Image of HMS Prong flanked by the RNPS blazer badge

 

 

Royal Naval Patrol Service Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

Armed Forces Day, Lowestoft 2012


Courtesy: Mick Howes

The Armed Forces Day event took place on the Royal Green at Lowestoft on Saturday 30th June as part of a national day of recognition by the British public for the sacrifices that the armed forces make on our behalf. Many service stands and exhibits were on display and special visitors were an Honor Guard drill team from the US Air Force at RAF Mildenhall who were very well received. 

A drum head service was conducted by rector of St. Peter and St. John Kirkley, the Revd. Andrew White. Distinguished visitors included a Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk, Major-General John Sutherell, a former commanding officer of 1st Btn. Royal Anglian Regiment and now the Secretary General of the Officers Association, and the new Mayor of Lowestoft Councillor Nick Webb.

To the right is our Chairman, John Street caught on camera during the drum head service. Our Secretary, Leo Whisstock was also much in evidence as a co-organiser of the event and secretary of the Lowestoft and District Combined Ex-Serivces Association. He was quoted as saying to a representative of our local press, "The day is about bringing the forces into the public eye.We often hear in the media about the armed forces facing government cuts, or people being killed in Afghanistan, but it is also good for the public to meet them and get feed back both ways.”

Courtesy: Mick Howes

A telling remark was made by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards when interviewed by a BBC journalist whilst on a visit to British troops in Helmand Province in Afghanistan on the same day. He said that his overiding message to the troops out there was, "a very very big thankyou".

Amongst other things he went on the say, "...people in Britain are using it (Armed Forces Day) as an opportunity to thank the troops for what they do. I would just like to say that the reciprocal applies. It's an opportunity for the armed forces to say a very big thank you to the people who support us so well."

The final image shows our Chairman and his Vice-Chairman in more relaxed mode whilst manning the RNPSA stand. The day was somewhat blustery and at times the stand had to be held down but our staff photographer has caught them during a lull in the weather, which was bright on the day except for one very sharp downpour.

 
Courtesy: Alf Muffett

The event was well attended and the exhibits appeared to be much appreciated. A full report appears on the Lowestoft Journal website.

G. A. Michael Sims

 Last amended 1st July 2012