Remembrance Day parade to continue after funding worry

Remembrance Day commemorations in a Surrey town have been saved following concerns the traditional parade would be lost after funding was pulled.

Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) said it had been forced to remove funding for the annual Remembrance Parade in Camberley, as part of spending cuts to save £3m a year.

Despite concerns, a Royal British Legion (RBL) spokesperson confirmed the event would be run by a community-led committee which would fundraise and manage the parade.

Patrick Mathe, chairman of the Camberley branch of the RBL, said: "From the outset, one thing remained clear: our determination that the Camberley Remembrance Parade would continue and would go ahead at all costs."

He added: "The commitment shown by all those involved demonstrates the strength of community spirit that exists across Surrey Heath.

"Remembrance in Camberley has always belonged to the community, and this year's arrangements are a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose."

Under the new structure, the Remembrance Community Committee will fundraise to run the parade, while the Royal British Legion Camberley branch will advise the new committee.

The Royal British Legion will also continue to be responsible for the ceremonial arrangements of the day.

SHBC chief executive Nick Steevens previously said "a significant amount of money having to be found" meant a Remembrance Parade was not something it could sustain any longer.

He added: "Even last year, it had become clear we did not have the capacity within our staff, or the budget, to be able to deliver that successfully in isolation."

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