Suffolk ACF supports Freedom of Newmarket Parade

Suffolk Cadets witnessed history while completing community engagement tasks at the Grenadier Guards Freedom of Newmarket Parade recently.

Freedom of Newmarket

On 12 September, Suffolk ACF was represented at a significant civic and military occasion as the Grenadier Guards were awarded the Freedom of Newmarket.

The Freedom of a town is one of the highest civic honours that a British local authority can bestow upon a military unit. The occasion recognised the long-standing historical links between Newmarket, King Charles II and The First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards.

Representing Suffolk ACF were our Chief Executive Officer, Major Gerrard, and Cadet CSM West, who attended in his role as the Lord Lieutenant Cadet to the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington. Cadet CSM West carried out his duties throughout the event, proudly representing Suffolk ACF and the wider Army Cadet movement.

The formal proceedings began with a ceremonial march by the Nijmegen Company and Band of the Grenadier Guards through Newmarket High Street. The parade made its way through the town with ‘drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed’, providing an impressive display of military tradition and ceremonial drill for members of the local community.

Following the parade, a military inspection and band concert took place at Tattersalls. The Freedom was formally presented by the Mayor of Newmarket, Councillor Philippa Winter, on behalf of the Town Council.

The Town Council stated that, “in recognition of the close historical association between Newmarket, King Charles II and his Regiment, The First Guards, the Town Council is proud to have bestowed The Freedom of Newmarket on The First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards.”

A rich history

The Grenadier Guards trace their history back to 1656, when the regiment was raised by King Charles II. Following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the regiment was renamed the First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards. Today, the Grenadier Guards remain one of the oldest and most recognisable regiments of the British Army.

The event also provided an opportunity for Suffolk ACF cadets to support the local community and gain valuable experience through their کمیونٹی مصروفیت activities. Cadets from Anzio and Waterloo Detachments, who have associations with the Grenadier Guards assisted with the smooth running of the event, demonstrating the commitment, teamwork and responsibility expected of Army Cadets. Their participation also provided a valuable opportunity to witness a significant moment in the regiment’s history while representing Suffolk ACF.

The Freedom of Newmarket parade was a memorable occasion, bringing together the local community, serving soldiers, veterans and cadets to celebrate a historic connection between the town and the Grenadier Guards and Suffolk ACF is proud to have been part of it.