June 2024
3rd June 2024
GradEx Day with Staffordshire University
Attended the GradEx event showcasing final year work by students. This event provided an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talent, connect with industry professionals and explore potential employment opportunities. Huge thank you to Angela Devoti – DEand Martin Jones!
6th June 2024
80th Anniversary of D-Day at the National Memorial Arboretum
Profoundly honoured to attend the D-Day 80 Remembrance Service, attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh plus dignitaries from the Armed Forces and Civil Service. An extremely moving occasion to commemorate the extraordinary bravery of men who fought during World War 2. The presence of Veterans and their families further enhanced this deeply moving occasion.
https://www.thenma.org.uk/d-day-commemorations
https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/events/remembrance-events/d-day
6th June 2024
Stafford Commemoration of D-Day
On to Victoria Park in Stafford, for Stafford Borough Council’s event. The evening began at 6 pm with entertainment, including performances by local artists and the Stafford Military Wives Choir. A short service featuring the Last Post and a two-minute silence preceded the beacon lighting at 9:15 pm.
Thanks to everyone involved and for providing opportunities for the community to reflect on, and honour the significant contributions and sacrifices made during the D-Day landings.
7th June 2024
Evening Commemoration to mark D-Day Landings 1944 – The Borough Arms Hotel
I attended a wonderful evening in Newcastle-under-Lyme organised by the RBL comprising Dinner, Speeches, Parade of Standards and Julie Roberts – Wartime Singer supreme!
The Lord Lieutenant & Vice LL attended, plus Martin Tideswell – University of Staffordshire.
Special thanks to Christine Stubbs for inviting us to this memorable gathering.
8th June 2024
Remembrance Service at The Collegiate Church of St. Mary, Stafford
A moving Service arranged by the Stafford Branch of the Royal British Legion, to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings. A number of Civic leaders, Dignitaries and members of the Community attended. I laid a wreath alongside the Lord Lieutenant, The Mayor of Stafford, The Chairman of Staffordshire County Council and The Royal British Legion.
Special thanks to E.C. Dale OBE for his dedication and hard work.
https://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/stafford/jump-4-heroes
10th June 2024
Opening of General Post Office Remembrance Garden at the NMA
It was a privilege to attend the official opening of the General Post Office Remembrance Garden by the Right
Honourable Alan Johnson, arranged by the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance. This moving event paid tribute to the 12,830 GPO workers who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars.
12th June 2024
King’s Award for Voluntary Service – Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove
18th June 2024
HMP Featherstone – Coronation Medals
23rd June 2024
Remembering Kosovo : 25 Years On Service at the NMA
I attended the poignant Ceremony marking the 25th Anniversary of the end of the war in Kosovo, and NATO actions including the deployment of an international peacekeeping force. A moving Service led by Shona Lindsay, during which I laid a wreath alongside HE Mr. Ilir Kapiti, Kosovo’s Ambassador to the UK.
On display was an exhibition featured photographs taken by Scottish photojournalist Nick Sidle during the immediate post-war years in Kosovo (2000-2001), capturing the experiences of British armed forces personnel and the local population. The event was organized by Heartstone Director, Sita Kumari & drew around 300 veterans and their families from across the UK.
Special thanks to Lynda Atkins, DL – National Vice Chair, RBL – for ensuring we pay tribute to all those securing peace and safety for civilians.
https://heartstonechandra.com/2024/08/03/kfor-and-kosovo-25-at-the-national-memorial-arboretum/
25th June 2024
Medal Ceremonies at HMP Stafford
Visited HMP Stafford and presented the Kings Coronation Medal to Operational staff who had been in service for 5 years or more from date of King’s Coronation. It was a privilege to celebrate the hard work of the officers who contribute to the county’s justice system.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/her-majestys-prison-stafford
29th June 2024
Mock Trials Regional Finals
Today was spent at North Staffordshire Justice Centre for the regional finals of the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition, organized by Young Citizens. Young participants aged 10-14 experienced the legal system hands-on, allowing them to role-play as lawyers, witnesses, and court personnel. The event aimed to enhance their understanding of legal proceedings and develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Well done Rani McNally JP – MIC Co-Ordinator / SBMA Chair – for organising this inspirational event!
https://www.youngcitizens.org/news/the-bar-and-magistrates-court-mock-trial
30th June 2024
Armed Forces Day at Queen’s Park, Longton
My Police Cadets joined me for the uplifting Armed Forces Day parade and celebrations, raising funds for the North Staffs Armed Forces and Veterans Celebration Committee. The day was extremely well attended, and dignitaries included the Lord Lieutenant and The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent who took the Salute.
