A REGIMENTAL open day at the Carver Barracks in Wimbish will offer a rare insight into life on the base and give soldiers the chance to thank the public for all their support.

Lt Vivek Jassal told the Reporter that, since the regiment had been granted the freedom of the district last year, their eyes had been opened to how much support there was for the troops in the community.

“It was incredible to see how many people turned out to cheer the troops as they marched through Saffron Walden,” he said. “The open day, being held on Saturday July 3, is a way for us to say thank you to the public for their continued support and hopefully have some fun.

“An awful lot of money has been raised by people in the town and the surrounding villages for the Carver Barracks Injured Soldiers Fund and everybody here is really grateful for that. The money has made a big difference to the lives of soldiers who have been injured and their families.”

The barracks are home to 33 Engineer Regiment and 101 Engineer Regiment which both specialise in bomb disposal. A squadron from the base is always deployed to Afghanistan where they are tasked with one of the most demanding and dangerous jobs – clearing the region of roadside bombs.

They are the only bomb disposal regiments in the Royal Engineers and squadrons are always on stand-by, ready to deployed anywhere around the world or the across the UK.

Lt Jassal, 4 Troop Commander, said: “The guys are really proud of what they have done and what they have achieved at home and abroad. They’re looking forward to showing their families and the public a bit more about the job they do.”

The event will be a showcase of the regiments’ military skills but will also incorporate more than 75 trade, display and activity stands. The aim is to provide a fun family day out with free parking and plenty to see and do. A car boot sale will take place alongside the other attractions and profits made on the day will be split between the Injured Soldiers Fund, Help for Heroes and Regimental Good Causes.

Other events include bridge building, military vehicle rides, a rifle range, night-vision goggle maze, climbing and abseiling.

Entry is �2 which includes a programme and entry into a prize draw – the winner gets to drive a tank over a car. Gates open at 10am.