Battersea Park Armed Forces Day - Family Fun Day Celebration June 27, 2009

Details:
Wandsworth Council is hosting a family fun day in Battersea Park in celebration of Armed Forces Day. The event takes place on Saturday 27 June (12pm – 5pm) in honour of Britain’s armed forces: past, present and future.

Councillor Edward Lister, Leader of Wandsworth Council said: “Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity for us to show our gratitude and appreciation to the armed services. We invite the community to come and join us on June 27 in celebrating the brave men and women who risk their lives in defense of our country.”

Wandsworth is home to territorial soldiers from the London Regiment based in Battersea, Balham and St John’s Hill and the 31st (City of London) Signal Regiment based in Southfields - many of whom have seen operational duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.

There are also army, sea and air cadet squadrons located within the Borough who offer local young people many worthwhile and exciting opportunities.

The fun day will commence midday at the bandstand in Battersea Park with the Pipes and Drums from the London Regiment heralding a military salute and opening ceremony.

Soldiers and cadets from the Borough’s reserve forces and veterans from The Royal British Legion will be in attendance to salute the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Professor Brian Prichard CBE, and the Queen’s representative in the borough, Major General Peter Istead CB OBE GM DL.

After the military spectacle the day’s family festivities will get underway and visitors will have the opportunity to meet the soldiers and cadets to speak about their military role in the community and beyond.

There will be activities and exhibitions for residents of all ages:

• watch weapons demonstrations including mortars, machine guns, assault rifles and anti-tank missiles;
• take part on the Army's Paintball Range;
• see the equipment carried by the soldiers whilst on operations, try to put up a poncho and feel the weight of a Bergan on their back;
• watch a field kitchen in action;
• talk to members of the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets as well as veterans from the Royal British Legion and staff from the charity Help for Heroes;
• experience a ride in a tethered hot air balloon (weather dependent) with all donations to go to the London Regiment’s Welfare and Benevolent Fund;
• listen to music from the Westminster Saxophone Quartet jazz band and the Bryden string quartet;
• watch or take part in a game of rounders – civilians versus military;
• enjoy a free tai chi session;
• children above the age of 3 years (with their parents) are invited to take part in creative workshops at the Gallery Piazza. The workshops will be: flag making (create your own family flag) and create a state (what would you do if you were in charge of your own city?);
• Face painting will also be available with all donations going to The Royal British Legion.

Contact
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Name: Alison Smith
Phone: 020 8871 7534
Email: events@wandsworth.gov.uk