Proud pupils' work promotes salute to the Forces

Schoolgirls Ellie Wilding and Sydney Middleton — both Class 10 pupils at St Bede's Catholic Primary — are the talented artists who triumphed in the borough-wide competition to promote Saturday’ events.

Their talent is now on display in and around the town, encouraging people to attend the annual event, which is an opportunity for Rotherham people to show their appreciation and support for the men and women of the Armed Forces, both serving and veterans, their families and carers.

A wide range of organisations, including the Military Community and Veterans Centre (MCVC), voluntary groups, Rotherham Borough Council and South Yorkshire Police are organising the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm in and around All Saints’ Square.

It will include the Yorkshire Regiment, exercising their right as Freemen of the Borough, to parade through the town, and a dramatic Hurricane flypast later in the day, weather permitting.

A short service will follow an inspection of the troops by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Lyndsay Pitchley, and the official national Armed Forces Flag will be raised.

Street entertainment will be provided, with merchandise on sale, information and display stalls along Effingham Street.

Free parking will be provided by the council in its official off-street car parks to encourage visitors to the event and promote the opportunities for shopping and leisure in the town centre during the day.

The Mayor said: “This is a great opportunity for Rotherham people of all cultures and faiths to get together and celebrate all that unites us.

“We are tremendously proud to have the Yorkshire Regiment with us in Rotherham on this very special day, along with so many other members of our Armed Forces, past and present.

“We owe them a great deal of gratitude for all that they do while on active service, and for their contribution when they return to civilian life here in Rotherham.”

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