Supporting The Rifles Regiments - Freedom of Wellington Town
After 18 months of meticulous planning, Wellington's historic day arrived. The Rifles regiment have been granted the Freedom of Wellington with a parade through the town centre. In a massive undertaking, 400+ regular, reserve, veterans, our CCF cadets and ACF cadets mustered on the quad and marched through Town. This included a regular army band, an ACF band and our own glorious Corps of Drums. Celebrating Armed Forces Day, it was a spectacular undertaking and a resounding success! Major Rory McCaffrey of The Rifles has spoken of his pride in joining the freedom parade. Guests looking on included the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, the High Sheriff, Robert Drewett, and local MP, Rebecca Pow. Back at school, the contingent were dismissed for well-earned refreshments while guests enjoyed afternoon tea in the Sunken Garden. Well done to all who took part!
Aims
Contributing to the community
Providing resources, premises and staff
Ensuring a memorable local activity was a success
Background
To coincide with Armed Forces Day, Wellington Town Council granted The Rifles Regiment the Freedom of the Town of Wellington on Saturday 17th June 2023.
The Rifles, along with reservists, veterans, and cadets, paraded through the town centre and receive a custom-made Freedom Certificate
On the same day, there was an Armed Forces Day celebration on Wellington Recreation Ground with military displays and re-enactments along with stalls from local traders.
Wellington School, being at the heart of the town, acted as hosts, and facilitated the many events and co-ordination of such a massive event, as well as providing resources, many personnel and individual skills.
Resources
Significant manpower in planning.
Use of premises for mustering, starting march and parade afterward
Our own CCF cadets
Own own Corp of Drums band
Catering and hospitality
Impact
Somerset's County Regiment, The Rifles, was honoured with the Freedom of Wellington to cement ties with the Somerset town that date back to the Monmouth Rebellion. Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposal that was suggested by local military historian Chris Penney following restoration of the Wellington Monument.
The reopened Monument commemorates the Duke of Wellington's victory at Waterloo in 1815. After the battle the Duke was made honorary Colonel of The Rifle Brigade. The Rifles linage incorporates the Somerset Light Infantry who had a platoon depot in Wellington and the town's local Army Cadet unit is linked to the Army's largest infantry regiment.
Pupil Involvement
Our CCF Cadets and staff (over 150) between Year 10-13 plus the Corps of Drums (over 30) together with over 30 staff.
Frequency
A unique one-off event.
