Taunton bids to host national Armed Forces Day

News that Taunton could host the national Armed Forces Day event has been welcomed by Gideon Amos, the local Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate.

Mr Amos in consultation with the organising committee, proposed the idea to the meeting of Taunton Town Council held on July 11th after the success of last month’s Somerset Armed Forces Day which saw more than 30,000 people flock to Vivary Park.

He has now received confirmation from the town council that it is happy to work with the organising committee to bring the high-profile national event to Taunton.

Mr Amos, a former reserves soldier and himself attached to Bishops Hull Army Cadet Force, said: “Armed Forces Day is fantastic opportunity to recognise and value those who serve, and have served in the past.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the organising committee, all the volunteers and those who gave grants this year, including our town council.

“Taking the idea of Taunton hosting the national Armed Forces Day to our town council was the logical next step and I am delighted they have agreed.

“The campaign I began against the Conservative government’s proposed closure of our Royal Marines’ 40 Commando Norton Manor Camp taught me how much our community values our forces.

“And, coming from a military family myself, I’m convinced this will be a really great way to put our county town on the map”.

Cllr Tom Deakin, town council leader, has written to Mr Amos following the recent meeting to confirm the authority’s support.

Cllr Deakin said: “I can confirm that the town council would be delighted to work with the organising committee in applying to host the National Armed Forces Day in Taunton.

“I have spoken with the Clerk and her team have already started exploring this. She will also contact her fellow Clerk in Falmouth to hear their experiences of applying for and hosting the event this year.

“We look forward to working with the organising committee to bring this important event to Taunton in the future.”