Today is Armed Forces Day and it is a well established annual event but, back in April 2009, I got a call from one of my contacts – Tony Viney who was a serving Captain with 2 Yorks regiment.

We had worked on a few articles in the past including his commendation for quelling a riot and even his wedding.

He mentioned that he had been asked to organise an event called Armed Forces Day and he gave me the exclusive what was going to happen on the day.

It also built on the success of the Heroes Welcome initiative which began in Scarborough and aimed to benefit veterans in the town.

Needless to say it it all went ahead quite smoothly and in the ensuing years it has grown from strength to strength.

The Army is on its way back

SCARBOROUGH will host the largest event in the region to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 27, in South Bay – and West Pier will be transformed into a patrol base – similar to those built in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Capt Tony Viney, of the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), is from Scarborough and the organiser of the day.

He said: “It’s an honour that they asked me to do it. It’s my home town and it’s raising awareness of what my colleagues are doing.”

The event is supported by Scarborough Council, the Armed Forces and the South Bay Traders Association.

Displays will include equipment, weapons, vehicles, a paintball range, climbing walls and a tug of war competition.

Military personnel will be on hand to give information about serving in the forces.

A 30-piece marching band display including members from the Royal British Legion will close the day with a parade along Foreshore Road ending at the Lifeboat House where there will be a church service.

The day is being supported by the Heroes Welcome initiative which gives members of the Armed Forces recognition and a quiet acknowledgement of thanks.

John Senior, coordinator for the Heroes Welcome in Scarborough, said: “This is the community’s opportunity to say thank you to our service personnel and veterans.

“It is after all, by their effort and sacrifice in the past, present and future that we continue to enjoy our free and pleasant land.”

This is the first celebration of Armed Forces Day, which will build on the success of the previous commemoration of Veterans Day, and honours the commitment and dedication made by current members of the Armed Forces and veterans of all ages.

Cllr Tom Fox, the leader of Scarborough Council said: “The council is happy to support this event in giving all Armed Forces personnel the recognition they deserve for the contribution they make, not just to the security of the country and other places but also the well being and humanitarian aid they provide in times of disaster and emergency.

“They put their lives on the line in so many different ways and in different scenarios that it is important for people to be reminded of just that. We are so keen to ensure everyone can have a real fun day of activities in celebrating all of what they do.”

John Anderson, the secretary of the Royal British Legion (Scarborough branch), said: “The introduction of a day to celebrate and recognise the tremendous sacrifices made by all past, present and future members of our Armed Forces is a worthwhile cause.

“It is a chance for the people of Scarborough to thank and remember all those heroic individuals who have defended our national interests during many conflicts.”

From the Scarborough Evening News on Monday, April 6, 2009.

Hundreds turn out to show support for first Armed Forces Day

HUNDREDS of people turned out to support the first Armed Forces day event in Scarborough’s South Bay over the weekend.

Despite the day-long downpours they were in good spirit as they marked the contribution our soldiers, sailors and airforce men and women have made to the country.

Former RAF man Will Warwick, 38, who left the forces in 2001 travelled from Pickering. He said: “It’s been well worth the trip. The kids have loved it. The atmosphere has been fantastic. It’s been a good celebration of the Armed Forces.”

Barnsley-based Dickie Owen, 74, and a former Para, said: “People are finally coming round to giving ex-servicemen and women the thanks they deserve.”

Former Royal Corps of Transport soldier Alex Hunter, who lives in Scarborough, said: “It’s been a fantastic day. It’s nice to see respect for the forces. This is a brilliant day for the town. It would be fantastic if it became an annual event.”

As part of the proceedings several veterans, who served in various conflicts from the Second World War up to the campaign in Iraq, were presented with lapel badges in recognition of their service.

Ralph Scarry, an 83-year-old veteran who served as a chef with the 828 Naval Air Squadron aboard HMS Implacable during the Second World War, said it was an honour to be given the badge.

Mr Scarry, of Sands Lane, Hunmanby, said: “I’d advise any of the young ones to join up. If I was 17 again I’d do it again.”

Beatrice Rogers, 85, of Prospect Mount Road, served with the Royal Artillery between 1941 and July 1944 when she received special dispensation to look after her sick mother. She said: “I think it’s a great idea to recognise people who have served in the forces.”

Rachel Brown, a 20-year-old Petty Officer with Scarborough Sea Cadets from Snainton, was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award during the ceremony. She said: “I’m delighted. It’s a big achievement for anyone.”

Captain Tony Viney, the event’s military co-ordinator and a member of 2nd battalion the Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), said the support from the general public had been fantastic.

He said: “Scarborough is known throughout the UK as being a pro-forces town. It started Heroes Welcome and this first Armed Forces Day has landed itself in the top five events in the country.”

Rosie Winterton, the regional minister for Yorkshire and the Humber, visited Scarborough and presented one of the veterans’ badges.

She said: “It was moving. It’s very good to be able to pay tribute to the brave people who’ve served our country so well.”

Scarborough’s MP Robert Goodwill said the event had been well supported by the public. He said: “They want to show their support for the Armed Forces given the challenges they face on a daily basis in Afghanistan and, until recently, Iraq.”

He said the success of the Heroes Welcome scheme – an initiative which began in Scarborough and has been adopted in several other areas of the country – also showed that people supported the troops.

During Saturday the West Pier was transformed into Patrol Base Fishbone – similar to those constructed by troops in Afghanistan and Iraq – with a field hospital, climbing walls, weapons displays and a number of information stalls from several regiments of the British Army.

In his opening speech Scarborough’s mayor Cllr Bill Chatt said: “This is a very special day and it is great to see so many of you wearing red.”

Although some of the day’s events, including an abseil display on Vincent pier lighthouse and the launch of a Lynx helicopter, had to be axed because of the weather, most agreed that Scarborough’s celebrations were a success.

Tom Fox, leader of Scarborough Council, said the town had every right to be proud. “This is a fantastic occasion and it’s an honour to be part of it.

“It’s been a really positive event about people showing their respect and support for the Armed Forces and it’s all gone off in the right spirit.”

Local businesses were delighted with the turnout. Steve Mawer, owner of the Lifeboat Cafe, said: “We opened at eleven this morning and we’ve been rushed off our feet since. People just keep coming and coming.”

Kath Duffy, landlady of the Newcastle Packet, said: “We’ve been very busy and I’m very pleased that so many people have come along to support the day.

“The morale’s fantastic – this is definitely very good for the town.”

Scarborough for Peace group also had a stall set up. Manning it was Leeds man Peter Brierley whose soldier son Shaun died in Iraq in 2003.

“When I got here I saw all the young soldiers waiting for the day to begin and I thought that’s what Shaun would be doing if he was still here.

“I’m glad they’re here. I just wish he was too.”

From the Scarborough Evening News on Monday, June 29, 2009.