CAB1411 FOR DECISION WARD(S): ALL

CABINET

13 February 2007

THE – TRANSFER OF RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF ENTRY TO

REPORT OF CITY SECRETARY AND SOLICITOR

Contact Officer: Chris Ashcroft Tel No: 01962 848 284 [email protected]

RECENT REFERENCES:

None

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

On Saturday 8 July 2006, the Royal Green Jackets exercised their Right of Freedom of Entry to the City, with a marching display in The Broadway, followed by a reception hosted by the . The occasion marked the last time that the Green Jackets would be able to enjoy this privilege in their own right, before becoming part of ‘The Rifles’, which would be an amalgamation of four (The Devonshire & Dorset , The Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire & Wiltshire Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets). The new Regiment came into effect on 1 February 2007.

Although The Rifles will maintain offices in each of the traditional counties of the former regiments, its Regimental Headquarters will be at Peninsula Barracks, Winchester.

A request has been received on behalf of the new Regiment, that it be permitted to continue all the associations previously enjoyed by its predecessor bodies, including the Right of Freedom of Entry to the City of Winchester.

This is a familiar request when amalgamations or changes to a regimental name takes place and the Council has previously been pleased to allow such associations to continue in the name of the successor body. In this case, the original Freedom dates back to 4 April 1946 when it was awarded to both the Rifle Brigade and the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, who later collectively became the Royal Green Jackets, with the Freedom honour being transferred on 23 September 1978.

1

As the original Freedom (and later transfer) was granted by full Council, it will be necessary for Council to determine this current request, after considering a recommendation from Cabinet. If granted, the new Regiment may well wish to exercise its Right of Entry with a parade at some time in the future, but the decision which Members are requested to make at this stage is purely administrative.

RECOMMENDED (to Council)

That the Right of Freedom of Entry to the City of Winchester, as held by the Royal Green Jackets, be formally transferred to The Rifles as the successor Regiment.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

CORPORATE STRATEGY (RELEVANCE TO):

Protecting our heritage through the continuation of historic links with the armed forces.

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS:

None

BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS:

None

APPENDICES:

None

2