Countdown to Armed Forces Day at Historic Dockyard
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Veterans and ex-Chatham Dockyard workers all over the
Medway Towns are being contacted this week as the countdown begins
for Armed Forces Day on June 27.
Chatham's Historic Dockyard has been chosen to
host the national event which will be a huge celebration and
recognition of the service given by all armed service personnel –
past, present and future.
With interest likely to be high, people are urged to respond
quickly before the May 22 deadline.
Public ticketing arrangements are yet to be announced by the
organisers.
Representatives of the Royal family, the government and senior
forces personnel are expected to join the public for a programme of
events throughout the day, beginning with a parade through Chatham
to the dockyard main gate and ending with a rousing Beating the
Retreat ceremony in the evening.
Two naval warships are due to attend, and there will be air
displays, including a guest appearance by the Red Arrows, along
with many other military exhibitions and performances.Nostalgia
will be in the air at a 'Veterans’ Rendezvous’ area with music,
food and drink aimed a bringing back those memories. You can also
try your hand at mine detecting and take part in an assault
course.
The day will be the centrepiece of a week of events in the Towns,
both military-themed and general interest.
The programme includes the Fuse Festival, the
Town and Gown 10k run, a series of war films shown at the
Central Theatre and an open
day at Dickens World.
The week culminates with a service of thanksgiving for the armed
forces at Rochester
Cathedral.
Admiral Sir Ian Garnett, chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard
Trust said: “It is both an honour and a privilege for the Historic
Dockyard Chatham to be the venue for the UK’s first National Armed Forces
Day.
“We are especially pleased that in this historic place, where HMS
Victory and so many other ships and submarines were built and
repaired, this day will also allow us to recognise the enormous
contribution made by those who worked in this dockyard and the many
other military bases around the country.
“Our intention is to provide an opportunity for the public, young
and old, from many different walks of life, to join the men and
women of our armed forces and celebrate their achievements both now
and in the past.
“It is an exciting challenge but one to which we are much looking
forward, and I have no doubt that for participants and visitors
alike it will be a day to remember.”
Ex-dockyard workers and veterans who have not already been
contacted by the organisers can go to the dockyard’s website
www.thedockyard.co.uk
and download a form to send in or call 01634 823826 and ask to be
put through to extension 204 to get a form to complete.
Tuesday, May 05 2009
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