HMS Atherstone

See a movie of the Freedom March (Click on back button when the movie has finished) - you will need Quicktime to view this movie. You can download Quicktime for free from the Apple Website.

The crew of HMS Atherstone used a centuries old tradition to march through the streets of the town on 29th September accompanied by the Royal Marines Band - Devonport. The crew received the Freedom of the Borough in 1996 - an honour, which used to bring privileges in years gone by but which nowadays is more of an honorary title. 'Freedom of Entry' is reserved for units of the armed forces, allowing the Ship's Company of HMS Atherstone to enter the Borough and march through its streets ''Bayonets Fixed, Swords Drawn, Colours Flying, Drums Beating and Bands Playing."

HMS Atherstone is a "Hunt " Class Mine Counter Measures Vessel (MCMV)and the tenth to be built for the Royal Navy. She takes her name from the Atherstone Hunt but has enjoyed a long association both with the Borough and the town. The crew has even entered a team into the well-known Shrove Tuesday ball game in Atherstone.

HMS Atherstone's last Freedom March was in June 1997. 2005 was selected for the march as it marked the 60th anniversary of VE and VJ Days and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.The crew left from the Memorial Hall at 1.30pm and followed the route along Long Street, Ratcliffe Street, North Street, Sheepy Road, Market Street and Church Street. The Mayor of North Warwickshire, Councillor Richard Meredith took the
salute from the Guard in front of St Mary's church at 1.45pm.