SIR - I must take issue with your front page article by Tom Edwards on Wednesday, August 9, regarding the parade through Worcester by the 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters to exercise their right to the freedom of our city and to promote recruitment for the battalion

I am chairman of the Worcester branch of the association and like most of or members, I was extremely upset when it was confirmed only a week before the parade that the association members were not being invited to parade with the battalion for the march through the city.

Following a meeting with my committee, it was decided to approach the officer responsible for organising the parade for further clarification. I attended a meeting with the officer of the 1st Battalion concerned, the mayor's secretary and Major Bob Prophet from Regimental HQ at Norton. It was decided at that meeting that the association would form up as an honour guard with our two standards at the front of the Guildhall and pay our respects to the battalion as it marched past. This was done with the full approval of all who paraded.

Some 40-odd members under my command came to attention as the battalion approached and our two standards were dipped in honour of the regimental colours. The individual who made his adverse comments to your reporter did so as a disgruntled individual and did not speak for the association, nor was he authorised to do so.

I would not pretend that many members were not initially upset at what they felt was a snub by the commanding officer. However, most were more that satisfied by the alternative of forming an honour guard and showing our respects to the battalion. This, incidentally, enabled members of the association who are physically unable to march to pay their respects along with the rest of us. No insult to the association or its past members was intended and none was taken.

H R EVANS,

Chairman,

Worcester branch,

Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association.

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