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[beefy22]

Could anyone tell me if the Battalion are marching through Wrexham on Friday 05 Sept 08,

[Paul Davies 701]

Beefy

They are marching through Wrexham on SATURDAY, 6th September

[Bob Bacon]

Could anyone tell me if the Battalion are marching through Wrexham on Friday 05 Sept 08,

Gents,

Arthur Ellingham in RHQ is putting the weekend together in conjunction with the Bn and Wrexham BC etc. Security will obviously be an important part of the weekend as the Police and other organisations will want to ensure that nothing untoward occurs on the day, as a large military event such as this could potentially provide an opportunist target.

Whilst everybody is invited, from former-RWF members (whether members of a Branch or not), to families of those on parade and the local community, entry to the Drumhead Service in Hightown Barracks before the march will have to be scrutinised to some degree and cannot simply be a free-for all. Passports or other forms of ID may be adequate, but check with RHQ. As for those who are not members of a Comrades Branch, maybe now is a good time to re-join the 'RWF fold' and join your local Branch - end of recruiting plug for the Comrades! The Comrades dinner in the evening will almost certainly be for members of Comrade's Branches only.

From my perspective, the more who attend the weekend the better. By the time that the march through Wrexham in 2004 reached the centre of Wrexham, the crowds were 10 deep on the pavements. Let's make it 20 deep this year! The boys have worked hard over the past 2 1/2 years and they deserve a massive homecoming. Spread the word and lets make it a day (and a weekend) to remember!

The plans for the parade are being finalised, but in outline, the normal Comrades AGM and lunch will be held in Hightown Bks on Sat 6 Sep. At approximately the same time, a small ceremony will be held in the Mayor's Parlour to formally confer the Freedom of Wrexham on the Regiment. In the early afternoon (probably around 1500hrs, but maybe slightly earlier - timings TBC), there will be a Drumhead Service in Hightown, followed by a march to the civic centre (flags flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed!). After a short parade on The Green I will formally handover command of the Battalion to Lt Col Nick Lock, who succeeds me as CO. He will march the Bn off-parade.

As for the parade, the band and drums of the 3rd Bn will lead the Battalion and I would envisage Comrades marching as part of the parade, however, Arthur in RHQ is coordinating the Comrade's participation, so pse check-in with him for the details.

Regardless if you are a member of the Comrades, or are family or friends of those on parade, please make the effort to attend the day. It should be a marvellous day of which the Regiment can be proud.

Regards to all,
Huw James