Military veterans in Ellesmere Port gathered at the town’s war memorial on Civic Square for an Armed Forces Day thanksgiving service.
Organised by the Ellesmere Port Veterans Day Group the service, led by the Rev Gill Foster, associate rector at Ellesmere Port Team Parish, was followed by a Veterans Open Day in the Port Arcades.
“The service could not have been any better, moving words from the Rev Foster,” said one veteran.
People of all ages flocked to the shopping centre to celebrate the day with the event showing the town’s support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
Visitors were able to view memorabilia from both the first and second world wars.
A vast array of items were displayed as part of collector Peter Olney’s collection, providing an insight into both conflicts, whilst a model Second World War tank built by the Ellesmere Port Men in Sheds group proved to be a popular attraction.
Young people from both the town’s 1074 (Ellesmere Port) Squadron, Air Training Corps and Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets attended alongside representatives from the Mercian and Royal Engineers regiments and the Royal British Legion. Two Second World War military vehicles were on display outside courtesy of the Royal Ordnance Corps.
Civic dignitaries Peter Rooney, the mayor of Ellesmere Port and Ellesmere Port and Neston MP were present and an added attraction, especially with younger visitors, was a birds of prey display from North Wales based Lord of the Wings with director Kevin Bunn on hand to provide information and answer questions about his collection of owls and eagles.
Michelle Pickstock of the Port Arcades said the event was ‘an overwhelming success’.
“The day once again brought wartime history alive and right into the heart of the town centre for everyone, of every age, to be a part of,” she said.
Kenny Spain, chairman of the Ellesmere Port branch of the Armed Forces and Veterans Day Group, said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day. All of the exhibitors were delighted and the event was so well supported by the people of Ellesmere Port and surrounding areas.” On Friday evening the group had held a gala cabaret.
Throughout last week the Armed Forces Day flag was flown at the civic offices.
Brio Leisure, which operates the Ellesmere Port Sports Village on Stanney Lane, reminded all current members of the Armed Forces who are stationed in, on secondment or visiting Cheshire that they are eligible for a complimentary off peak membership.
Immediate family members of current serving personnel, living in the same household and aged 17 and over, can also benefit from a discounted WorkFit membership.
The leisure group also points out it provides ex-members of the military along with those who are medically discharged the opportunity to receive discounted or free membership subject to terms and conditions.
Full information on both the armed forces and concessionary memberships can be found at http://www.brioleisure.org/memberships/concessionary.
Commenting on Armed Forces Week, borough council Leader Cllr Samantha Dixon (Lab) said: “Cheshire West and Chester Council recognises and admires the commitment and sacrifices that our Armed Forces make on our behalf. We are committed to supporting these special individuals and their families.”
