Every two years as part of the Hythe Festival, Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), in partnership with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), holds an open weekend at Hythe Ranges. The event aims to give an insight to the local community about what takes place at the facility as well as raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. All of the money has now been counted and the event has raised a massive £2,682.63.
L to R, James Stedman, Team Manager at Landmarc Support Services and Major Rick Beven, Senior Training Safety Officer, Cinque Ports Training Area, presenting Colonel Mark Rayner, Regional Director South East, ABF The Soldier’s Charity, with a cheque for £2682.63 raised by Cinque Ports Training Area staff at the Hythe Ranges Open Day.
This year, the Mayor of Hythe, Cllr David Lyons, fired a ceremonial cannon to signal the opening of the gates. Activities included a guided tour of the facility, a falling plate competition and a historical and military weapons display. Visitors could also see a wide selection of historical military vehicles, classic cars and motorcycles as well as tuck into local food and refreshments.
James Stedman, Team Manager at Landmarc, who helped to organise the event said: “The open weekend was a great success and we’re extremely pleased, not only at the amount of money raised for such a great charity, but also the level of visitors we received. It was wonderful to see so many of the local community out in force and we appreciate their constant support.
“We’re already looking at how we can build on the success of this year’s event in 2018, and we will be seeing how we can possibly introduce more support from local businesses.”
Major Beven, Senior Training Safety Officer at Cinque Ports Training Area, added, “The Open Day was an excellent example of collaboration between DIO SD Training South East, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles and Landmarc Support Services. In addition, a number of local Reserve and Cadet Units ran several stands including archery, climbing and an air rifle range. The event was greatly enjoyed by over 2000 visitors from the local area, many of whom live within earshot of the ranges.”
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity works to provide financial and practical support to soldiers, veterans, and their immediate family in times of need, even after they have left the Army.