THIS Sunday looks set to live long in the memories of thousands of people planning to gather for the March for Mansfield Heroes military parade — the biggest to hit the town in living memory.
More than 250 Army, Navy and Royal Air Force personnel, cadets and ex-servicemen and women will march into town from the Sir John Cockle pub to commemorate the fallen of the town and celebrate the achievements of raising funds to establish a permanent memorial to their memory.
A further 250 family and friends will bolster the parade — with thousands more expected to watch along the route and show their support at an event in Mansfield Market Place.
- See this week's Chad - out today - for our full three-page build-up to the event.
The parade marks the end of the first stage of the Heroes Campaign and organisers are urging people to turn out in force to show their support and make a donation to the Mansfield's Heroes Memorial Fund.
Deborah Smalley lost her son Damian in Afghanistan in 2007 and is one of the organisers of the campaign.
"The people from and around Mansfield have been fantastic in how they have supported the Heroes Campaign. Individuals, pubs, clubs businesses and all sorts of groups have dug deep to support us.
"We have a target of £20,000 to hit by Sunday and we hope that people will turn out on the day to push us over the line. The Heroes Campaign has really connected with people and they have done some amazing things, from the sponsored walk from Crich, to parachute jumps, to 12-hour fitness challenges and musical concerts.
"I feel incredibly proud to have been associated with the Heroes Campaign. It will mean a lot to me to see Damian's name on the memorial, just as it will to his young son Joshua. It just goes to show what the people of Mansfield can achieve when they want to.
"We just need to ask for one more push to get us there and we know the people of Mansfield can do that," said Deborah.
The parade will be led by the Seaforth Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band, which will be followed by Forces personnel from the Mercian Regiment, RAF Wittering, RAF Odiham, The Territorial Army, Cadets from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force, five branches of the Royal British Legion, Royal Marines Ex-Servicemen, RAF Ex-servicemen, Signals Ex-servicemen, East Midlands Royal Green Jackets Association and the Armed Forces Pension Group.
The parade will march into the Market Place where there will be performances by the Seaforth Highlanders, the Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band and the Mansfield District Male Voice Choir
"We honestly don't think Mansfield will have seen anything like this Parade for a very long time. We are urging anyone who wants to see the Parade and the mini-concert in the Market Place to be in place in the town centre early to make sure they get a good view and join in the celebration and commemoration," said a Heroes Campaign spokesman.
The parade will be leaving the Sir John Cockle Pub on Sutton Road at approximately 11.20 and heading into town down Sutton Road. It will enter the Market Place and form a parade at around 12noon.
The crowd will be addressed by Deborah Smalley, Mansfield Mayor Tony Egginton and Lt Col Keith Seddon MBE BEM.
Nottinghamshire Police are advising people to expect delays and road closures in the town centre to accommodate the large numbers expected. Estimates vary, but organisers say they expect the Market Place to be full, with as many as 6,000 people on the route and in town.
