Armed Forces Day 2019 is celebrated in Newark Market Place
Military personnel drew the crowds in Newark Market Place Sunday in an annual tribute to our troops.
Armed Forces Day saw veterans from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal British Legion, Parachute Regiment Association, Royal Signals, Royal Artillery Association and Sherwood Foresters Association paraded through the square.
Each of the three branches of the Armed Forces — the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force — take the lead organising the event on a rotation basis. This year, it was the turn of the navy.
TS Newark Castle Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets also took part in the parade, as well as serving personnel from 703 Naval Air Squadron, HMS Sherwood and 158 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps.
The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag was carried out by Vince Matchett, of the Newark branch of the Royal Naval Association.
Prayers were said by the Rev David Pickersgill, the Priest-in-Charge of Newark Parish Church, and the Mayor of Newark, Mrs Irene Brown, addressed the officers and the crowd, followed by an address by Senior Naval Officer Commander Roger Wyness, of the Royal Navy.
The day also featured stalls by charities, including the Royal British Legion, as well as a classic vehicle display and activities for children including face painting, a Punch and Judy show and a climbing wall.
There were also musical performances from Waddington Military Wives Choir and Rock Choir Newark, and live music from Hot Dogs Swing Band throughout the afternoon.
Kevin Winter, secretary of the Royal Naval Association Newark, said: “We had a brilliant turn out. We were really pleased.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to the organisers, Newark Town Hall and also to all those who came to support us on the day.”
