A MARCH by The Rifles through Wellington town centre next month when the regiment will receive the Freedom of the Town will be like a homecoming parade for Sgt Teresa Bulmer.

Sgt Bulmer is a member of the regiment’s Salamanca Band and Bugles and also happens to live in Wellington.

She has lived in the town for 22 years, having moved due to her work and settled in Wellington alongside several other members of the band at that time.

Originally, Sgt Bulmer joined the Army Reserves in Truro in 1997 as part of the Light Division, and was a member of a small band rehearsing in Bodmin.

Three years later she took the opportunity to join the Devon and Dorset Band, in Exeter, and has many times travelled abroad as well as performing all around the UK. 

The Devon and Dorset band also attended a Buckingham Palace Garden party to celebrate the centenary of the Territorial Army.

Sgt Bulmer said: “It was wonderful to see so many people being recognised by the Princess Royal for the commitment that they had given throughout their service.

“It was an honour to travel to the Falkland Islands for the 30th commemoration of the conflict, taking with us veterans from the regiment.

“We stayed at the homes of islanders in Fox Bay, listening to tales of war time conditions.

“My most memorable experience was the 2016 Massed Bands of the Rifles Sounding Retreat at Horseguards Parade, with the late Prince Phillip taking the salute.

“This was my first time at Horseguards, and the event was very well received.”

Sgt Bulmer said she was looking forward to marching through Wellington as part of the freedom parade on June 17.

She said: “I am immensely proud to be representing the regiment in my home town for the first freedom parade.

“I am looking forward to seeing the reaction from the public, meeting the veterans, for whom this will be a significant occasion, and seeing all the cadets on parade as well.”