Residents enjoy parade at barracks
A SPECIAL group of visitors attended a passing out parade at Bassingbourn Barracks. Residents of the Meldreth Sheltered Housing Scheme were invited to the barracks for the ceremony, which marks the end of training for young soldiers stationed at Bassingbo
A SPECIAL group of visitors attended a passing out parade at Bassingbourn Barracks.
Residents of the Meldreth Sheltered Housing Scheme were invited to the barracks for the ceremony, which marks the end of training for young soldiers stationed at Bassingbourn.
They were given front row seats for the parade, which was also attended by Army veterans, and afterwards they enjoyed lunch and a chat with a group of soldiers.
Sylvia Suddes, one of the residents, said: "It was a very moving experience, I really liked seeing the soldiers marching.
"I've got a grandson who's in the army, but he's stationed in the north of England, so I wasn't able to get to his passing out parade."
Another resident, Gladys Lofthouse, said: "It's been a really lovely day."
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Amanda Groves, Meldreth sheltered housing officer, arranged the visit through her husband, who works at the barracks.
She said: "It's good to get the ladies out and about, and I think they had a really good morning. They all seem quite happy.
"Even though it is sheltered housing, we like them to remain as independent as possible, and to really integrate with the rest of the local community."
Major Geoff Woodcock, from Bassingbourn Barracks, said: "It's been a pleasure to welcome members of the community into the barracks to show them the parade and talk about what we do.
"We want people to know that we are very much part of the community now.
"It's no longer a case of the army hiding themselves away behind barbed wire fences.
