Members of the 10 (Assaye) Battery staged a farewell parade in Tenby last Saturday to mark their final visit to the town that they have formed a close association with, having trained at Penally and Manorbier camps over the years and taken part in many charity fund-raising events and community projects in the area.

Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Julie Evans, who greeted the parade into Tudor Square, said that it was a great pleasure to welcome the soldiers into the town on what was a very special occasion.

"Tenby has had an association with 10 Battery for almost 30 years and up until April 1 this year, they were a Close Air Defence Unit and trained regularly with live missiles at the Manorbier ranges. Because of this, they have formed a close and affectionate link with Tenby, as has Tenby with them," said Clr. Mrs. Evans, who explained that 10 Battery, who are part of the Royal Artillery's 47 Regiment, based at Thorney Island, near Chichester, had now been given a new role and would become air and ground crew for the Army's unmanned Air Systems.

On behalf of the town council and people of Tenby, the Mayor expressed her thanks to the soldiers and wished them every success in their new role.

"We are extremely proud of each and every one of you and thank you most sincerely for your friendship and all you have done to contribute to community projects in Tenby. We wish you a successful tour of duty to Afghanistan next summer and, of course, a safe return," she said.

The Corps of Drums of the Carmarthen Army Cadet Force, along with veterans from the Tenby branch of the Royal British Legion, accompanied by the Legion standard, also took part in the parade.

An evening reception was also held at the Mayor's Parlour, where gifts were exchanged (see picture above) with the Mayor presenting Major Tim Ventham, Battery commander, with a print of Tenby and receiving a framed portfolio of the regimental ties in return.