Latest news with #ArmedForcesWeek
BBC News
21-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Cheshire East councillor's campaign for Cadet Forces Day receives support
A campaign for a nationally-recognised Cadet Forces Day, as part of Armed Forces Week, has gained momentum after getting support from a local authority in Anthony Harrison, Cheshire East Council's armed forces champion, took a motion to full council on Wednesday calling for the government to back the is currently a dedicated Reserves Day on the Wednesday of Armed Forces Week each June, while the Friday is dedicated as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness forces are voluntary youth organisations, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, that work on developing young people's leadership and teamwork skills. Since taking up the position of armed forces champion Harrison said he had worked on several projects to increase support for the borough and wider armed forces community. 'Fantastic opportunities' He said he had also lobbied central government to introduce a national recognition day for cadet forces – to be allocated to the Tuesday of Armed Forces Week – and had been in discussion with armed forces minister Luke Pollard about the plans."I was a cadet at the age of 13, and I grew up in a council house not really from an affluent background," Harrison said."I joined 391 Air Cadet Squadron in Wilmslow, and it just provided so many fantastic opportunities for me and really kept me focused when I went on to do further education."He said his own positive experiences made him want to come up with a way of giving recognition to cadet organisations."The cadets have a lot of pride in what they do, and I think it will be fantastic if we can give them a sense of belonging and a sense of achievement if they are a part of Armed Forces Week with their own committed day," he added it would also help with the government's aim to increase cadet forces by 30% and engagement with Forces Day could involve things like school assemblies, cadets wearing their uniforms at school as well as open days and special aim is for the first day to be organised in time for Armed Forces Week 2026. Read more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Gregor Poynton MP calls for action to secure future of Military Museum Scotland
The visit coincided with Armed Forces Week, with Mr Poynton having the opportunity to meet veterans, volunteers and members of the armed forces community, as well as the museum's founder and manager, Ian Inglis. The museum began life as a mobile exhibition, taking history and stories into schools across the country. It has since grown into a permanent home for local military heritage, playing a much bigger role than just displaying artefacts. It runs school visits, welcomes care home residents and dementia patients, and hosts a thriving Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club that brings people together and tackles isolation. Speaking after his visit, Gregor Poynton MP said: 'Meeting veterans here, surrounded by the history they helped shape, was incredibly moving. Ian and his team have built something truly special — a place that doesn't just preserve history but actively improves lives in our community. 'It's worrying that the museum now faces having to leave its current site by the end of the year. I'll do all I can to support the museum, its volunteers and the local community to find a new, secure home so they can keep doing what they do best. 'That's why I've written not only to the Chief Executive of West Lothian Council requesting an urgent meeting, but also to the Minister for Veterans in the Scottish Government, urging them to get behind this vital community asset and support its relocation. This museum delivers real social value and touches countless lives — it deserves meaningful backing at every level.' The museum must leave its current site at Linburn due to estate-related issues. This puts at risk not just the museum's collection but also the important services it offers to veterans, their families and the wider community. Military Museum Scotland has now launched a public fundraising appeal to help secure a new permanent home. The campaign is already attracting strong support from individuals, businesses and community groups, including a generous donation from iconic Scottish brand Tunnock's. Gregor Poynton MP added: 'I want to thank everyone who's already rallied round the museum, including the team at Tunnock's for their fantastic contribution. I'm calling on anyone who's able to help — whether that's donating, sharing the appeal, or offering practical support — to get involved. 'And I'm urging the Scottish Government to step up too. This museum delivers real social value, supports our veterans and combats loneliness and isolation. It's exactly the sort of project that deserves public funding and Government backing.' Ian Inglis, Founder and Manager of Military Museum Scotland, reflected on the journey so far and the challenges ahead: 'When I first set out to create this museum, I was told there was no need for another military museum, that others had tried and failed, and that we wouldn't last six months. Well, here we are, nearly ten years on, with nine major awards under our belt and countless lives touched through our work. 'West Lothian is our home. We serve not just veterans, but the wider community. Our volunteers – many of whom are veterans themselves – rely on this place as a lifeline. For many of them, Military Museum Scotland is more than a museum — it's a sanctuary. 'We urgently need help to secure a new permanent location, one that allows us to continue this vital work and ensure our veterans have a place they can continue to call home.' Military Museum Scotland is now actively seeking assistance — from local authorities, community leaders, businesses and charitable organisations — to continue its mission and protect this irreplaceable piece of living history. Donations to the appeal can be made via the museum's website and social media pages. 1 . Contributed Gregor Poynton MP at the Military Museum Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Gregor Poynton MP at the Military Museum Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Gregor Poynton MP at the Military Museum Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Gregor Poynton MP at the Military Museum Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Leader Live
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
MS says culture isn't a luxury in Wales its 'who we are'
MS for Delyn Last week in the Senedd, I spoke about the incredible contribution of North Wales to our cultural landscape – whether that's the Llangollen International Eisteddfod or the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph or our historic heritage at Flint Castle and Greenfield Valley. There's also the jewel in our cultural crown, Theatr Clwyd, which is nearing the end of an inspirational transformation. Culture in Wales isn't a luxury, it's who we are. It empowers, connects and drives our economy and it deserves to be supported not only by Welsh Government and other public bodies but also by our communities, the communities who inspire and attend performances and enjoy the wonderful cultural riches on offer in our corner of Wales. You can see many of my contributions in Senedd on my Facebook page at It was also lovely recently to welcome students and teachers from Point of Ayr Federation Schools to the Senedd for a visit. They certainly asked some fantastic questions and took the opportunity to raise a number of things they were concerned about with me – from the impact of acts of anti-social behaviour on their school and in their local area to what was happening with plans for a new skate park. I look forward to taking these matters up as their Member of the Senedd and updating the students through their schools. Last week was Armed Forces Week, culminating in Armed Forces Day on Saturday – a chance to pay tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of those who have served and those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all those in our Armed Forces community, including veterans and reservists here in North Wales, for their continued service and commitment. We will always remember, support and stand with you. As this year's Pride month comes to a close, it's a chance to reflect on what has been a packed but powerful few weeks. From the first ever Prestatyn Pride to the excellent Flintshire Schools Pride, Pride Cymru in the capital and Commonwealth events in the Senedd, Pride remains as relevant and as important as ever – a positive force for good that brings together both the LGBTQ+ community and the wider community. It's a privilege to serve the community that shaped me here in North Wales and I'm proud to be an authentic advocate and ally for our LGBTQ+ community too. Pride is still a protest and love will always win! Regular readers of this column will know that the Welsh Government will be banning plastic in wet wipes next year – the legislation is set to come into force in December 2026 and is part of a wider, integrated approach to address the problems created by excess plastic and litter, banning all sorts of single-use and unnecessary plastics in products we all use regularly, something which I kick-started when I was Minister for Environment back in 2016. So it was heartening this week to hear that Nice-Pak in Flint, one of our biggest local employers and one which does a lot of work locally for our communities, is ready for the transition ahead of the legislation by ensuring that 96% of the wipes it manufactures for the UK market are already plastic-free. This is great news for the company and for the environment – well done to the team at Nice-Pak! Finally, a reminder that Mold Carnival is back this Sunday, July 6 – a brilliant local event that brings the whole community together at the Rec and Kendricks Field (Maes Bodlonfa Fields). The day kicks off with a colourful parade at 10:30am from Griffiths Square car park and runs until 6pm with everything from hands-on science fun and special character appearances to live music, dance acts and family entertainment throughout the day. Plus, there'll be free football activities thanks to the FAW and McDonald's as well as Transformer robots! If you're free, do pop down and support this fantastic local day out. It's a great celebration of everything that makes Mold such a special place to live. As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don't hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don't need to wait for an advice surgery.
South Wales Argus
29-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
National Armed Forces Week celebrations at Caldicot Castle
The castle played host to the closing of the week-long celebration Armed Forces Week, Wales, which highlighted all those involved in our armed forces – from serving personnel and reservists to veterans, cadets and service families. As well as showcasing the dedication and skill of the armed forces, the event shone a light on local cadets, and veterans and gave the public a chance to meet and thank those that have served – and those preparing to serve their country. Among the many attractions for the thousands in attendance were military displays, parades, vehicles and a strong showing from the blue light brigade, who showcased their skills and service. Gwent Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue and the Welsh Ambulance Service were all available to the public, with children especially enjoying sitting at the wheel of Caldicot's fire engine. Competing with the firemen for kids' attention, the South-East Wales branch of the Military Vehicle Trust, proudly showed off an array of vintage military vehicles and their tips and stories about how and why they maintain their mechanical veterans. Veterans Ron Bennett and Graham Blackford, both long-term RAF veterans, flew the flag for the Abergavenny and Caldicot Royal British Legion branches respectively. Graham said: 'The Legion is there for us all and talking and meeting helps us all. An event like this gives us a chance to celebrate the great work the Legion does.' Cadets Soliana Sium and Daniela Smith attended with Gwent and Powys Army Cadets. Solana said more young people should attend cadets to help others and themselves. She said of the day: 'It's great to be here and I have made so many friends and learned such a lot about people in the cadets.' Long-distance award for cadet dedication goes to Corporal Braby, of Gwent and Powys Army Cadets: 'I live in Redditch, near Birmingham, and belong to the local force here. "It's a family thing and not really a burden.'
Edinburgh Reporter
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Marking Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, a parade led by The Highland and Lowland Bands of The Royal Regiment of Scotland marched along George Street on Saturday morning, stopping at a saluting dais at the Assembly Rooms before assembling in St Andrew Square to mark Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day is always held on the last Saturday of June and is an annual opportunity to show support and gratitude for the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, and their families. A selection of WWII vehicles, including some tracked tanks, also processed along George Street with the bands and veterans. The British Army in Scotland includes The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at Leuchars Station, the 39 Engineer Regiment at Kinloss Barracks, and The Royal Regiment of Scotland at Fort George, representing a diverse range of combat and support capabilities. The government said that its Strategic Defence Review emphasises the importance of Scotland's industrial base. At Rosyth, Babcock is constructing the Royal Navy's new fleet of five Type 31 frigates, a multi-billion-pound programme supporting hundreds of skilled jobs and sustaining a world-class shipbuilding industry. This Armed Forces Week, 8,200 members of the UK Armed Forces will be deployed overseas, serving on 52 operations in 38 countries. Hundreds more personnel are working to protect our skies, shores and seas at home. Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:'I'm immensely proud of all our Scots servicemen and women and I'd like to thank them for the extraordinary work they do to keep us safe all day, every day in the UK and around the world. National security is a UK Government priority and we will always stand up for our military. I look forward to the whole country uniting for today's Armed Forces Day to show our support for currently serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.' This year, the town of Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire will host the Armed Forces Day national event and is expected to welcome 200,000 visitors to the celebrations this weekend. The Ministry of Defence has also announced that the bidding process for next year's Armed Forces Day national event will open next week, on Tuesday 1 July. Local authorities can apply for up to £50,000 in funding to host the official Armed Forces Day national event. This follows the government's decision to bring back the Armed Forces Day national event for the first time since 2023. The winning town or city will also receive support from the Ministry of Defence such as military musicians, air displays and flypasts. © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam © 2025 Martin McAdam Like this: Like Related
