Press Release
Residents are being urged to line the Causeway and Market Square to celebrate as Bicester’s newest military regiment receives the freedom of the town.
On Saturday, July 21, soldiers from 1 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) will be given the town’s highest civic honour, the Freedom of Entry.
The ceremonial honour will be marked by a service at St Edburg’s Church, in Church Street, at 2pm, followed by a parade at 3pm to the Market Square where Bicester’s Mayor Sean Gaul, alongside Brigadier Allison and Lt Col Crew will inspect the troops and take the salute.
Once the regiment moves off, soldiers will march to Garth Park with bayonets drawn led by the RLC Corps Band.
A scroll confirming freedom of entry to Bicester will be presented followed by an exchange of gifts.
The decree means the regiment can march through the town with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, band playing and colours flying.
1 Regiment RLC has been based at St David’s Barracks since 2014 after moving from Germany and is expected to remain there until at least 2028.
The Liberty of Bicester had previously been given to 23 Pioneer Regiment, which disbanded in 2014 as part of restructuring in the Armed forces, and also 2507 (Bicester) Air Training Corps.
Earlier this year Bicester town councillors unanimously agreed to acknowledge the regiment with the honour.
Mayor Sean Gaul said bestowing the Freedom of Entry on the regiment was “very important” to the town and continued “our strong relationship” with the Garrison.
He said: “I feel very privileged and very honoured to be taking a leading role in what can only be described as a momentous occasion for our town.
“I would urge people to come and line the Causeway and Market Square to watch as a piece of the town’s history is made.”
A separate ceremony will also take place for Bicester Town Council and the regiment to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
Oxfordshire County Council was the first local authority to pledge support for the covenant, a Government initiative to encourage charities, local authorities, businesses, communities and individuals to work together with the military to support service personnel, their families and veterans.
A private reception will be held in Garth Park following the parade.
For more information or for picture requests please email julie.trinder@bicester.gov.uk
Last Updated 23 July 2020
