A special party to mark the 90th anniversary of the arrival of Ashford’s iconic tank in the town is being planned this summer.

It’s being organised by the Ashford Town Centre Partnership (TCP) on Saturday, 1st August - 90 years to the day in 1919 that the World War One (WW1) was presented to Ashford by Captain Ferrar of the Army Council in recognition of the splendid response by residents to the National War Savings Appeals.

It was driven to St Georges Square where it still remains today.

The TCP is planning a celebration with a military theme featuring a WWI re-enactment group, the USO dance group and 305 Ashford Air Training Corps who will provide music during the day, which will include a parade through the town to the tank. The Normandy Veterans Association and Royal British Legion are also hoping to participate in the event.

Built in 1916, Ashford’s tank is not believed to have seen active service. Of the 1,220 Mark IV tanks built, just eight - including the one in Ashford - now survive.

The tank is a Registered War Memorial and it was re-dedicated prior to Remembrance Day 2006.

If you are involved with any local groups with an association to the military or uniformed services and would like to raise awareness or fund-raise for your good cause on the tank anniversary day then please contact Viv Kenny at the TCP on 01233 664410 or email to info@ashfordtcp.co.uk

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