Village hosts third annual Armed Forces tribute (From Wiltshire Times)

Village hosts third annual Armed Forces tribute

9:30am Saturday 7th July 2012 in Corsham By Craig Jones

Hundreds gathered in the village of Colerne to mark Armed Forces Weekend with an event that had local significance for many residents.

About 600 people attended Colerne’s third Armed Forces parade day, which began with a march of current and former service personnel and uniformed children’s groups to the Colerne Primary School.

Next came a parade and a flypast with three Grob Tutors.

The 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support) is based at Azimguhr Barracks, in the village.

Colerne Primary School headteacher Rob Parsons said 47 per cent of his pupils were from service families.

He said: “I think it is important for us to mark this event as serving families make up such a huge part of our community and we wanted to show our gratitude.”

The parade featured members of the Armed Forces, the Royal British Legion, uniformed personnel and youth groups.

During a post-parade fete at the school, in Quarry Lane, there was a second fly-past.

Mr Parsons said: “We were honoured to receive a fly past from the Red Arrows, who made a quick detour to their routes to go over Colerne.”

Fete attractions included military vehicles, a tug of war, a flight simulator and stalls supporting Help for Heroes.

The event also helped raise money for Colerne Primary School. The fundraising total is still being tallied.

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