Armed Forces’ Day defies rain to put on a fine show
Crowds marvel at colour, sound and size of spectacle
IT MAY have rained on the parade, but the poor weather did little to dampen the atmosphere at Lochgilphead Armed Forces’ Day last Saturday.
Hardy stallholders battled a stern wind and persistent rain to set out their stands on Lochgilphead’s front green. A determined attitude, however, meant that the weather didn’t dominate proceedings as an excited crowd gathered to watch the Armed Forces’ Day march. After a nervous wait for instructions, the veterans, serving personnel and cadets – led by the newly-formed Loch Fyne Pipe Band – marched from the Lochgilphead Drill Hall to Poltalloch Street for inspection.
The streets were lined with people marvelling at the colour, sound and size of the spectacle as marchers strode out in formation along Argyll Street.
Cruachan IV, the four-legged mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, stole the show as he led the parade down Argyll Street, with some assistance from pony major, Corporal Mark Wilkinson.
After the inspection, presentations and a march down Poltalloch Street and back, the marchers paid their respects to the 50year anniversary of the Aden conflict at the war memorial.
The chairman of Lochgilphead Armed Forces’ Day committee is Geordie Rhodick, and he told the Advertiser: ‘The whole day went really well, despite the weather early on.
‘The number of people was amazing considering, and thanks to everyone who came out to support us. We had people taking part from all over Argyll and it was a big parade, so that was very welcome too.’
Geordie, himself an old soldier, continued: ‘It’s a great chance to meet up with old pals, and everyone enjoys the day.’
See pages 22 and 23 for two-page feature.