Photo above – the new flagpole in Banstead

Photo above:  Former servicemen attending Banstead’s Armed Forces Day commemorations.

The 25th anniversary of Armed Forces Day commemorations in Banstead centred around the town’s new flag pole in a ceremony to honour the armed forces.

The Banstead Royal British Legion and Surrey County Council raised funds for the flag pole which has been sited close to the War Memorial.  Reigate and Banstead Borough Council moved its annual ceremony from Reigate Town Hall to Banstead for the occasion. 

Susy Radio’s Neil Munday attended the ceremony which was led by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor James Baker, an ex serviceman: 

The Reverend Captain Doug Ross led prayers for those gathered at the ceremony who included both serving and retired members of the armed forces, local residents and dignitaries.

The above recording ends with the Royal British Legion Banstead and District Branch who presented their reply to the gathering, thanking those who had helped with the fund raising for the new flag pole which would be a new focal point for the town.

Photo above, Deputy Mayor for the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor James Baker and dignitaries.

Photo above – Deputy Mayor, Councillor James Baker and his wife, Caroline.

All photos credit – Neil Munday