Epsom's military history will be brought to life this month with a symbolic re-enactment of soldiers leaving for the trenches in World War I and Roman legionnaires arriving.
On Saturday, May 31, there will be military parades down high streets in Epsom and Ewell.
A military band and 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers Army reserves, will march through Epsom in the morning and Ewell in the afternoon.
The morning will culminate in symbolic re-enactment of the WWI troops marching from the clock tower to Epsom station on their way to fight in the trenches.
The climax of the afternoon parade will be the signing of a community covenant at the army reserve HQ in Ewell, which will open its doors all day.
Councillor Clive Woodbridge, leader of the majority group in the council explained "The council has a proud and long history of association with military; with the 135 Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers and the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, both having received the Freedom of the Borough.
"This signing aims to ensure the Armed Forces and their families receive appropriate treatment in recognition of the role they play in society.
"It is a formal, voluntary agreement of mutual support between the Armed Forces community and the public, voluntary and private organisations and agencies within the borough.
"By signing the covenant, we publicly affirm that that the local Armed Forces community will not be disadvantaged when accessing public services by virtue of what they do and we will provide support, help and guidance wherever we can.
"We at Epsom & Ewell Borough Council are delighted to be part of, fully support and are honoured to sign, the covenant."
On the same day 40 Roman re-enactors will congregate in Rosebery Park, Epsom, where young centurions can hone their skills and families can examine items found in excavations.
An Epsom Council spokesman says: "For one day only, the might of the Roman Empire is returning to the area.
"Tremble in the face of the one of the most successful armies in history, with its soldiers feared for their toughness, discipline, stamina and war machines!
"But Rome wasn’t built in a day; meet a mosaic maker as he carefully places his tesserae. Other aspects of Roman life will include medicine, jewellery and cooking."
Epsom Parade (Upper High Street / High Street/ Market Place) - 11.15am to 12.15pm Ewell Village Parade - 12.45pm to 13.10pm Army Reserve HQ, Welbeck Close, Ewell - 020 8393 0981
Echoes of the Past, a Roman re-enactment in Rosebery Park, Epsom - 10am to 5pm Children under 12 - free, adults - £4
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