Dudley - Armed Forces Day Family Event at Himley Hall June 28, 2009

Details:
This year, the main celebrations for Dudley's Armed Forces Day will comprise of a family event on Sunday 28th June to be held in the Hall and Park of Himley Hall. This is a wonderful mansion with magnificant grounds and its own lake which will form a wonderful backdrop for the entertainment going on throughout the day. The event will be open to everyone and will be free of charge, and the public will be encouraged to bring a picnic basket and rugs to enjoy the entertainment. Of course, veterans will be invited to attend - watch out for the press adverts - and the events on offer will include:

The Halesowen Marching Band will hold their annual youth marching band competition which will include bands from across the UK.

There will be a Military Band Concert at which the Mercian Band will perform and winning youth marching bands will join in a 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony.

There will be a display of 2nd World War graphic panels, artefacts and collections of WW2 memorabilia and costumes in the Hall itself.

The local TA are providing a tank and other military vehicles so that the public can have 'hands on' experience of new equipment.

An inflatable climbing wall will be provided by the Reserve Forces Cadets Association.

There will be a Historic Military Vehicle Display.

The local Public Services Course will be invited to engage with all the veterans.

Later in the afternoon in the Hall itself, there will be a Formal Presentation of veterans badges by the Mayor of Dudley to veterans wishing to take up this opportunity, and Employers Certificates from SaBRE will also be awarded . Veterans will also be invited to take tea with the Mayor after the Presentations and can enjoy meeting up with old comrades.

All Dudley Schools are being asked to take part in an essay-writing competition with prizes being presented by the Mayor of Dudley during the veteran's Badge Presentation Ceremony.

As well as all the other entertainment, there will be various information stalls on hand where visitors can get advice or assistance from Council directorates and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

To complete Dudley's Armed Forces Day celebrations there is a smaller event being held on Saturday 27th June in Dudley Town Centre with military vehicles on display and a jazz band and singer performing music from the 20s to 40s. There will be facepainting for youngsters visiting the town and an Army recruitment caravan will be in situ.

Contact
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Name: Margaret Gregory
Phone: 01384 815201
Email: margaret.gregory@dudley.gov.uk

Official Website: http://www.dudley.gov.uk