Community · Trowbridge
Crowds return to Trowbridge Park for popular Uniform Services Day
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Trowbridge Park welcomed hundreds of visitors on Saturday as the annual Uniform Services Day made a successful return to the town.
Trowbridge Park was buzzing with activity on Saturday as the community gathered for the long-awaited return of Uniform Services Day. The event, which showcases the vital work of the armed forces, emergency services, and various local support groups, saw a strong turnout after its cancellation last year due to poor weather.
Proceedings began with a traditional welcome from the Trowbridge Town Crier, followed by a performance from the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes and Drums, which set a celebratory tone for the day. Throughout the afternoon, the park arena served as the focal point for spectators, with the Frome K9 Training Centre providing a standout demonstration of the skill and discipline required in security and specialist dog handling.
Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with dozens of organisations. The Ministry of Defence, Royal British Legion, and various cadet forces were on hand to discuss their roles, while the emergency services zone featured interactive displays from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Wiltshire Search and Rescue, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. The inclusion of Freewheelers Emergency Blood Bikes highlighted the critical work charities perform in supporting the NHS, offering residents a clearer view of the life-saving logistics behind the scenes.
Military history enthusiasts found much to admire in the lower section of the park, where a collection of vintage vehicles was on display. A significant draw was a 1960s French-built AMX-13 tank, alongside a rare Pathfinder military vehicle from the local MAPS collection, which is thought to be one of only 11 remaining operational examples.
The event maintained a festival atmosphere with a wide array of entertainment, including wartime dancers and performances by the Wiltshire Concert Band. For families, the day offered various attractions ranging from face painting and a climbing wall to appearances by popular children's characters. With roughly 80 stalls featuring local food traders and community information booths, the day was designed to bridge the gap between service providers and the public.
Geoff Wiffin, who has co-ordinated the event since its inception, expressed his relief and satisfaction at seeing the park packed with residents once again. Trowbridge Town Council echoed this sentiment, thanking the participants and volunteers who contributed to the success of the day, noting that the event remains a vital opportunity for the town to acknowledge the dedication of those serving in both professional and voluntary capacities.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Arts & Ents · View original