Club Building to be greeted by Hastings Veteran Association Secretary George Lane and Hon Secretary Richard Vallery Peters.

Branch founder Chris Gadsden, of London Road, commented: "It was a very nice evening of 40s and 50s music, danced to by those still nimble enough to enjoy such. A raffle was the grand finale, the top prize being a flat screen 19" television. Our warmest thanks of appreciation are relayed to them."

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On Saturday a number of Bexhill Veterans attended the Armed Forces Day at St Augustine's church in Cooden Drive and then on Sunday more than 20 members took part in the Parade in Hastings through Alexandra Park to celebrated Armed Forces Day.

Chris said: "A total of some 100 veterans from all over the local area attended and took part. the veterans were accompanied by many of the junior organisations that one day will see their members go on to the the soldiers, airmen and sailors of the future.

"The veterans were given rapturous applause as they entered the arena for the Drum Head Service which was conducted by the Reverend David Wooton. There were a few tears shed for the appreciation shown to the veterans.

"The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex was in attendance and inspected the veterans. He also presented some 12 veterans with their Veterans Badges.

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"Also in attendance was Corporal Nauyokas (Cpl Nookie) from Bad Lads Army - it was a pleasure meeting him and our thanks go to him for his attendance.

Warrant officer Class One Shaun Pelling (Ex RAOC) was the Parade Marshall and did a wonderful job in managing to control some 200 bodies and keeping them in some sense of order has to be praised.

"The music that we all marched to was played by the Robertson Academy Pipes and Drums. It was a pleasure to see and hear the music that these young people can and do produce. A certificate of appreciation is at present being produced as a token of thanks to these youngsters."

Anyone who has served in any of the forces is welcome to join the Bexhill and District Veterans Association - please call Chris Gadsden on 01424 734204, or email [email protected] for an application form.