Proudly parading fusiliers
ST GEORGE’S DAY MARCH FOR REGIMENT
SERVING fusiliers were joined by veterans and cadets for a St George’s Day parade through Newcastle.
The sun shone on the city as they marched from Fenham Barracks to Northumberland Street, stopping for a thanksgiving service at the First World War memorial in Old Eldon Square at 10.30am. The smartly turned-out armed forces were celebrating St George’s Day, with many onlookers wearing England-themed dresses, hats and shirts to mark the national day. St George’s is also the regiment’s annual day, and recruits sport red and white feathered hackles in their beret. Many of those who lined the streets at Eldon Square to watch the march were supporting parading relatives. One of those was threeyear-old Jessica Taylor, who carried her own Fusiliers hackle. Alongside Jessica was Isabella Howe, there to back her husband, who spent two
decades as a fusilier. She said: “We’re here to support the fusiliers, my husband served in it for 21 years.
“It’s lovely weather, and it’s been a lovely parade.”
Young and old marched together, with cadets, active service personnel and decorated veterans all parading.
Footballers from Wallsend Boys Club joined in and collected change for Fallen Fusiliers, an aid which assists former members who are wounded or ill, along with the widows and dependents of soldiers who have been killed or injured fighting for their country.
After a service in Eldon Square, the parade headed up Northumberland Street, as their regimental band played ‘The Blaydon Races’ in tribute to Newcastle.
Kathleen Surtees and her sister Jacqueline sported red and white dresses, bags and shoes to mark St George’s Day. Their brother, Raymond, spent 22 years with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He was marching alongside his fellow veterans, cadets and recruits. Kathleen, who comes to the parade with her sister every year, would like to see more people celebrating England’s national day and said that Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day gets more attention. “Well, it’s for England,” she said. “We come out every year to celebrate St George’s Day.”