Wales National Armed Forces Day 2025 

Wales National Armed forces Day Caldicot Castle 2025

On a drizzly early morning on June 28th Caroline Whittacker and I arrived at Caldicot Castle ruins, to set up our gazebo. We were in a unique spot on the upper field close to the castle itself and colocated with 203 Multi-Role Medical Regiment. The support we received from their personnel in helping us to set up was invaluable and are so deserving of a big thank you from the branch. This was a unique example showing great collaboration with a reserve unit.

Sally Fowler and Terri Levett ably supported Caroline and me in manning the stand throughout the day. The event was an ideal opportunity to engage with both service, veterans and members of the public, explaining the work of the Association. Our stand attracted a steady stream of visitors, including several retired veterans of the Corps. One visitor was the husband of a QA, and we are hopeful that these interactions may lead to some new members joining our branch.

On what turned out to be a very hot day the gazebo provided a welcome respite from the heat. One of the highlights of the event was a solo Spitfire flypast to open the event. Sadly, the planned parachute display had to be cancelled due to low cloud cover.

Caldicot Castle itself made a stunning backdrop for the events taking place on the central stage. Music was provided by Military Wives Choir and several regiment bands. it was lovely sitting in our gazebo listening to the military music being performed. It was a successful and rewarding day, and we now look forward to next Armed Forces Day scheduled for Carmarthen in 2026.

We are also grateful to Association Headquarters for providing a grant that allowed us to offer tea, coffee and biscuits to our visitors – a small but very welcome addition. Overall, it was an excellent day that fully achieved our objectives . 

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