Freedom of Uppingham
On Tuesday 3rd May 2016, the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment were honoured by the Town Council with the Freedom of Entry into Uppingham. Members of Uppingham School CCF, supported by pupils and staff, lined the pavements to acclaim the 80 soldiers as they paraded towards the Market Square, accompanied by a military band and corps of drums. The Regiment began the march from Uppingham School Science Centre on Stockerston Road at 10.30am.
The regiment marched along Stockerston Road and then onto High Street West before arriving at the Market Square at 10.40am. The ceremony opened with a service, an inspection of the troops by the Lord Lieutenant, Town Mayor Cllr. David Ainslie and Deputy Mayor, Alec Crombie MBE. It was also fitting that Uppingham School Upper Sixth pupil John Brading was present as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. The official presentation of the freedom scroll took place in front of record crowds.
This is the first time Uppingham Town has staged a ceremony of this kind (such events are usually held in the county town of Oakham). It provided a great opportunity for the community of Uppingham to show their appreciation to the regiment and wonderful to witness the children from Uppingham School, Uppingham Community College, Leighfield and Uppingham C of E schools all watching the spectacle unfold.
After the official ceremony guests and troops mingled over sandwiches, sausage rolls and a Tiger bitter on a specially erected marquee on Tod’s Piece. It was a spectacular event for the town and a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful Market Place on what was a rather unique and historical occasion.
