ARMED FORCES DAY FOR KIRKLEES- 26 JUNE 2010

Spenborough had the honour of hosting Armed Forces Day for Kirklees on 26 June 2010.

The Chairman of the Spenborough Branch of The Royal British Legion Mr Edward Morton, greeted the distinguished guests on their arrival at the Memorial Park, Cleckheaton in glorious sunshine. These included the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Andrew L Palfreeman and Mrs Palfreeman, The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mrs Jane Gummer MBE, JP and Mr Peter Gummer.

Other distinguished Guests included Lord Shaw of Northstead JP, DL and Lady Shaw and the Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen Mr Mike Wood.

Numerous Standards from other Legion Branches were also on parade and Veterans, Army Cadets and Air Cadets were also present in good numbers.

The "Drumhead" service was conducted by Rev Martin Lowles, assisted by Father Peter Smith and Rev Roger Smith.

A "fly past" by a DC3 Dakota of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight swooped low over the Memorial a number of times, after which The Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Andrew Palfreeman gave the address.

Wreaths were laid on the Memorial by The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mrs Jane Gummer, followed by The Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Andrew L Palfreeman,  the President of the Spenborough Branch Mr Eric Martin MBE.

The parade was assembled and led by The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Band for a procession around Cleckheaton. The salute was taken by the Mayor of Kirklees Cllr Andrew Palfreeman on the steps of Cleckheaton Town Hall.