PAGE Park echoed to the sound of musket and cannon fire during a celebration of past, present and future military service.
Veterans, serving personnel and their families were joined by civic leaders, cadets and residents for South Gloucestershire Armed Forces Day on June 20.
The free event started with a parade to the park along the High Street and Broad Street.
Participants ranged from young cadets, from units in Mangotsfield, Kingswood, Speedwell and Keynsham, to 100-year-old Second World War veteran Harry Francis, of Soundwell, who told the story of his extraordinary service in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in the Voice last year.
Harry served on a ship hunting U-boats in the Atlantic before joining the Special Boat Service, fighting in Italy and the Middle East and going on a secret mission to meet Yugoslavian partisan leader Tito, before being badly injured fighting in the jungles of Burma.
At Page Park a drumhead service – a traditional military service using a stack of regimental drums as an altar – was held before a signing ceremony for 17 public organisations backing the Armed Forces Covenant to support service personnel and veterans.
Special events for service personnel and their children were held in a VIP tent, while at the bandstand and in the arena performers included the Bristol Military Wives Choir, which rehearses in Mangotsfield.
The noisiest part of the day was a musket and cannon demonstration by the Association of Crown Forces 1776, a re-enactment group which draws its members from across the South West.
Dressed as soldiers of the Coldstream Guards, Queen’s Rangers and camp followers from the time of the American War of Independence, the group showed the unpredictable nature of weapons fired using powder, flint and tapers – warning visitors to cover their ears before their cannon roared.
Organising committee chair Ian Campbell said around 4-5,000 people attended this year’s event, which was supported by a team of around 30 volunteers.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved.
“It was our biggest event to date and a real celebration of the people who serve, have served, and the families who support them every day.
“More than 150 veterans, serving personnel and their families joined us at our reception, and we were also delighted to welcome over 50 children and their families to our children’s tea party for serving Armed Forces families.
“Seeing so many people come together, catching up with old friends and making new connections, really brought home the strength and spirit of our armed forces community.
“One of the highlights of the day was seeing the largest number of councils and organisations anywhere in the country sign the Armed Forces Covenant in a single event. I think that sends a powerful message.
“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, supported and helped organise the day. Events like this don’t happen without a real team effort, and yesterday showed the local area at its very best; proud, welcoming and united in supporting our Armed Forces community.”
Planning is already under way for next year – people can make suggestions at southglosafd.com.
