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Armed Forces Day Parade, Weymouth 21st June 2026
Weymouth held the annual Armed Forces Parade along the Esplanade again this year. The weather was extremely hot but everyone managed to survive the march.
As ever, thanks to Tony and Sylvia and all those who helped them on the stall over the weekend.
Lynette, Katie and Jo taking a break from the stall and enjoying the sun on Sunday.
Merryl and Gordon having their sandwiches on the seafront.
Gala Dinner 20th June 2026
ON 20th June 2026 the branch held it's annual gala dinner. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and thanks to everyone who helped to organise the event, and to those who attended it.
At this year's dinner, Andrew and Michael were awarded Certificates of Merit for their help running the branch. They were presented by Chairman Bob Ahrens, and the chairman of the National Association, Clive Candlin.
Snapshots of Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch) Memories
In early June, Margaret celebrated her 90th birthday. Happy Birthday Margaret, and congratulations from all of us at the West Dorset Branch.
Lunch at The John Gregory in Southill, 11th February 2026
On the 11th February, after a meeting where a lot of decisions about our future were made, the group retired to the John Gregory in Southill for some lunch.
VJ Day Memorial Service and Picnic 15th / 16th August 2025
Friday 15th August 2025 marked the official end to WW2 as it was the date, 80 years ago, that the Japanese surrendered to the allies, known as VJ Day.
Weymouth marked this occasion with a service on the Esplanade and the laying of wreaths.
On Saturday 16th August the Royal British Legion organised a VJ Day Memorial picnic on the Nothe in Weymouth. Of course, there was a contingent of Aden Vets Association members in attendance. A lovely day with lovely views, but a bit windy!
Armed Forces Weekend 2025 Sunday Night Buffet.
Armed Forces Weekend Gala Dinner 2025 (1 of 2)
Armed Forces Weekend Gala Dinner 2025 (2 of 2)
The Gala Dinner was a lovely evening for all who attended. Tony Johnson and Katie Johnson were both awarded a National Certificate Of Merit for their outstanding contribution to the Aden Veterans Association. Congratulations to them both.
Katie and Tony with Colonel Carter and Clive Candlin.
And again with The Mayor of Weymouth, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Dorset and the Chairman of the AVA West Dorset Branch, Bob Ahrens.
ANZAC Memorial Service 25 April 2025
2025 marks the 110th Anniversary of the first Australian and New Zealand Soldiers to land at Gallipoli and the start of their campaign for peace in the first world war.
A band from New Zealand travelled all the way to England to play the three countries' National Anthems at the service of remembrance in Weymouth.
Many ANZAC Soldiers travelled through Weymouth or were treated for injuries in many of the hospitals. Sadly some did not make it and are buried in the cemeteries around Weymouth.
This plaque was unveiled by a representative of the ANZAC Soldiers from Australia in memory of those who served. This is situated at the RBL Garden of Remembrance on Weymouth Esplanade.
Moments with Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
On the 12th of October 2024, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the creation of the West Dorset Branch of the Aden Veterans Association. Guest of honour was Geoff Giles, who is Vice Chairman of the Aden Veterans Association National Committee.
The event was celebrated with lunch, bingo and a celebratory cake, which the Chairman, Bob Ahrens, cut to mark the occasion.
Margaret and Rodney Wakefield also celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to them both.
Moments with Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
The Dorset Echo newpaper report on the plaque dedication on 17th April 2024.
Sights and Sounds of Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch)
Some more pictures from the plaque dedication and unveiling held on 17th April 2024.
Here we have The Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Kate Wheller, the Chairman and Secretary of the Aden Veterans Association, Clive Candlin and Stephen Weall respectively, Bob Ahrens, Chairman of the West Dorset Branch, and Rev Dennis Mould, who led the service.
Clive Candlin saying a few words.
The Mayor and Clive unveiling the plaque.
Aden Veterans Association (West Dorset Branch) Gallery of Events
On April 17th 2024 we had a short service on Weymouth seafront to dedicate the plaque in the picture, remembering all those who served in Aden during the conflict. The Mayor and the Chairman of the Aden Veterans Association unveiled the plaque, which is on the wall of the Garden of Remembrance near the War Memorial on Weymouth seafront.
Armed Forces Weekend 16th - 19th June 2023
June 16th saw the start of the Armed Forces weekend in Weymouth. Firstly, at the Gala Dinner, held on Saturday 17th June, Katie Johnson received an award marking her huge contribution to the organisation of the Gala Dinner each year, and her work all year round as secretary of the West Dorset Branch.
On Sunday morning, the 18th June, Many Service men and women took part in the parade along Weymouth's Esplanade.
The parade included veterans, pre and post WW2, current serving personel, and marching bands from various organisations, including the Dolphin Marching Band, who lead the parade.
Behind the Dolphin Marching Band were the Aden Veterans Association, lead by the standard bearers from the Aden Vets Branches from nearby counties. Thankfully the predicted rain held off for the duration of the parade.