AFTER a lacklustre display at last year’s Armed Forces Day in Swindon, a group of veterans united in a bid to avoid a repeat.

Now, the group has formed an organising committee ahead of the 2015 event, and after holding its first meeting, is confident it can deliver an event Swindon will remember.

Armed Forces Day (AFD) is an official national event which aims to recognise the contributions of service men and woman, wherever they have served and whatever their role.

The new organisers are planning a raft of events on June 27, at the town’s Faringdon Road Park.

David Bell, chairman of the new organising committee, said they were keen to hear from people who wanted to get involved, particularly with funding.

“We intend this event to be successful in raising awareness of the Armed Forces and to reach into and involve the community in the widest sense of the word,” he said.

Chris Leggett, secretary of the committee, is also the fundraising and awareness member of the Swindon Borough Division of the SSAFA forces charity, and said he was moved to act after the event in Swindon last year did not ‘fulfil its aims’.

“I was so disappointed that last year’s event didn’t really fulfil its aims and so I readily agreed to join the new team,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for members of the Armed Forces, military charities and the community to work together and promote each other.”

He said the main focus of the event, at Faringdon Road Park, would feature activities including music and more, starting from 11am.

Fundraising on the day will be for five military charities; The Royal British Legion (RBL), Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), BLESMA, The Limbless Veterans, Blind Veterans UK and Combat Stress – the veteran’s mental health charity.

Sponsorship is also being sought to help fund the event, with funds raised by the organisers being matched by the Ministry of Defence.

And volunteers to help before and during the event are also being urged to come forward.

For more information contact Chris on 07754 517971, or you can email christopherjack@virginmedia.com