Celebrating Seaford

The Community Services Committee of Seaford Town Council are meeting on Thursday 12th September. One of the agenda items is to scale back Armed Forces Day celebrations in the town. Rather than a large scale event which we have had in previous years they feel it is more appropriate to raise a dedicated flag at the War memorial. At the end of this article I have copied the agenda item for you to read.

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets

Seaford has a proud history of involvement in both World Wars and has war graves maintained by the War Graves Commission at both Seaford Cemetery and St Leonard’s Church cemetery. Not everyone may be aware of this but representatives from the Caribbean Nations and the Canadian Government attend the Remembrance Service held at Seaford Cemetery every year on November 11th at 11am to commemorate their war dead buried at the cemetery.

There will be many people in Seaford with connections to the Armed Forces whether it is through relatives that served in both World Wars, current serving personnel or indeed veterans living in the town.

Seaford Town Council made the decision not to celebrate Armed Forces Day this year due to the D Day celebrations which upset many residents who felt both events should have been honoured.

It seems such a shame that the commemoration of Armed Forces day in 2025 will be such a low key event particularly as next year will see the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Do you agree with Seaford Town Council that there is ‘diminished public interest’ in commemorating our Armed Forces community?

Seaford Town Council feel taking this approach is honouring our Armed Forces in a ‘respectful and dignified manner’. It could be argued it is more of a money saving option!

If you do not agree with the proposals you can register to attend and speak at the Community Services meeting by emailing meetings@seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk or ringing 01323 894870. You may also want to contact the councillors on the Community Services Committee so they are aware of your feelings before they vote on this agenda item.

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Report No: 74/24
Agenda Item No: 9
Committee: Community Services
Date: 12th September 2024
Title: VE Day & Armed Forces Day
By: Louise Lawrence, Head of Assets, Projects & Services
Purpose of Report: To inform the Committee on the planned
commemorations for VE Day and plans for Armed Forces Day
Recommendations
The Committee is recommended:

1. To note the contents of the report.
2. To agree the planned VE Day commemorations
3. To agree that Seaford Town Council commemorates Armed Forces Day by raising a dedicated flag
4. Information
   1.1 In anticipation of the 80-year celebration of VE Day on Thursday, 8th May 2025, officers wish to provide an update on the planned commemorations. Seaford Town Council will mark this significant occasion under the direction of the Civic team. The plans include raising a dedicated flag and laying wreaths at the war memorial to honour those who served and sacrificed during World War II.
   1.2 Additionally, following the decision to forgo Armed Forces Day in 2024 in favour of the larger D-Day celebration, officers would like to propose a revised approach to this event moving forward. Specifically, it is recommended that Seaford Town Council commemorates Armed Forces Day by raising a dedicated flag, rather than organising larger-scale events.
   1.3 The rationale for this change includes:

• Diminished Public Interest: Recent years have shown a decrease in
  public attendance and enthusiasm for Armed Forces Day events.
• Engagement: The diminishing public interest has impacted the
  viability of the event, alongside the significant amount of officer time required to organise it.
• Consultation with Neighbouring Councils: Officers have consulted
  with neighbouring councils and conducted research into similar events, and it is felt that this new approach aligns with the consensus on how to appropriately mark such occasions.
• 
  1.4 Discussions have been taking place about these proposed changes, and the Chair of the AFD Committee is aware of these proposals.
  1.5 Moving forward, any additional events or celebrations related to Armed Forces Day would need to be organised by external parties. These would follow the usual event process and policy, ensuring that they align with the council’s standards and requirements.
  1.6 This streamlined approach allows Seaford Town Council to continue to honour our Armed Forces in a respectful and dignified manner, while also addressing the practical challenges associated with larger events.
  1.7 Councillors are encouraged to consider this update and provide any feedback on the proposed plans for VE Day and Armed Forces Day commemorations.

1. Financial Appraisal
   2.1 There are no further direct financial implications as a result of this report.
2. Contact Officer
   3.1 The Contact Officer for this report is Louise Lawrence, Heads of Assets, Projects and Services.