VIDEO REPORT: Freedom of Thatcham parade
The honour was awarded to the Royal School of Military Survey, Hermitage, for its contribution
CHEERING crowds looked on with pride as a parade of about 100 members of the armed forces passed through Thatcham town centre yesterday (Wednesday), after the army training centre in Hermitage was given the Freedom of the Town.
Hundreds of people lined the streets for the celebration which marks the 60-year relationship between Thatcham and the Royal School of Military Survey, based at Denison Barracks, Hermitage.
The celebration started with a quarter peal of bells at St Mary's Church, following which the troops march from the town council offices in Brownsfield Road, down Bath Road, High Street and finally into the Broadway where crowds of cheering people gathered to show their support.
After the troops were inspected by Brigadier Mark Hallas and Thatcham mayor Lee Dillon, Mr Dillon handed over the scroll to the school principal, John Knight.
The parade then marched back to the council offices for a reception.
Mr Dillon said: "We have not have the best weather but still there was no room to stand.
"I think the day has gone perfectly; the town can be extremely proud and the residents can be proud of the part they played in making it a memorable day."
The honour, awarded by Thatcham Town Council, is in recognition of the national and international contribution that the military school has made to the education and training of defence personnel.
It means that the school has the right, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the town on all ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed.
Lance Corporal, Ryan Noton, said: "It's a sense of pride for us.
"It's nice for civilians to see us in our parade gear and it's nice for us to parade as we don't get to do it often."
Lance Corporal, Darian Lloyd, said: "This allows us to be proud to be part of the British army.
"The support means so much to us so it was great to see so many people there supporting us."
Click on the link above for video footage of the event and view the picture gallery for more images of the event.
