Hundreds of people turned out for an Armed Forces Day celebration at the Corn Exchange in Blandford on Saturday 24th June.
The event was held to show support for the Armed Forces in Dorset and to unite the Forces and local civilian communities.
Organised by Blandford Forum Town Council in conjunction with Blandford Branch of The Royal British Legion and Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme, it was the first of its kind in Blandfors and incorporated the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flags, the parading of standards that included the local Army Cadets, as well as a piper and a bugler.
Cllr Hugo Mieville, Mayor of Blandford Forum Town Council and Anthony Woodhouse of Hall and Woodhouse Brewery both signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of their organisations, witnessed and countersigned by Colonel Rebecca Jaques-Grey OBE, Garrison Commander Blandford Camp.
The Corn Exchange incorporated an expo with exhibitors from Armed Forces support agencies, historical interest and fun activities for families. The Gurkhas ran a Nepalese kitchen and SSAFA provided teas and cakes.
The flag raising and expo was attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Dorset, Mr John Young, The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, Cllr Val Pothecary Chair of Dorset Council and Cllr David Walsh Armed Forces Champion for Dorset Council.
The event is set to return next year with more activities and exhibitors as it grows.
Kev Moore, Dorset Armed Forces Programme Coordinator, said: “What an amazing event it was and great to see such a fantastic turn out and so many people supporting the work of our Armed Forces.
“I would like to thank Blandford Forum Town Council, the Blandford Branch of The Royal British Legion and all who took part for making it such a successful first event, now to plan for next year!”
