National Veterans Day 27.6.08 - Blackpool

A full programme of events for the above is being organised by the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee with Blackpool Council, covering the period 21 - 29 June 08. I am compiling a breakdown of it all and will be able to send it to anyone who is interested. Hotels are offering deals and even Pleasure Beach are offering 2 for 1 rides for veterans. Most welcome will be associations and groups. To my knowledge there are 3 coaches coming from Scotland, 1 from Cumbria and over 100 people from Liverpool - and this is at the present.

Thanks Ianto,

This event is getting larger each year. Keep us updated please.

Thanks for reply - the next meeting is this Thursday when further information may be confirmed. Friday 27th June is going to be the busiest day of all, and it is not possible for people to be everywhere. Blackpool Council have planted a tree for every conflict since WWII and the unveiling of these together with placques will happen during the week. Most of this information is rather lengthy, and I shall try to reduce it to an acceptable level. Locally, there are around 24+ standards normally on parade which shows the strong ex-service community here.
Watch this space.
Brian R. Evans(Ianto 73)

Attachment 174
Trust this information is of use to one and all.

As a follow up to the above, Friday 27th June is one very busy day. 12 Reg't RA will exercise their Freedom of Blackpool around 1120 am after someone does an abseil down Blackpool Tower (it is not me). This is followed by a service of re-dedication of the Cenotaph(War Memorial) after major refurbishment. Due to it being a Friday, the Veterans parade will commence around 5/5.30pm and this will lead to "Friday Night is Music Night" show at the Opera House for which Veterans will be given free access. At the end of this show, there is time to watch the Red Devils do a nightime parachute drop before a Fireworks display ends the day. There is so much going on during this week, it is mind-blowing and I can only applaud the efforts which have been made by the local authority, our committee(Fylde Ex-Service Liaison covers 20+ associations) and local businesses who are contributing in a variety of ways. If anyone needs further information, please contact me.