Council shows support to the Armed Forces Community with week-long series of events

Cheshire West and Chester Council is showing its support to the armed forces community, including regulars, reservists, veterans, cadets, service families and the wider armed forces community, with a week of events to coincide with Armed Forces Day Saturday, 28 June. 

The Armed Forces Day flag will be flown throughout the week at Cheshire West and Chester Council buildings and at Northwich Town Council office.  

The Lord Mayor of Chester and the Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council will together raise the Armed Forces Day flag outside Chester Town Hall on the afternoon of Monday 23 June, in the presence of military and cadet force personnel, local veteran organisations and local civic dignitaries. 

Also, on Monday morning, a ceremony will be held to raise the flag at Chester Crematorium in Blacon, near Chester, marking a new policy to fly the flag at the funeral services of serving and retired military personnel held at the crematorium.  

Councillor Sam Naylor, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “We’re supporting Armed Forces Day to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who put their country before themselves to protect our way of life. The UK Armed Forces work around the clock to protect and defend UK interests at home and abroad and this week is our chance to say thank you.”

Councillor Sherin Akhtar, Lord Mayor said: “I am privileged to be able to express my deepest gratitude to our Military personnel for their commitment and outstanding efforts in protecting and defending our country. These individuals dedicate their lives to the protection of our nation and its values, that enable us to reside in peace. They are away from home in times of war, and moments of crisis which demonstrate the unwavering courage, discipline and a profound sense of duty. 

“A significant number of people from across the globe, of different cultures and religions helped and sacrificed their lives helping the British army in World War 1 and World War 2, we must also remember them and their kind efforts in supporting us in our hours of need. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

“Today, we continue to see people from different faiths and backgrounds serving our country at home and abroad. Their sacrifice is protecting the freedoms we often take for granted, we honour you with deep gratitude and respect. "

The organisation will also be holding Armed Forces Community Network Coffee Gatherings for those members of its workforce and Councillors who have a connection to the military. 

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the reserve forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve. Reserves Day will be held on Wednesday 25 June, when the Council will show its support to the country's reserve forces and raise public awareness of the work they do.

On Saturday 28 June, Armed Forces Day, serving military personnel, including regulars, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and veterans, will be eligible for free travel using the Council’s Park & Ride service in Chester, along with with a fare paying passenger. To qualify for the special offers, serving personnel will be asked to show their military identity card and all other eligible individuals will be asked to show either their Defence Privilege Card or HM Armed Forces Veterans Card.

Brio provides current and ex-members of the military, along with those who are medically discharged, the opportunity to receive a discounted or free leisure membership (subject to terms and conditions). All ex-members of the armed forces can benefit from Brio’s discounted Work Fit Membership, with currently serving regular and reservist personnel able to benefit from a complimentary off-peak membership, and those medically discharged the same membership free, for one year. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council was awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2023 for its work supporting the Armed Forces community in West Cheshire.

The Gold Award recognises the positive role that the Council has played in pledging, demonstrating and advocating support to defence and the Armed Forces Community and aligning their values to the Armed Forces Covenant. This ongoing work includes working with, and funding, the Armed Forces Community Support Charity to provide fortnightly NAAFI Break drop-in sessions at Ellesmere Port Library, Dale Barracks in Chester, and at Winsford Library for veterans and their families.

These sessions prevent social isolation and provide one-to-one support for any personal issues that veterans might be facing. 

Visit Cheshire West and Chester Council's website for more information.