Freedom of Thatcham parade tomorrow (Thursday)

Soldiers to march with colours flying and bayonets fixed

SOLDIERS will exercise their freedom of the town of Thatcham tomorrow (Thursday).

The Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers will lead The Royal School of Military Survey (RSMS) through the town.

Thatcham Town Council bestowed the military unit the honour in 2011 in recognition, nationally and internationally, of the contribution that the military school has made to the education and training of defence and the close relationship that exists between the town, the Corps of Royal Engineers at Denison Barracks and the residents of Thatcham for more than 65 years.

The honorary freedom means that the RSMS has the right, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of Thatcham on all ceremonial occasions, with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed.

Maj Gen Hockenhull will be the inspecting officer for the parade.

The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, and Newbury MP Richard Benyon will also be in attendance along with the mayors of Thatcham, Newbury and Hungerford.

The parade will form up in Brownsfield Road and march to the Broadway via the A4 and High Street at 1.15pm. A ceremony will take place in the Broadway at 1.45pm before marching back to Brownsfield Road.

The Band of the Corps of Royal Enginners will perform an open air concert at Thatcham Cricket Ground at 4pm. Refreshments will be available to purchase.

The A4 from Brownsfield Road, High Street and the Broadway will be subject to a rolling closure for the parade.