Veterans’ parade hailed a success

3:23pm Tuesday 1st July 2008

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THE first Veterans' Day Parade in Redditch has been hailed a huge success by organisers.

Hundreds of servicemen and women, both past and present, gathered outside the Palace Theatre on Saturday to mark the occasion.

Members of the combined ex-services pipes and drums band performed for the crowds before a procession led up to St Stephen's Church, passing Redditch Mayor Jack Field who gave a salute.

At the church, Canon David Salt held a short service to commemorate all those men and women who were willing to defend their country, both in the past and in the present.

Barry Tansley, from the Redditch branch of the Parachute Regimental Association, which organised the event, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic day.

"This was the first time we have held this event and we couldn't have wished for it to go better. Jacqui Smith MP, Canon Salt and mayor Jack Field were all brilliant and really helped make the day special."

Following the events in the town centre, there was a Veterans' Day disco and raffle held at Bridley Moor & Batchley Club.

Mr Tansley added: "We must thank everyone who helped the day go smoothly, especially Redditch Council which made sure the town centre was clear for our procession. They bent over backwards to help out."