The Rifles Reaffirmation of Torbay Freedom and opening of The Rifles Garden

On Saturday 27 July Torquay will welcome The Rifles Regiment to Torbay to reaffirm their Freedom of the Borough.

This special occasion is also marked with the formal opening of the newly created Rifles Garden in Kings Garden, on Torquay’s seafront, supported by Clear Channel UK.

This fantastic regimental occasion will celebrate and affirm the Freedom of the Borough that was first bestowed to the regiment in 2007.

The Freedom of the Borough is a great privilege and reflects the strong links that exist today between the Borough of Torbay and The Rifles Regiment.

Several of those who will be parading live and work in Torbay, and the Senior Rifles Officer Major General TH Bewick OBE, who is from Brixham, will be the regiments representative on the day.

The Rifles Regiment will be represented by all five Pillars that make up the Regiment (Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Veterans and Communities).

The newly created Rifles Garden, in Kings Garden, on Torquay’s seafront will be the centrepiece of the ceremony.

Funded by Clear Channel UK as part of their social value commitment to the borough. The garden is a result of a dedicated fund to invest in local projects that deliver additional benefits to Torbay’s residents as part of the media owner’s digital advertising portfolio in the Bay.  

The garden, expertly planted and designed by SWISCo in consultation with the Council, Clear Channel UK, community representatives and The Rifles Regiment, reflects many attributes of The Rifles Regiment. A sharp disciplined design, surrounded by vibrant plants that reflect the regimental colours of red, black, and green.

In the middle of the garden, stands a Sentinel made from brown granite that originates from Dartmoor. Inscribed by a local Stone Mason with The Rifles badge and their motto ‘Swift and Bold’ which encompasses all it is to be a Rifleman.

To further celebrate this momentous occasion, The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles, led by the Director of Music Captain Lee Clayson and Bugle Major Andy Gait will be performing. The Salamanca Band & Bugles performed their duty at the funerals of their late Colonel-in-Chief The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II. More recently they played at the coronation of King Charles and their new Colonel-in-Chief, Queen Camilla.

The Regiment will be joined by Torbay’s Civic Party, led by the newly appointed, Deputy Civic Mayor, Cllr Barbara Lewis.

A short formal service will be taking place in the Rifles Gardens at 12pm, after which the Salamanca Band & Bugles will perform on Torre Abbey Meadows.

Members of the community are invited along to watch the proceedings and browse the military stands between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Major Rory McCaffrey from The Rifles, said; “This fantastic regimental occasion will not only celebrate and reaffirm the Freedom that was bestowed on the regiment in 2007, but will also celebrate the opening of The Rifles Garden that we are so honoured to have had created for us. Having these gardens named after our regiment gives us an immense sense of pride that will be treasured forever.”

“To the Torbay Community, thank you all most sincerely for your generous support across the years and hope you enjoy these beautiful gardens as much as we will. We draw great strength from all your support, which is so important when we Rifleman are far away from home on operations or operating here in the United Kingdom ensuring the nation’s security.”

Deputy Civic Mayor, Cllr Barbara Lewis, said; “What an honour it is to welcome The Rifles Regiment to Torbay to reaffirm their Freedom of the Borough. This is the highest award that the Council can bestow to those who have made a significant contribution to the community.”

“As our residents make up one of the five Pillars of the regiment, I invite you to come along to show your support, view the wonderful garden and enjoy the musical performance from The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles.”

Will Ramage, Managing Director at Clear Channel, said; “The creation of The Rifles Garden on Torquay’s seafront is a testament to the strong bond between the community and the regiment. The event not only pays tribute to the regiment’s rich history but also highlights the ongoing connections with the local community, demonstrated by the participation of many who live and work in Torbay. Clear Channel is proud to be part of this significant occasion, reinforcing our commitment to community engagement and honouring those who serve.”