Lord Bishop of Chelmsford Rededicates East Anglia RFCA to mark the 60th Anniversary of its official opening as the Association’s HQ in Springfield.
On Monday 19th June, The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, officiated at a short service of blessing and re-dedication led by HM Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Essex, The Rt Hon The Lord Petre KCVO MA JP in celebration of the Association’s opening.
This date also signalled the commencement of Armed Forces Week 2017 when the nation joins together and celebrates the contribution that the Armed Forces (serving personnel, veterans and cadets) have made and continue to make to the Nation.
Chief Executive, Col Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR, comments: “We are delighted that so many local dignitaries, regional supporters and friends were able to join us to celebrate our special occasion; during the last sixty years our Reserve Forces have played an increasingly important role in the defence of the UK, and the significant benefit of Cadets to youth development has been recognized even more widely.”
Those in attendance included the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford Duncan and Edna Lumley, Cllr John Aldridge, Chairman of Essex County Council and his wife Christine, Deputy Chief Constable Essex Police Force Mr Ben-Julian Harrington and Lt Col Ciaran Griffin OBE, Commander Colchester Garrison. Commanding Officers from regional Reservist units and senior Cadet Force members were also present.
In 1911 the Territorial Force Association headquarters were opened in Market Road Chelmsford and the offices of the Association remained there until transferred to the current building in 1957.
“Springfield Tyrells” was officially opened as the headquarters of the association on 19th June 1957 by the then Lord Lieutenant of Essex and President of the Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association, Colonel Sir Francis Whitmore alongside The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford who performed the original dedication.
Main Picture (Left to Right) Mr Ben-Julian Harrington, Deputy Chief Constable Essex Police Force; Lt Col Jackie Allen, DCE East Anglia RFCA; Col Ray Wilkinson, CE East Anglia RFCA; Christine Aldridge; Cllr John Aldridge, Chairman of Essex County Council; HM Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Essex, The Rt Hon The Lord Petre KCVO MA JP; The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell; Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford Duncan and Edna Lumley