Erewash residents are being reminded that they can give a flag-flying welcome to our home-coming troops this Saturday (6th) when the local Mercian Regiment march through both Long Eaton AND Ilkeston town centres.
More than 300 members of the Regiment, which has just returned from its latest tour of duty in Afghanistan, will stage full-sized military parades in the landmark events.
It is hoped hundreds of residents will turn out to line the route in both Ilkeston and Long Eaton to ensure a colourful celebration and salute for the returning heroes.
Details of the parade are:
Long Eaton
- Parade starts at 10.00am on West Gate and makes its way along Main Street to the High Street.
- The soldiers will march along the pedestrianised High Street and into the Old Market Place
- The parade will pass by the Cenotaph outside St Laurence’s Church, where the salute will be taken
- It will then march to the roundabout and across to Long Eaton Town Hall
Ilkeston
- Parade starts at 2.15pm at Toll Bar House
- The soldiers will march up South Street
- The parade will pass through the Market Place, where the salute will be taken outside Ilkeston Town Hall
- It will then make its way down Bath Street.
A collection will be held during both parades in aid of the Royal British Legion and the Help for Heroes charity.
Erewash Borough Council granted the Freedom of the Borough to the Mercian Regiment – formerly the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters - in 2007 in honour of its strong links to the area.
Councillor Chris Corbett, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said:
“We are very proud of our local regiment and I would encourage everyone to come along and show their support. Let’s make it a wonderful Erewash welcome.”
It will be necessary for several roads to be subject to road closure orders for the duration of the marches. West Gate car park, Long Eaton and Toll Bar House car park, Ilkeston will also be closed. The markets will be unaffected.
A reception will be held in the Town Hall, when medals will be presented to some locally-born members of the Regiment by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker.
