Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is to recognise the “bravery and dedication” of local members of the armed forces currently serving in Afghanistan with a march past and civic reception in Windsor next spring.

Councillors last night (Tuesday) agreed unanimously to hold the event to welcome home the troops from the regiments based at Windsor’s two barracks following a motion proposed by Windsor councillor James Evans and seconded by Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Alison Knight at the council meeting in the Guildhall.

Families of troops from the Household Cavalry based at Combermere Barracks and the 1st battalion the Coldstream Guards based at Victoria Barracks, currently on active duty in Afghanistan, will be invited to attend the march past and reception.

Cllr Evans, ward councillor for Clewer south ward said this week: “I am delighted to have the support of all my council colleagues for my proposal. I understand that there are more than 700 personnel from both regiments currently serving in Afghanistan.

“As ward councillor representing many of the families affected by the deployment, I feel it is important to take the lead in helping to show the council’s appreciation of the bravery and dedication of all our troops.

“A civic parade and reception gives us the opportunity to put party politics aside in a show of support for their courage and service.

“In proposing the motion I am following the lead of our Mayor, Cllr Leo Walters, who first called for a civic parade in October.

“Following the decision by cabinet in July to give the armed forces equal status in the borough’s housing allocations policy, a parade will emphasise the council’s commitment to and respect for the troops and their families as members of the local community.”

Cllr Leo Walters, Mayor of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, agreed. He said: “The army plays a large part in the community of the town of Windsor, and I am honoured to be involved in hosting such a fitting tribute to the men and women who serve our country so proudly.

“Our gratitude must also go to the families of the troops who provide such unstinting support for their loved ones and keep the home fires burning as their soldiers go on tour to carry out the jobs for which they have been trained.”

Details of the event – to be held in the spring at a date still to be confirmed – will be released as early as possible in the new year.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead