Join the gang in salute to Westward Ho Barracks

YOUR barracks needs you!

That is the call to all servicemen and women who have been based at Westward Ho Barracks.

The Grimsby regiment of the Territorial Army (TA) is holding a party to celebrate the barracks' 70th anniversary, and is inviting anyone who has links with the barracks to come along.

The event takes place at the barracks on Saturday, from 7.30pm, and will include a Glenn Miller tribute band, disco and 1940s-style food.

The Westward Ho site opened on January 14, 1939, and operated as an anti-aircraft unit during the Second World War. Today it is the only TA base in Grimsby.

L/Corporal Phil Morris, a medic in the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) said: "We want to get as many people from the various associations that have been based here, and anyone who has had anything to do with the place, together on the night.

"With this being the 70th anniversary we want as many faces here as possible.

"I think this place holds a lot of fond memories for people and it's the hub of the TA community. When we go away on deployment this is like a second home to us.

"During the war it was an anti-aircraft base, the local air cadets and army cadets use it, and the RAMC Association were based here for 50 years."

L/Corporal Morris said being in the TA was like being part of a "big family".

He said: "I enjoy supporting the regular Army on operations overseas, and supporting the local community in times of difficulty, like the floods.

"Being in the TA teaches you a lot, and you can gain qualifications in things like first aid and driving, which will help you in civilian life."

L/Cpl Hazel Challender, a mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Reme), said of the party: "It would be really nice to see everybody here – old faces and new faces."

Tickets for the party are £6 and are available by contacting the Grimsby TA on (01472) 877581.

The RAMC Association is hoping to reform its Grimsby branch, which closed in 1980. It is inviting all those who served in the RAMC, in Grimsby, to join the branch. Anyone interested should contact the Grimsby TA on (01472) 877581.