Second Annual Armed Forces Day A Success
"We’re really pleased that the people of Shropshire embraced the day and came out in force to see what it was all about," he said.“We’ve had people climbing walls, firing rifles and generally having a great time as well as learning about the Armed Forces and the Army Reserves as well as being given the opportunity to appreciate what it is these brave men and women do on a regular basis.”
Jamie Edwards, Shrewsbury Town in the Community manager, was proud of everything achieved throughout the day.
As well as being entertained pre-match, fans inside the Greenhous Meadow were entertained by the Royal Irish Military Band.
“There are a number of stands here today. We’ve got representatives from the Royal Yeomanry, the Royal Logistic Core, 6 Rifles and a detachment from 202 Field Hospital and of course the helicopter here form RAF Shawbury. It’s a great representation from everyone.
“It’s really good to be involved with Shrewsbury Town Football Club. We had a few of the guys down at our Exercise Reserve Challenge at Nescliffe Camp this week and I think all of the guys had a great time and acquitted themselves very well."
“The day was about celebrating the Corporate Covenant that we have with Shrewsbury Town Football Club and it’s a great opportunity for the army to come along and showcase itself and demonstrate to people that we are a part of the community,” he said.
“We did this last year and we are really pleased with the way it went. The army needs to engage with society and the local community.
Richard Maybery, Deputy Commander for 11 Signals and West Midlands Brigade was delighted that the Armed Forces and Shrewsbury Town have continued their fruitful partnership.
At 2.54pm the match ball was delivered in more than spectacular style as a helicopter from RAF Shawbury flew into Greenhous Meadow before bowing to the crowd and returning back to base – leaving it to the footballers to take over the entertainment.
The Club also offered free match tickets to serving military personnel and their families.
Shrewsbury Town manager Micky Mellon reversed his role on the other side of the interview table as he quizzed Rifleman Ben Taylor, who received the Queens Gallantry Medal.
Fans of both Shrewsbury and Colchester could be seen enjoying the family atmosphere as they got the chance to sit in army trucks, fire rifles, climb walls and get the opportunity to see the role of a military person.
“Today is a really important day for us because it’s an opportunity for us and the military, both regular and reserves to engage with the local community.
“Because of the support we get from the community, we want to give back to the local town here in Shrewsbury.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to understand what it is we do.
“The Brigade I command is based all over the country but I am actually from Shrewsbury so it’s great to be here. The units we had are from the local area.” He said:
Brigadier Robin Anderton-Brown emphasised the importance of days like these.
From 1pm onwards, members of the public were given the opportunity to meet staff from the Army, Navy and the RAF Reserves.
Ahead of their Sky Bet League 1 clash with Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town officials, management and players were all involved in meeting with military personnel as well as taking part in some of the many activities on offer.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club held their second successive annual Armed Forces matchday at Greenhous Meadow on Saturday as part of their continued partnership with the military.