Fantastic Folkestone Invicta Tribute to Rifleman Peter Aldridge

5.45.32pm GMT Tue 23rd Feb 2010

Folkestone Invicta are inviting all local residents to pay their respects to Rifleman Peter Aldridge, the Folkestone based soldier recently killed while on service in Afghanistan. A minutes silence will be held in advance of their home game this Saturday against Croydon, and to encourage attendance, the club are offering free entry for the game.

A statement issued by Folkestone Invicta by new chairman Lynn Woods, says:

"Since learning of the death in service of Rifleman Aldridge we have twice scheduled a minute's silence at home matches in commemoration, but on both occasions the fixtures have been postponed because of snowfall. The next such opportunity arises on Saturday, when Croydon Athletic are our visitors. As the Aldridge family came to Folkestone from Croydon two years ago, this presents the opportunity to do something more substantial in the young man's memory.

"With the family's blessing we are therefore inviting the wider community to join us in observing a minute's silence before the match (ko 3pm), and to precede the silence with a roll-call of organisations, businesses, schools and clubs in and around Folkestone and Croydon who are represented on the day to pay their respects.

"To encourage a good attendance we propose to waive the normal gate charge and allow free entry. The Garrison is then organising a gate collection for the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes and we hope those attending will donate generously to those Armed Services charities.

"We believe there are very many in the local community who would value the opportunity to share in our commemoration of a young life lost in the service of his country, and to demonstrate that as a Garrison Town Folkestone, like Wootton Bassett, is ready to recognise our Armed Forces and the sacrifices they bear. All will be welcomed irrespective of whether they wish to stay on for the match itself.

"The very wet weather forecast for the remainder of this week poses an obvious threat to the occasion, and we anticipate that we will need many volunteers on Friday and Saturday to fork the pitch. More details of this, and of detailed on-the-day arrangements, will be issued later this week.

"Representatives of local groups who wish to support this occasion are requested to contact the Club by emailing Lynn@adastra.com."

Liberal Democrat Folkestone and Hythe Parliamentary Candidate, Lynne Beaumont, has warmly welcomed the move as a great example of Folkestone Invicta bringing together the local community. Lynne said:

"This is a fantastic way of honouring the sacrifice of Rifleman Peter Aldridge, and for all of Folkestone to show support for his friends, family and regiment colleagues. I hope that people from across the area will join Folkestone Invicta on Saturday, and strongly support the collection of Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes."