'I never doubted it for a second' – Huntly community answers Remembrance support plea
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PARADING veterans will receive "respect, dignity and gratitude" at this year's Remembrance parade in Huntly, after the community came together.
Local residents and a law firm donated over £500 following a Facebook appeal, to ensure veterans would not face long waits outside in the November cold on parade day.
In previous years, the parade was organised by the Huntly Ex-Servicemens' Club with Sheena Arthur leading efforts.
Parading members would meet at the club before marching to the war memorial and organisers provided food and drink throughout the day.
However, since the club's closure earlier this year, a committee of ex-service personnel and Huntly and District Pipe Band took charge of the parade to ensure it would continue.
But hospitality on the day was a worrying blind spot for local fundraiser Theresa Lee.
She was inspired to do something about it and, with the committee's approval, called for support on Facebook to help set up a warm, comfortable space along with food and drink for those marching.
Within a week, locals donated £230 and Huntly law firm Murdoch, McMath and Mitchell donated £300.
Gordon Christie, of Murdoch, McMath and Mitchell, said it was an "honour" to support local veterans and ex-service personnel, and the company was "delighted to be offered the opportunity" to provide help.
As a result, veterans can expect a warm welcome at the Stewart's Hall ahead of the November 12 parade, as can the pipe band and local children's groups and associations.
Theresa handed the final donation to Gordon Highlander Lt Col Gordon McKen MBE, an organiser of the Huntly Remembrance Day Parade group, in front of the Gordon Highlanders' Memorial monument.
"Absolutely no-one should be surprised that the folk of Huntly responded so quickly and generously to this appeal," she said.
"I truly believe Huntly is the most generous town in the north east.
"The people here have raised many, many thousands of pounds for local charities for over forty years, just through the weekly, well-supported Saturday coffee mornings in the Stewarts Hall alone.
"I knew the folk in this town wouldn't let their ex-service personnel and veterans down. I never doubted it for a second and I thank them very much.
"Having been taught that Huntly was the birth place of the Gordon Highlanders, I was absolutely certain that Huntly folk would want their veterans and ex-service personnel to be cared for with respect, dignity and gratitude.
"This wonderful response will now provide the care and attention worthy of any town's ex-service personnel and veterans."
The Friends of the Stewart's Hall agreed to cover hall hire costs and the venue will also will host snacks and a get-together for all children, under the supervision of Youth Leaders, after the event.
After the parade, a buffet, hot soup and drinks will be on offer at the Crown Bar Lounge, giving ex-service personnel, veterans, their invited guests, and the pipe band, a chance to relax and reminisce.
At 2pm wheelchair-accessible Huntly Community Minibus will be on hand to whisk ex-service personnel and veterans to Keith, so they can join the neighbouring parade at 3pm.
The bus will then will be on hand at 5pm to offer lifts back to Huntly.
Theresa said she was delighted with the response of Huntly Community Minibus coordinator Debbie Haefner, who she said she would supply the minibus and driver free of charge and would even drive the mini-bus herself on the day, if necessary.
"This is an excellent response from the people of Huntly," Lt Col McKen said.
"Their generosity will allow us to continue to hold our annual Remembrance Day parade in honour of those who served and their families.
"Every year we are always pleased to see the youth organisations of the area so well represented in the parade and we are always heartened to see the huge numbers of Huntly residents who come out to support the parade in person."
He added that the parade could use a hand from four adults not taking part in the parade, to help with traffic duties between 9.30am and 1pm.
Anyone wishing to join the parade can call Lt Col McKen on 07860 632131 or email: mcken893@btinternet.com
