Veterans, serving personnel, reservists and families came together in Clacton for a special tea dance honouring Tendring’s Armed Forces community.

Organised by the Clacton branch of the Royal British Legion and supported by Tendring District Council (TDC), the annual Veterans’ Tea Dance was held at Clacton’s Princes Theatre on Tuesday, 8 September.

The event featured the traditional Last Post and Reveille performed by bugler Floyd Davis, an address by David Harrington, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, and entertainment from Angie Gilby.

Councillor Dan Casey, TDC’s Armed Forces Champion, said the occasion was an important opportunity to say thank you to those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them.

“Supporting the Armed Forces community is not just a duty — it is an honour,” he said.

“Here in Tendring, that support is more than symbolic. It is part of who we are as a district, and something the council is proud to uphold through the Armed Forces Covenant and our Ministry of Defence Gold Award.

“From the Veterans’ Tea Dance to parades, commemorations and events across the district, we see time and again that Tendring remembers, values and stands beside its Armed Forces community.

“It was a particular honour to welcome James Goss, whose service and presence meant a great deal to everyone in the room.

“To all who serve, to all who have served, and to all the families who sacrifice so much — thank you. We honour you, we respect you, and we will continue to stand with you.”

Mr Goss, a 101-year-old veteran of the Omaha Beach D-Day landings, attended with his wife, Gloria.

“After all this time and it's a long time since the Second World War, you're still remembered - you're still having something in your mind about us old ones,” said Mr Goss.

“When you get older, you have a tendency to go in on yourself. And this event brings you out - plus everybody's pleased to see you.

“I was in quite a few tussles during the war, and I got the Atlantic Medal for that and then when it was all over the French gave me one. That's the French Legion of Honor, which is becoming very rare now because we're all dying. It was for D-Day that we caught this medal.”

Councillor Casey thanked the Princes Theatre team, Bluebird Catering, the Royal British Legion, volunteers and the veteran community for helping to make the event possible.

Also in attendance were Councillor Ann Oxley, Chairman of TDC, and Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC.

Attached image shows veterans at the Veterans’ Tea Dance at Clacton’s Princes Theatre. Picture: TDC/Matthew Mallett.