Veteran hails Remembrance parade victory (From Bucks Free Press)

Veteran hails Remembrance parade victory

1:30pm Friday 12th September 2008 in Search By Neil Phillips

SECOND World War veteran Monty Seymour gives a triumphant V for victory sign as High Wycombe’s Remembrance Day parade is saved from the scrapheap.

Last week, the Bucks Free Press revealed spiralling health and safety costs were threatening to put an end to the historic annual event.

Following our page 1 exclusive, two former mayors stepped in to secure council funding to meet the soaring bills.

Last week’s revelations caused such outrage that other townsfolk, including Wycombe Wanderers’ MD Steve Hayes, offered to donate the money themselves to keep the cherished tradition safe.

A delighted Mr Seymour, 94, President of High Wycombe’s Royal British Legion, said yesterday it was vital to continue honouring the men and women who had given their lives in defence of the country.

“We are very relieved,” he said. “It’s so important to remember them.”

The safety barrier bill – which could exceed £2,000 – will now be picked up jointly by Buckinghamshire County Council and Wycombe District Council.

The two councils stepped in after last week’s Bucks Free Press revealed the parade was under threat.

A review will be held to see how costs can be reduced for future parades.

Royal British Legion president Monty Seymour, 94, said: “We are very relieved at the Legion and we’re most grateful to the Charter Trustees and district council for their prompt and tremendous support to continue our Remembrance Day parade.

“I’d like to give a special thanks to district council leader Lesley Clarke for her determination to ensure the tribute to those men and women who gave their lives in defence of our country will continue annually in the future.”

He added that last week’s Bucks Free Press article had brought the matter to the town’s attention. He said: “It was excellent. It certainly helped let people know about it.”

Organisers told the BFP that the bill for hiring barriers for the event, held on or around November 11, rocketed last year.

The event is organised by the Charter Trustees, an ancient body comprising district councillors whose constituencies are in High Wycombe.

Val Letheren, the county council’s transport supremo, was spurred into action after seeing last Friday’s front page.

She said: “I was horrified that there was an issue because I’m a former mayor like Lesley and I never miss a Remembrance Sunday. I think it’s terribly important, particularly at a time when we have got Iraq and Afghanistan and troops out there.”

After discussing the situation with Cllr Clarke, the two councils decided to pool resources.

Cllr Letheren blamed increased safety measures for the rising cost of the parade, adding that in previous years police had advised where barriers needed to be placed.

Steve Hayes, managing director of Wycombe Wanderers, offered to pay for the event but Cllrs Letheren and Clarke turned down his offer as they felt the councils should foot the bill.

Cllr Clarke, Wycombe District Council leader, said security issues surrounding the parade would be reviewed, but reassured residents it would not be threatened again.

She said: “It’s part of our heritage so Val and I have worked together to make sure it would be something that would be covered, and it has been for the future.’’ Mr Hayes explained why he had made the offer. He said: “I think it’s the most important day of the year, and it’s useful to give a bit of support to the council – they can’t do everything.

“I’m quite a patriot. Making sure the boys are looked after is paramount. They went out and fought to save our freedom, and many didn’t come back.”