Freedom fighters

Jul 25 2008 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Freedom fighters

THE Band of the King’s Division led Chester’s Lord Mayor’s Parade through the cloudbursts of rain on Saturday.

The musicians were supporting 450 soldiers of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment, who received Freedom of the City of Chester from Cllr Eric Plenderleath.

Organiser Derek Jackson said: “There was a torrential downpour early on in the morning and then cloudbursts of rain throughout the parade.

“The regiment was very well received throughout the city and were applauded as they marched along the route.”

The regiment has recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.

Representatives from Chester charities and groups took part in the colourful parade which culminated in a presentation at Chester Racecourse.

The community trophy was won by CILA (Chester International Links Association) with their theme of an English tea party. Dial House, the disability information and advice line, scooped the charity trophy for their parade on mobility scooters.

All was rosy for the Cheshire Carnival Queens Association which won the youth trophy and Deva Flamenco, Upton’s Spanish dance troupe, walked away with the Best Dressed trophy.

Special guests this year were the Chinese Lion dancers from Birkenhead.

The Mayor of Damulog – Romy Tiongco, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, Philippines, who is on holiday in the UK, joined the parade as part of the Chester Fairtrade group.