Most of Wiltshire's villages are made up from one single community, but for those who share their facilities with nearby military communities, fostering good relationships is paramount.

To this end, 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support) based at Colerne, in North Wiltshire, has organised an Open Day at its Azimghur Barracks.

The Regiment already enjoys a close relationship with the civilian community in Colerne, who welcomed the Regiment in 1992, after the Junior Leaders Regiment departed.

One of the main reasons behind opening the doors is to strengthen the links that have already developed over the last 10 years.

History of Colerne and the 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support)

Good relationships

Major T A Dean, who is one of the team behind the events says,"The primary aims of the event are to raise funds for the local charities that we regularly support and to continue to foster good relationships with the local community."

The Open Day, being held on Saturday June 8th includes a static display of military equipment, including artillery, infantry-based equipment, and Royal Signals communications equipment currently in use.

Red Arrows

Another attraction promises to be some of the helicopters used by the Army Air Corps, based at Middle Wallop and the RAF.

The regiment has also arranged for a display by the RAF Falcon Parachute Display Team plus an aerial show featuring the RAF's Red Arrows Aerobatic Display Team.

Major Dean adds, "We think that this year's Open Day offers an exciting and varied programme of events for the whole family to enjoy."

Community

Colerne remains a busy and active village, despite the efforts of its military neighbours.

The community's parish magazine for June is, not surprisingly, full of news about village's efforts to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

There was so much going on that the regular crossword had to make space for the Jubilee details!

In addition, the village has groups for men and women, with a mixture of activities, from an organised Walk in Bath for the women and the last Men's group evening enjoyed an evening of railway nostalgia with writer and rail enthusiast Colin Maggs.

Fund raising

Colerne Primary School has been busy raising money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and in the end managed to raise a grand a total of £2468.

The village's Operatic Society has also been busy raising money for the local Link Scheme, which operates successfully in Colerne, Box and Rudloe.

There appears to be something in the air in this corner of Wiltshire.

The idea of "community" is something that people in Colerne are quite at home to and no doubt the Signal Regiment's Open Day will go along way to reinforcing that sense of belonging enjoyed in this particular North Wiltshire village.