ARMED FORCES DAY WALES SATURDAY 30th JUNE 2012
Armed Forces Day (AFD) 2012 will once again be held in Coopers Field Cardiff on
Saturday 30th June, this will be the seventh year having begun in 2006 with a simple
veterans badge presentation and grown year on year with your support. 2012 is also
the 60th anniversary of the Welch Regiments involvement in the Korean war which we
hope to highlight during AFD week, it is also the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict
in which the Welsh Guards played a prominent role as did many other Welsh service men
and women, the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA) Wales will mark the occasion
with the rededication of their memorial in Alexandra Gardens which is immediately to the
rear of the City Hall, and then march to the Castle where they will join the main parade,
anyone wishing to attend will be welcome.
Armed Forces Day is not only an opportunity for the general public to show their appreciation
towards members of the Armed Services, it is also a day in which the whole family can join
in and enjoy the many and varied displays that will be taking place.
Although planning is in its early stages, it is the intention of the Armed Forces Day committee
that the main event on the Saturday will once again be centred on Cardiff Castle, City Centre
and Coopers Field Bute Park, there will, of course, be a number of other events that will be
held in the Castle and Cottrell Park Golf club.
The programme of events we are proposing in broad outline, which are subject to confirmation
or change, are as follows;
Monday 25th June. Flag Raising Ceremony Cardiff Castle organised by Cardiff Council with
Veterans and Standards in attendance.
Tuesday 26th June. Armed Forces Day golf will be once again be held at Cottrell Park Golf
Club, details and application forms will be published on our web site; the day will include both
individual and team competitions (4 players, best three cards to count), this year, entry’s from
sponsors, companies and individuals who support the Armed Forces will be welcomed. The
cost of the day will £25 which will include in addition to the golf, tea / coffee and bacon roll
on arrival, Hog Roast buffet and prize presentations for the winners, there will also be a grand
raffle on the day, all proceeds going to the Armed Forces Day fund, donations of either raffle
prizes or for any of the competitions such as longest drive will be gratefully accepted.
Friday 29th June. Beat Retreat Cardiff Castle details enclosed, tickets will be available for
purchases either direct from the Ticket Desk in the Interpretation Centre Cardiff Castle or
via the AFD booking form.
Saturday 30th June.
· Rededication of the SAMA Memorial Alexandra Park
· Public parade through Cardiff City Centre
· Short Drum Head service
· Possible veterans badge presentation, anyone who has not yet received or those
who have but would like to have their badge presented on Armed Forces Day are asked
to contact Dave Morris, details below
· A pre ordered buffet will be available in the AFD Marquee; there will also be cash
bars.
· A series of entertainments featuring local groups and events will take place during the
course of the day which will include amongst other things, a fly past by elements of the BBMF
, free fall parachute display, Naval Cadet gun drill races, musical marching displays by both
military and civilian bands and much more.
· Stands from various organisations and service charities
· Military Capability demonstrations which will included climbing walls, assault courses and paint ball range.
Application forms for the Golf, Beat Retreat and Buffet tickets can be found on and downloaded from our WEBSITE.