The annual event featured military vehicles, charity and community stalls, a brass band, children’s activities, a funfair and displays from organisations connected to the Armed Forces community.
Among those attending was Councillor Leanne Stevenson, herself a military veteran, who said the day was about recognising everyone connected to service life. Leanne served for 23 years in the British Army, including operational tours in Iraq and Africa, before moving into local government and recently becoming Swindon’s Armed Forces Champion. She said:
“It’s about celebration of everybody who’s serving, still serving, and their families.”
For Leanne, the event was as much about people as it was about military history.
“It’s about everybody’s stories, everybody coming together as a community,” she said.
“It’s about that togetherness, and for everybody to come out and celebrate everybody for what they’re worth and say thank you on a really lovely day.”
Representing His Majesty The King at the event was Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire Shirley Ludford, who described it as a privilege to attend. She said:
“It’s an absolute honour to represent His Majesty today on a very important occasion, celebrating our forces, current, present and future, and all those who’ve served in the past as well.
“We mustn’t forget those, so I think bringing communities together is so important because community is what we’re all about.”
One of the most touching moments of the day came from Chelsea Pensioner John Gallagher, who shared a memory from his military service in Northern Ireland.
Now 77 years old, Gallagher travelled from London to support the event and reflected on one of the proudest moments of his career.
While serving in Londonderry, he discovered that many local children living near the River Foyle could not swim.
Working with officers from the Royal Ulster Constabulary, he helped organise regular trips to swimming facilities, teaching the children a life-saving skill.
“By the time I left, all those kids could swim,” he said.
Long-time Armed Forces Day supporter Vince Ayris said the event had become an important part of the local calendar.
“It brings together all communities to a place like Lydiard and it supports what we do and what we mean,” he said.
Leading the civic celebrations was Gary Sumner, who highlighted both the importance of the Armed Forces community and the significance of the venue itself.
“Armed Forces Day is a way of celebrating, honouring and thanking our Armed Forces personnel,” he said.
“Lydiard is a special place in Swindon. It was used during the World Wars as both a prisoner of war camp and a hospital, so it’s a location that really resonates.”
He added:
“Swindon is home to many former Armed Forces personnel and we need to support them in so many ways.”
North Swindon MP Will Stone also attended the event. A former Rifleman with 1 RIFLES, Will Stone served for more than five years in the British Army, earning an exemplary service record, representing the Army in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo, and receiving a regimental commendation for his contribution to sport and training within the battalion. He said:
“I think it’s a really important day to remember the veterans, the families, and the existing service personnel.”
With veterans, serving personnel, cadets and residents all enjoying the sunshine throughout the day, Armed Forces Day once again demonstrated the strong connection between Swindon and the military communities that surround it.
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