Council celebrates Armed Forces Week

The valuable work of the Armed Forces was showcased and celebrated in a number of events organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Around 70 members of the military paraded through Chester city centre on Saturday, 24 June, as part of nationwide celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day.

The parade was jointly hosted by the Sheriff of Chester and the Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council. It was made up of Regulars from the 1^st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, cadets and Chester City Brass Band. They were also joined at Chester Town Hall by The Mercian Regiment’s mascot - a Swaledale ram called Lance Corporal Derby.

The troops from the Mercian Regiment are newly returned from operations in both Germany and Sweden, where they have been representing the nation on exercises with NATO allies and partners.

The week started with the Armed Forces Day Flag being raised by Lord Mayor, Councillor Sheila Little, at Chester’s Town Hall Square accompanied by Lady Redmond, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, and other dignitaries. Representatives from the Army, RAF, Royal Marines Reserve, Chester Cathedral, Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA), Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), University of Chester and local veterans’ organisations were also in attendance at the ceremony.

Councillor Little said:

“The Council is committed to supporting the men, women and families of our Armed Forces and I was delighted to honour them at this event. Their hard work, commitment and sacrifice must never be forgotten, and I was extremely proud to take part.”

The Council also showed its support by flying Armed Forces Day flags throughout the week at its corporate buildings in Ellesmere Port, Chester, and Winsford.

On Armed Forces Day military personnel, veterans and Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers were offered free Park and Ride travel in Chester.

Councillor Sam Naylor, the Council’s Armed Forces Member Champion, said:

“We organised these events to show our support for the Armed Forces and to highlight the commitment and sacrifices that they and their families make on our behalf. We are grateful to them all for their service to our country.”

For more information about Cheshire West and Chester Council’s work to support the Armed Forces Community visit: 

http://westcheshirearmedforcescovenant.co.uk/ and Armed Forces Covenant | Cheshire West and Chester Council