Veteran's Day Celebration

Trust Thamesmead's Veterans' Day Celebration took place on Wednesday 27 June. 48 former servicemen and women mainly from Thamesmead attended the event at Firepower in the Royal Arsenal.

Among them were Lewis Booth (82) and John Thompson (75) who both served in the Coldstream Guards. They said they were very surprised to meet up as the regiment is based in Scotland and it is very unusual to come across members in London, so it was a chance for them to catch up and reminisce.

The event got underway with teas and coffees served in the museum. Then our guests took their seats for a two course sit-down meal, which was served by Trust staff - Danny, Linda, Ben, Jackie, Sarah and Jules.

Addressing his fellow ex-servicemen and women, the Trust's vice-chair Ted Claridge said: “The eleventh of the eleventh is to remember those who lost their lives at war. Veterans Day is about celebrating those who survived and all that we achieved.”

rust Thamesmead's Arts & Events Co-ordinator, Danny Thorpe, who organised the event added: “It was really heartening to meet so many Thamesmead veterans and very fitting to have the dinner on the Royal Arsenal, which, like our veterans, contributed hugely to Britain's overall war effort. It is always important to take time to say thank you to the people who worked so hard to protect Britain during the war.”