'Great time' had at Rushden Armed Forces Day celebrations despite extreme weather
Visitors to Rushden’s Armed Forces Day celebrations enjoyed a ‘great time’ despite the annual parade and drumhead service being cancelled due to the extreme weather.
Rushden and District Veterans Group (RDVG) organised this year’s celebrations of Rushden's Armed Forces but for the safety of young and old, the event moved into the shade.
On behalf of the RDVG, Royal British Legion Rushden branch chairman, Jake Baker said: “Unfortunately, the parade and drumhead service was cancelled following the Met Office issue of an Amber Extreme Heat Warning, which was not due to expire until 9pm.
"The RDVG rightly felt that many of the would be parade participants were very young or well into their senior years, therefore vulnerable; and they have a responsibility to ensure both their public safety and that of road marshals and ushers.”
Moving indoors to the Rushden Historical Transport Society’s goods shed venue, visitors could browse stalls in comfort, listen to singer Rodney Dell and visit Rushden Station for refreshments.
Mr Baker said: “The Rushden Historical Transport Society’s goods shed was in full swing with many stalls of various kinds from arts and craft, face painting, jewellery, Rushden Town Council, Brain Health, not to mention military stalls, such as the Royal Navy Association, Royal British Legion, SSAFA and Help for Heroes.
“Rodney Dell, a much experienced and delightful local singer entertained stall holders and visitors to the shed for well over two hours. He was very well received and we’re sure service branches will be seeing and hearing him again.”
Across the road, Beat Route Radio was present on Rushden Station platform and everybody there had a great time singing, hopefully drinking sensibly and having a great time. Unfortunately, many of the stall holders heard the fun but didn’t get a chance to experience it.
Mr Baker added: “We would like to extend a special thanks to Richard Aspley and his team from Event Safety Group Ltd for providing security on the day and to Lauren Gilbert, who is Asda’s Community Champion, who, despite the cancellation of the parade, donated over 200 bottles of chilled water for all to help themselves to during the very hot day.”