Armed Forces events combines community and military attractions

Organisers of an Armed Forces Day event say they wanted to strike a balance between community and military attractions.The Stamford branch of the Royal British Legion staged an event at the Recreation Ground on Sunday to recognise the role of the Armed Forces.A programme of live music ran from 11.30am until 6pm with contributions from Bomber Country Pipe and Drums, The Alibi, The Vintage Singers, Ellie James, Cottemore Military Wives Choir and the Huntingdonshire Concert Band.Chris Tasker, Ian Field, Ross Smith, Paul Ampleford and Mo Gout represented the Royal British Lgion. Photo: Iliffe Media/Chris LowndesAlso keeping the crowds entertained were craft and trade stalls, community stands, a bar, refreshments, fairground rides, military displays and circus skills workshops.The refreshments tent was manned by Legion volunteers while Stamford Action hosted a Pimms bar. Young people from Stamford and Ketton Explorers and 4th Stamford Christchurch Guides were raising money for camping trips with a selection of games while 2nd Stamford Scouts offered the chance to make a stamped leather keyring.Stamford and Rutland Cancer Support, Stamford Prostate Support Group, the Men’s Shed, Hero Paws and Blesma, The Limbless Veterans also held promotional stands.Explorer scouts manned a human fruit machine to raise money for a trip to the World Scout Jamboree. Photo: Iliffe Media/Chris LowndesA Hurricane flypast also proved popular with the crowds. Event organiser Matt Wade, secretary of the Stamford branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “The idea was to bring the community together for Armed Forces Day. We felt that Stamford was worthy of a celebration because of its close links with military bases.“We also wanted to make sure everyone who wanted to join us was able to attend so there was no charge for stallholders.“There was good football during the day and everyone seemed to be pleased with the activities and the range of live music.Bomber Pipes and Drums performed throughout the day. Photo: Iliffe Media/Chris Lowndes“We would like to thank all those that supported Armed Forces Day. Special thanks to all the community groups and traders, to the fantastic music groups that performed, to all the helpers and contractors but most of all to those that came and supported the event. We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did organising it.”The Vintage Singers. Photo: Iliffe Media/Chris LowndesThe branch committee will now decide whether to make the event a regular feature in Stamford’s calendar.