WOKINGHAM will bid a fond farewell to the REME soldiers at a special march on Sunday – and there will be rolling road closures as the Corps’ parade around town.
To mark the Corps’ departure from Arborfield, 11 Training Battalion REME has been invited to exercise the Corps’ Freedom of Wokingham by marching through the town centre from 11am.
A 300-strong contingent, led by their brass brand, will march down Peach Street and halt on Broad Street to be presented to the Parade Inspection Party of the Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Philip Mirfin, the Deputy Lieutenant of Berkshire, Brigadier Stephen Matthews, and the REME Master General, Lieutenant General Andrew Figgures.
Hundreds of people are expected to line the route to bid the soldiers farewell, as they loop around Shute End and head back along Broad Street to pay the appropriate compliment to the Inspection Party before marching along Denmark Street to complete the parade.
A large viewing area will be available in Broad Street for members of the public who would like to watch the parade.
Cllr Mirfin said: “The residents of Wokingham Town have always valued the strong connection that they have enjoyed with the REME and will be very sad to say goodbye as the Corps relocates to Lyneham in Wiltshire.
“I feel particularly honoured to be welcoming the troops on Sunday and taking the salute, at what will be the final Freedom of the Town Parade and a memorable day in the history of our Town.
“I know that I speak for the whole community when I offer our good wishes to all the soldiers and their families as they move to Oxfordshire and very much hope that we will maintain our connection – REME will always be welcome in Wokingham.”
Sunday’s road closures
A NUMBER of road closures will be in place around Wokingham town centre during the march and the Wokingham Civic Sunday Parade.
Peach Street will be closed between 10.30am and 11.10am, while Broad Street will be closed between 6.30am and 4pm.
The alternative route for vehicles travelling to Rose Street from A329 Reading Road will be via A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, Cross Street and Rose Street.
There is no alternative route available for HGVs requiring access via Peach Street therefore vehicles will follow behind the parade as it processes to the town centre. The route for vehicles travelling westbound will then be via A321 Market Place, A321 Denmark Street, A321 Wellington Road and Station Link Road.
Market Place, Rose Street, Wiltshire Road and Peach Street will be on rolling road closures for the Wokingham Civic Sunday Parade between 1.30pm and 2pm and 2.55pm and 3.15pm.
