Malmesbury marching towards Freedom of the Town on Saturday 20th May 2023
Malmesbury Town Council is getting the town ready for hundreds of people lining the streets as soldiers from 9th Regiment Royal Logistics Corps at Buckley Barracks will be given the Freedom of the Town on the morning of Saturday 20th May 2023.
Alongside residents and visitors, it is hoped children from local schools including Malmesbury Primary, St Joseph’s and Lea and Garston primary will come along to watch the parade.
Mayor Gavin Grant said he is delighted to be presenting the soldiers with the honour, and a commemorative Malmesbury medal to mark the occasion which has not been bestowed on a regiment for over 22 years. “This is a real honour. It’s also an opportunity for us to show our support, pride and respect for our local Regiment and those who serve in it. We want to see people lining the streets, applauding our troops and enjoying this magnificent spectacle with us.”
The granting of freedom of entry is the highest award that the council can bestow. It means that individual regiments are allowed to march through the town with due ceremony, drums beating, bands playing and banners flying.
Carl Blackburn (RSM 9th Regiment) said “9th Regiment are really looking forward to honouring Malmesbury through a freedom parade. It has been a busy time for the Regiment, assisting through Covid and ambulance strikes as well as our UK and overseas commitments. We look forward to seeing the public celebrate and support us on the day.”