The community of Seaham will restore its historic links with the Royal Artillery when the Regiment is granted freedom of the town.

On Saturday 23^rd July, 11am, over 100 troops from 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery will parade through the town. The parade will commence with two guns firing from Terrace Green, signalling for the regiment to march along North Terrace.

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Brocklesby and Mayor of Seaham, Sue Morrison, will present the regiment with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. After the medal presentation, the Mayor of Seaham will grant the Regiment freedom of the town, bestowing on the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery the town’s highest civic honour.

Sue Morrison, Mayor of Seaham, spoke of the town’s historic links to the Royal Artillery:

“From 1860 to 1955 our town was home to the 2^nd Seaham Royal Artillery Volunteer Corp. Nearly seventy years later, I am honoured to restore our links by granting 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery Freedom of Seaham.

Freedom of Seaham entitles the Regiment to march through the town, drums beating, colours flying, bayonets fixed, and guns firing to mark special anniversaries and occasions.

Restoring the connection to the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery is the culmination of Seaham’s commitment to honour, commemorate and celebrate our Armed Forces. From Tommy, the nation’s favourite public artwork, Armed Forces Day, Sound the Retreat, the pebble poppy, to the memorials and the marking of military anniversaries.

4^th Regiment Royal Artillery is Seaham’s official regiment, they are the living embodiment of the town’s respect and gratitude to the brave men and women who serve and defend our nation.

I look forward to a long and proud association with the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery”

Easington MP Grahame Morris said:

“I am proud that Seaham is restoring links with the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery. The Regiment is known as the North East Gunners, with East Durham being a major recruitment ground.

I am delighted the Mayor of Seaham will bestow the town’s highest civic honour upon the Regiment. We can look forward to welcoming our official Regiment to Seaham for future civic and military occasions.

To have the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery accept the freedom of the town is the culmination of years of activity to celebrate and commemorate our Armed Forces. Thanks must be given to Seaham Town Council and our veterans’ community led by Cllr David McKenna and Joe Walker, an ex-4^th Regiment Royal Artillery gunner who served in the Falklands, without whom today would not have been possible.”