Showing her support for the strong military presence in Taunton Deane, Prospective Conservative MP for the area, Rebecca Pow met a wide range of participants at the first ever Military Tattoo held at the Racecourse in Taunton on September 14th.

"This was an ambitious new event but an excellent way of raising awareness of the work The Soldiers’ Charity, (ABF) does to support soldiers and their families. I met a wide range of organisations all working for this cause.  Amongst them local charity, Go Commando which was set up in 2010 to support the families of Royal Marines,  40 Commando, based in Norton Fitzwarren.  The charity has been so effective that it is expanding to help marines’ families all over the country.  The ‘boys’ of 40 Commando were unable to attend on Saturday as they’ve been called away on exercise with a view to deployment shortly, but the great team of supporters was much in evidence.  I look forward to the launch of the new fundraising Go Commando Calendar in November following the huge success of their first calendar last year!"

Rebecca met many representatives from other sectors of the armed forces too.

"We must remember that it’s not just those in the armed forces now that we need to be support, there are many people who have served in the past that need help, together with their families.  I was delighted to meet Frank Guias from Bridgwater, who fought in Burma during the 1940s and is the last remaining holder of the Burma Star left in Bridgwater. I also met local Taunton men, Ted Lofts and Peter Smith who served in Cyprus during the 1950s both of whom were raising money for the Parachute Regiment Association at the Tattoo."

The event, held at Taunton Racecourse was sponsored by Pardoes and other West Country businesses and it is hoped that this will be the first of many.

Picture: Marine Corporal Adam Barnett, shows Prospective Conservative MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, the ropes on a Super Cat, made at Dunkerswell Airfield and deployed on activities worldwide. Credit: Alain Lockyer