Honouring the Armed Services

Well over a hundred people attended the Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Crown & Cushion last Saturday night and were welcomed by a guard of honour formed by Donald Branson and Malcolm Holland from the British Legion.  Guests of honour were Mary Bradford  widow of Norman Bradford who as many know was a great supporter of the Royal British Legion for many years and was fondly remembered and George Colbourn who escaped from Poland during the last war. An amusing story was told by Neville Edwards about how George escaped by hiding in a lorry. Little did he know that the lorry was carrying Nazi Gold, hardly the safest place to be.

It was marvellous to see all the service men and women there - past and present. The County was represented by the Vice Lord Lieutenant Malcolm Cochrane and the Vice- Chairman Hilary Biles.  The district was represented by Councillor Patrick McHugh and The Mayor and Mayoress led a group of  Town Councillors - Jo Graves, Martin Jarratt & Glyn Watkins  Mr Cochrane gave an address in which he spoke of the many service charities for the services and how honoured he was to be present. Toasts followed to the Queen and the Armed Services. The evening was a great success and will surely become a regular event on the Chippy Calendar. Thanks to Neville Edwards, Mike Howes, Ian Barnett and other members of the British Legion for organising the evening so beautifully.

Sam Weston (Royal Engineers) & Geoff Thompson (Kings Royal Hussars)  Kate Briggs & Sam Weston.

All the pics are by Glyn Watkins

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