Military honour

A military band will perform a ceremonial tattoo on War Memorial Recreation Ground, Southwell, to raise money for charities that help current and former
servicemen.

The Royal Anglian Regiment Band will perform beating the retreat and the sunset ceremony for the Royal British Legion, Help For Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

The ceremony involves the band playing while performing manoeuvres and lowering the Union Flag.

The Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force Band and Nottinghamshire Operatic Society will also perform.

There will be charity stalls, climbing wall, military displays, and second world war vehicles.

Those attending the event on August 3 will include the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir Andrew Buchanan; the Mayor of Nottingham, Mrs Jeannie Packer; and Mrs Jacqui Thompson, the widow of Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson (51) a member of Southwell Rugby Club who died last year while serving in Afghanistan.

Mr Andy Gregory, the chairman of the Southwell branch of the Royal British Legion and the town council, said it was important to support the work of the three charities.

“It is an opportunity to see something you don’t see very often,” he said.

“We want people to come down and bring a picnic and really enjoy the event.

“We want to attract visitors but this is mainly for people in the town to come and enjoy. We hope to have enough attractions to keep people entertained for a couple of hours.”

Mr Gregory, who served with the RAF, attended beating the retreat ceremonies while serving with the UN in Cyprus.

He said: “The ceremony really is quite moving.”

A stall will be in the Market Place on Saturday, August 1 selling Help For Heroes and Royal British Legion promotional items to raise money.

Southwell Tourism Partnership is organising the event.

Entry will be free with money raised for the charities through donations.