Paisley’s Army Reserves are showing off their guns as they hold an open day for the community on Saturday with lots of activities, stalls and military equipment on show.
The Royal Engineers, known as the 102 Field Squadron, will be hosting a day full of activities as they open their gates to the community for the first time in over ten years. The open day, which will take place at the Army Reserve base in Paisley, will consist of different stalls, activities, military personnel and vehicles for people to get up close to.
The event is aimed at people of all ages to come along too, with lots of activities for children to do as the family explores all the different stations displayed at the base.
Organiser and Captain, David Hanley, highlighted the importance of engaging with the community and allowing them to come and learn more about the reserves: “We felt this was a unique opportunity for us to open our gates to the community for the first time in a while to showcase what the squadron is all about.
“We did a poll a while ago in the community to see what people knew about army reserve and what our role was, and the result was surprising as many didn’t know the true role of the reserves.
“This is our chance to show people what really goes on and what opportunities open up being part of the reserves.”
The open day will consist of units from other areas of the military such as the air cadets and the army themselves, as well as other services like the ambulance, police and fire brigade.
Captain Hanley is hoping that it will be a fun day for children and their families to come along with bouncy castles and photo booths available for people to play with, as well as a networking opportunity for those seeking a career in the military or emergency services.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the reserve base hasn’t been able to hold any community events in the area with families day only resuming last year, but behind closed doors. This is an opportunity to re-engage with the community after a long time of being closed away and hoping to let people know that the squadron is still in the community, says David Hanley.
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The event for the community is expected to run from half past 12 until four o’clock in the afternoon, however, there will be a ceremony behind closed doors in the morning for members of the military and personnel receiving awards for their service. Awards such as the Lord-Lieutenant Award and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal recognise service within the armed forces.
Captain Hanley added: “I am super excited for the day overall. The recognition of some of the personnel in the morning along with the family's day in the afternoon will make it a great day for everyone.
“I am hoping that when people come along we can help debunk any myths that they have with the armed forces, with us allowing them to get up close to some guns, learn how they work and how trained professionals safely use them.”
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