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A Service and Parade fit for a king

Service of Thanksgiving for King Charles III and Parade in Hedon - by Capt N Bizzell

A Service and Parade fit for a king

10 May 2023

  • Humberside And South Yorkshire ACF

On Sunday 7th May the Band and Corps of Drums of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force led the parade in Hedon centre.

The Town came together to Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with a parade and service in St Augustine's Church. The Band and Corps of Drums, joined by Cadets and adults from A company, formed up in the town centre where they were inspected by Chris Blacksell; Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Diane Storr; Deputy Mayor of Hedon, and Colonel Fred Owen; Commandant.

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After the inspection the Band and Corps of Drums played for a short while before the parade marched off to the church. Along the route the Band and Corps of Drums provided musical accompaniment.

A Company were led by their Commanding Officer Major Richard Lenton and the Hedon Detachment standard carried by Detachment Commander Sergeant Instructor Cassie North.

The Cadets are able to march through the town with drums beating and colours flying as a result of the award of Freedom of Hedon to The Cadet Force in 1960. The County Force exercises this right in a freedom parade every year and supports events in the town regularly.

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Being able to recognise the Coronation of TM King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the Ancient Town of Hedon was a great way to conclude the weekend celebrations. Humberside and South Yorkshire has the Freedom of Hedon, so it was fitting that the Cadet Force and our band joined the community to celebrate this event. We remain proud of our links with the Community of Hedon and the warm welcome we receive’.

Colonel Fred Owen, Commandant

On arrival at the church the banners formed a guard of honour and the representatives of the Town entered followed by the cadets and people of the town.

During the service prayers were offered for the King and the black light display team gave a demonstration.

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After the service the Parade formed up again. The Band and Corps of Drums led the parade around the town and back through the centre where the Salute was taken by Chris Blacksell DL and Col Fred Owen.

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Having the Cadets at Hedon’s Thanksgiving Service for the Coronation of King Charles III was really nice, and made the event even more special. They were all very smartly turned out and the marching and music was excellent. It was an honour to inspect them and to take their salute as they marched through the town.

Chris Blacksell, Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire

After the parade there was a reception in the town hall. Where Col Owen took the opportunity to recognise two Adult Volunteers. Firstly Charlie Guest was promoted to Sergeant Instructor, having recently completed the music AITC. Secondly Staff Sergeant Instructor Dave Harrison was appointed as Drum Major.

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The Band and the Corps of Drums offer free tuition and loan instruments to train the Cadet and Adult musicians. If you are already play an instrument or would like to learn then they can offer support and ample opportunities to perform.

To get started click the "Join Now!" link at the top of the page and select the check box to find a music detachment near you.

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