Sad day as one of Trowbridge's big weekend events is officially wound-up

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THE BIG Wiltshire Armed Forces and Volunteers Celebrations weekend in Trowbridge was official wound-up after 16 years in existence on Thursday evening.

A statement from the former organiser Maryrose Mantle, relying for the committee, said it was 'a safe and understandable decision' due to the lack of volunteers coming forward to help from younger age groups.

The WAF&V Celebrations brought thousands of people to Trowbridge every year but this year's event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 virus.

Appeals for volunteers has been made in recent weeks, including Tuesday when the Town Council heard of the WAF&V Celebrations' plight at their Policy and Resources Committee.

However, while one person has come forward to volunteer, it takes more to keep the event going. The weekend takes over a year to plan and put together, such is its' size.

The statement from the committee said: "The Committee voted unanimously after discussions were held Thursday evening to dissolve Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Committee and the event due to lack of volunteers to organise, plan and manage the weekend event which was started in 2004.

"It was seen by all as a safe but understandable decision since many community groups are led by by the older section of our community with no volunteers coming through from lower age groups.

"Many events have been cancelled this year due to pandemic so this might be a golden opportunity for someone to organise a different type of event in honour of Uk Armed Forces Day."