RESIDENTS lined the streets to watch Wallingford's annual parade which cemented councillor Ros Lester's return to the role of town mayor.
The event saw more than a dozen organisations march around the Market Place as crowds, councillors and local dignitaries looked on.
Personnel from RAF Benson led the parade in perfect synchrony to the sound of Cholsey Silver Band’s live brass soundtrack, followed by local branches of the Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, Guides, Beavers, Royal British Legion, Rifles and others.
It marked the start of Mrs Lester’s second year as mayor, featuring a flypast of thundering Chinook and Puma planes both based at Benson.
She said: “The flypast was delightful, they went straight over. We had the mayor-making ceremony on Monday which was very formal, whereas this was nice and relaxed.”
Mrs Lester, who was mayor in 2012, watched the parade from a podium with group captain Simon Paterson, station commander at RAF Benson.
He said: “Wallingford is incredibly supportive, we value our relationship with the town enormously in good times and bad times. The support from this town is hugely important – especially with the minor matter of the noise we create.
"It worked out extremely well with the weather which was fantastic. It is my second year doing this ceremony and we always seem to book good weather.”
The town clerk added: “To have the planes fly over was wonderful, it’s quite rare to get them. It was a really friendly atmosphere, the crowds were lovely.”
Wallingford mum Frances East watched the parade to spot her sons William East, six, who is in the Beavers, and nine-year-old Edward who is in the Cubs.
She said: “I was very proud of them. It’s important for them to come and support the community with these events. Mrs Lester used to teach at their school, St John’s Primary, so there are links there. It was lovely, the sun was shining.”
Cholsey resident John Wheeler watched the parade to support his partner who played in the band.
The 64-year-old said: “It is always enjoyable. It’s an old tradition which is nice to see kept going, it’s fantastic seeing young people still involved in these activities. It’s a very strong tradition, there is a sense of community.”
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