Ludgershall Town Council celebrated its Freedom of the Town parade to the delight of the community.
26 Engineer Regiment were invited to exercise their right to march through the town of Ludgershall on July 1 with bands playing and bayonets fixed.
Children cheering and flags waving, the parade was a sight to see and enjoyed by all who came to watch and support those marching. The salute was taken by Sir Andrew Gregory, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, who represents King Charles III.
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The mayor, Cllr Owen White, and councillors hosted a reception after the parade in the Memorial Hall for distinguished guests which included the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Pradeep Bhardwaj, the chairman of Wiltshire Council, Cllr James Sheppard, the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Jason Buchanan RE and other Officers from 26 Engineer Regiment.
The soldiers involved in the parade were kindly hosted by The Queen’s Head, The Crown, Old Castle Club and Sports and Social Club for refreshments.
An email to the town council from resident Phil Gill said: "I am writing to thank you for July 1 which was excellent. I had a thoroughly good time and I thought that the council did the town proud, as did those on parade with the regiment and the town.
"It made an old Sapper RSM’s heart burst with pride watching such a fine body of soldiers marching so well. Given my long association with regiment, it was particularly pleasing to see that the usual high standards were being maintained by everyone involved.
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"As always, this type of event is a window into the town and you can be sure that everyone looking in saw a vision of high morale, sound professionalism and civic pride. I consider myself lucky to live in such a nice place and to be represented by a such dedicated and effective group of councillors."
Cllr Michael Williams said: "The town of Ludgershall turned out on July 1 to see Freedom of the town parade by 26 Engineers regiment who marched through the streets led by the Tidworth Military band.
"Locals arrived in force to make it a memorable occasion for the residents and the officers and soldiers of the regiment."
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