Castle Point Armed Forces Day
27th June 2009
The War Memorial before the service
The first Castle Point Armed Forces Day was held on Canvey Island on the 27th June. The Parade assembled at Furtherwick School in the town centre and commenced at approximately 10.50 am. They were led by the band of the Air Training Corps and masses of people lined the route through the town to the Paddocks where a service was held at the War Memorial. They were clapped all the way, Union Jacks were waved and there was a great feeling of pride (much lacking today) as the parade passed by.
The service at the War Memorial was conducted by Royal Marine Veteran The Revd Dave Pickett, Senior Minister of Thundersley Congregational Church. Children Laura Brennan and Edward Booroff recited the poem ‘Remembering’ written by an unknown Veteran of Dunkirk.
Chelsea Pensioners on their way to the assembly point
There was then an address by Dr Bob Spink MP who then with the assistance of The Revd David Pickett and The Revd David Tudor presented Veterans Badges.
There were further addresses by The Royal Anglian Regiment, an emotional one from Iraq Veteran Rob Nunn and Chairman of the Canvey Island Town Councillor Nick Harvey.
Following the minutes silence and the National Anthem, Georgia Garrett, a pupil at Castle View School and winner of this years ‘Canvey’s Got Talent’ sang for us.
Veterans and the first Gurkhas to join Canvey’s British Legion at Furtherwick School
There was then a Civic Reception in the Paddocks Main hall where refreshments were served. We were entertained by the Thundersley Brass Band and there was an exhibition by The Bay Museum and stalls from other organisations. Plus a short MOD film ‘Recognise A Veteran’.
Castle Point Armed Forces Day 2009 Sponsored & Organised by:
Ministry of Defence
Bob Spink MP
Canvey Island Town Council
Videos of the event can be seen here
Comments about this page
To all Canvey people and to people who came from much further i was so proud of you all, to our past veterans, serving soldiers and to our young that proudly lead the parade you done us proud we showed we care God bless and thank-you.
Felt very lonely being the only Veteran on the bus. Talked to some Veterans after the parade who said that they wished they had known about the bus. An excellent organized event by CANVEY, look forward to next years.
Ian Hawks
I was in this parade of comrades with my wife, both on disabled scooters.
It was a most memorable event, and I was surprised by the enthusiasm of the lovely people of Canvey and castlepoint who put themselves out to cheer all in the Parade
We would like to thank all who came and to thank ALL the Organisers of the event
Geoff and Alma Williams
Romsey Road
I was so proud to take part in the march as a veteran. Thanks to all the Independent Clls who organised the event.
Add a comment about this page