The Guard of Honour provided by the British Legion for the troops outside the Church
The Naval Flag Party
Inside the Church was packed with Commando members, their families and the people of Wincanton.
The Revd Nigel Feaver and Chaplain the Revd Andrew Hillier.
David Heath MP and Councillor Tim Carroll
HMS Heron’s Volunteer Band leas the parade up Church Street to the Market Square
Cllr David Marsh welcomes the members of the Commando
Capt Jon Pentreath RN, CO of the force, presents a framed picture to the town.
Applause from the people of Wincanton who turned out in force.
The Band sets off up the High Street to cheers and enthusiastic applause.
The band leads the parade off the High Street to the Memorial Hall
The Parade drawn up before they are dismissed.
A little light refreshment
Tony Goddard, secretary of Wincanton Legion who has organised the event, said: “The reason Wincanton was chosen for the parade was that branch members have privately raised substantial amounts of money to send comforts to the Commando Helicopter Force whilst in Afghanistan.
“The latest initiative is sending sweets. Members have also sent Christmas parcels to them along with radios and TVs.
“Bruton RBL has paid for a reception and for other comforts including sending parcels to Afghanistan.
“Its current initiative is raising money to pay for magazine subscriptions.
“Both branches could not fund raise in the name of the Legion because of tight charity rules.
“This is the Navy’s way of thanking them by conferring the honour of a Homecoming Parade.”
The Media do their thing.
Father and Daughter together again.
Insignia of the groups involved in the Commando
Words of the Hymn
Photos by John Baxter