Medway set to mark Armed Forces Day

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KentOnline reporter

multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 10:34, 29 June 2012

On parade for the UK's first National Armed Forces Day at Chatham's Historic Dockyard

The first Armed Foces Day at Chatham Dockyard in 2009

People will show their support for the armed forces in Medway tomorrow (Saturday), with a gala day of ceremonial pomp, celebration and remembrance.

Medway will mark Armed Forces Day along with the rest of the country when 400 participants parade through Rochester to pay respect to servicemen and women killed, injured or still active for their country.

The parade will be led by HM band of the Royal Marines (Collingwood) – including veterans with their standards, serving members of the Armed Forces and 1 RSME Regiment – celebrating the bicentenary of their establishment at Brompton.

The parade will start in Crow Lane, at 10.45am, and march past the War Memorial in Rochester High Street before proceeding into the Rochester Castle Gardens for a traditional military Drumhead service conducted by the Rev Canon Paul Kerr, in the presence of the Lord Lt of Kent.

Displays and activities will take place in Rochester Castle Gardens from 10.30am to 4pm, featuring the Rochester-based volunteers of the RE Bomb Disposal Squadron and the infantry of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

Joining them will be medical personnel of the 4th Medical Regiment, based in Ditton, the Chatham Royal Naval Reserve unit, the RAF recruiters and the Army with a huge inflatable assault course.

Completing the line-up will be the have-a-go mini-diggers from Diggerland and some children’s rides.

The afternoon will include music by singing duo the Swingtime Sweethearts.

Also appearing will be the Royal Marines Band, the Rochester Pipe Band and the Fabulous Fezheads.

Leader of Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers said: "I urge as many people as possible to come along and help us make this a memorable day."

This year’s event is supported by Medway Council, The Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems Rochester and the Medway Messenger.

To support the armed forces, their families and veterans, attractions across Medway are offering a range of discounts.

Visitors should produce an Armed Forces ID, ex-services association card or other proof to enjoy the offers.

Buckmore Park Karting: Two for one on a 30-minute karting session, Monday to Friday, from 10am-4pm. Ongoing offer. Phone 01634 201562

Chatham Ski Centre: 10% off all activities to armed forces past and present and families. Ongoing offer. Phone 01634 827979

Dickens World: 50% discount on entry valid until Sunday, July 1. Phone 01634 890421

Fort Amherst Tunnels: Concession entry for all qualifying persons plus one guest valid from June 30 to July 1. Phone 01634 847747

Gillingham Silver Blades: Free individual or family admission and skate hire valid for any session until June 30. Phone 01634 388477

Historic Dockyard Chatham: Free entry to serving personnel and forces and dockyard veterans valid from June 30 to July 1. Phone 01634 823800

Royal Engineers Museum: Free entry to all serving personnel and veterans valid from June 30 to July 1. Phone 01634 822839

Rochester Castle: Free individual and family admission valid on June 30 and July 1. Phone 01634 335882

Upnor Castle: Free individual and family admission valid on June 30 and July 1. Phone 01634 718742