Warminster holds first Armed Forces Day Service

By Victoriaco | Sunday, June 26, 2011, 21:25

For the first time a service was held in Warminster as part of the Armed Forces Day weekend.

Clergy line up outside the Chapel after the service - from right the Revd Adrian Pollard, Father Bede Rowe and the Revd Robin Chappell.
Warminster MP Dr Andrew Murrison speaks with members of the Air Cadet Force
The congregation spilled out onto the pavement in the High Street after the Service.

Representatives from military units and cadet forces in the town joined MP Dr Andrew Murrison and Mayor Cllr Pip Ridout for a service at St Lawrence Chapel in Warminster High Street.

The sevice was lead by Warminster Garrison's officiating chaplain, Revd Adrian Pollard assisted by the Revd Robin Chappell and Father Bede Rowe. Lessons were read by Major McCormick 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, Dr Andrew Murrison and Cllr Pip Ridout. Kerry Bishop played the organ.

The colours of the Warminster group of the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, the Royal Air Force Association and the 2238 Warminster Air Cadets were presented at the service and hymns included Eternal Father Strong to Save and I Vow to Thee My Country.

In his address the Revd Adrian Pollard congratulated the Feoffees who administer the Chapel for initiating the service and for the work they do to maintain the Chapel. He encouraged the congregation to celebrate the fact that the Armed Forces are a force for good.

The service was attended by the family of Marine Anthony Hotine who was killed in Afghanistan last year.