Parade in Camberley for military medical staff awarded Freedom of Borough
It is to recognise the services of the unit who work at Frimley Park Hospital
People in Camberley are being invited to line the streets for a parade today (12 September) to thank the military medical staff working at Frimley Park Hospital.
It is being arranged by Surrey Heath Borough Council after it awarded all ranks of the unit the Freedom of the Borough.
It is in recognition of their service throughout the Covid pandemic.
The health professionals themselves will form part of the military marching parade through the town centre.
The parage will be accompanied by representation from the Frimley and Camberley Cadet Corps.
It comes after the council's annual meeting in May, when it approved a formal motion that, given the longstanding links between the Borough, the Ministry of Defence and Frimley Park Hospital, and in recognition of the extraordinary service provided during the pandemic, the Freedom of the Borough be conferred on all ranks of the Joint Hospital Group (South East).
Councillor Colin Dougan, Deputy Leader, Surrey Heath Borough Council said: "The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that a local authority can bestow on a military organisation and allows them the privilege of marching on ceremonial occasions with colours flying, bands playing, drums beating and bayonets fixed.
"This event is our opportunity to say thank you for the extraordinary service of the Joint Hospital Group over the last 20 years at Frimley Park Hospital.
"It will also enable the people of the Borough to thank, not just the Joint Hospital Group, but Frimley Park Hospital and all NHS staff for their selfless service during the pandemic. It promises to be an amazing historic event for the borough.
"Please join us lining the route of the parade and show your support for these incredible people who have done so much for us over the past difficult months.”
Joint Hospital Group Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Tessa Grieves, said: “We are absolutely honoured and delighted to be awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Surrey Heath Borough Council for recognising the outstanding work by both the military and NHS staff.
"We very much value our longstanding 25 years affiliation with Frimley Park Hospital and working closely alongside our NHS colleagues and truly appreciate you wishing to express your thanks for all the incredible hard work and dedication by these caring professionals.”
Timings:
The Parade will set off from the War Memorial Gate of the Royal Military Academy at 12.10pm and is anticipated to last around an hour, including a break for speeches and presentations in front of Surrey Heath House on Knoll Road.
Route:
The parade will march down Park Street, Pembroke Broadway, a section of Portesbery Road and Knoll Road before stopping in front of Surrey Heath House to receive speeches and presentations. The parade will then march again, turning onto St George’s Road, down the High Street, left onto Portesbery Road and Knoll Road for a second time before offering a salute on the second pass of Surrey Heath House. The parade will then march back to the gates of the Royal Military Academy.
Traffic Management/Security:
To allow the parade to move safely through the town a number of road closures and road blocks will be in place around the route between 12noon – 1.30pm, managed by an accredited traffic management company and supported by Surrey Police. Closures will be lifted once the parade has safely passed each part of the route. Parking suspensions will also be in place on Princess Way West (09:00 to 12:30), High Street (09:00 to 13:30), St George’s Road (09:00 to 13:30), Knoll Road (09:00 to 13:30) on 12 September to ensure the route is kept clear of vehicles.
Parking:
Town Centre car parks include:
• Main Square Car Park, GU15 3RP
• Atrium Car Park, GU15 3EY
• Knoll Road Car Park, GU15 3TA
Please note that entry and exit from car parks will not be possible while road closures are in place.
If you are driving into Camberley for this event, it is essential you arrive before 12 noon as you may otherwise be unable to access the car parks.
Toilets:
The nearest toilets will be available in The Square shopping centre.