MY regiment, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, recently exercised its privileges of the "Freedom of Bury" by marching through the streets "with flags flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed". I am writing today to thank the people of Bury for their continuing support of the regiment.

It was heart-warming to see so many school children cheering the modern soldiers, but more appropriate was the respect that they paid to the former members of the regiment, i.e. the Association in Lancashire, proudly wearing their famous yellow hackles. The children were a credit to both their schools and their teachers, and I hope we do not have to wait another 28 years to repeat such a spectacle.

My thanks also to the 400-plus people of the area for their magnificent support of the military band concert, given by members of the Normandy Band, the Queen's Division, and the Band of the Regimental Association Lancashire at the Castle Armoury.

Readers will have read about our new museum proposals; all I ask is that they help to secure the town's heritage by supporting the appeal. Thank you all once again.

J. O'GRADY,

area regimental

secretary.