15 September 2010
Shops and businesses in Caerphilly and Blackwood town centres are being encouraged to 'fly a flag' and show their support for our armed forces later this month.
The Royal Welsh Regiment is to receive the 'Freedom of the Borough' from Caerphilly county borough council on Saturday 25th September. The day will involve two special parades – one through Caerphilly at 9.30am and then another through Blackwood at 11.30am.
Crowds are expected to line the routes and cheer our brave troops on as they march in formation and receive the honour. It is hoped that in both town centres local businesses will also join in and show their support by displaying flags or bunting outside their properties on the day.
The first parade will take place in Caerphilly town centre on the Saturday morning. The regiment will set off from St Martins Comprehensive school at 9.30am, making their way down through the town centre (along Cardiff Road) before assembling for the official ceremony at the cenotaph outside the Visit Caerphilly Centre (opposite the front of the castle).
After formally receiving the 'Freedom of the Borough' in Caerphilly, the regiment will then be transported to Blackwood where they will start a second parade. The troops will set off from the former Somerfield car park at 11.30am before marching along the High Street and past dignitaries assembled at the front of Blackwood Miners Institute.
"I would encourage the whole community to go along on the day and support our brave troops," said leader of council, Cllr Lindsay Whittle. "We are delighted to be able to confer this special honour on the regiment and we hope the event will be a fitting tribute to the men and women who serve in our armed forces."
The parades will involve road closures in both town centres which will obviously cause some disruption to motorists. Closure signs will be in place and the routes will be reopened as quickly as possible as the parades pass through.
For more information contact 01443 864264.
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