This week, we have proudly reflected on and celebrated Armed Forces Week, recognising the dedication, sacrifice and contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families within our community.
Throughout the week, our regular Armed Forces support sessions have continued to provide opportunities for veterans and members of the Armed Forces community to come together, stay active and support one another.
Our popular Walk and Talk session once again encouraged participants to enjoy moderate exercise while benefiting from social interaction and peer support. Our weekly NAAFI Break also continued to go from strength to strength, with more than 40 members of the Armed Forces community coming together to enjoy a butty and a brew in a welcoming environment. Alongside these sessions, our Forces Football programme brought participants together through sport, while many members of our Armed Forces community also regularly attend our successful weekly Walking Football sessions.
The week has also seen our Community Engagement Officer, Ian McCleary, actively promoting and celebrating our Armed Forces provision across the Fylde Coast.
Ian represented our organisation at Houndshill Shopping Centre, where he hosted an Armed Forces information stand, engaging with members of the public and highlighting the wide range of support and activities available to the Armed Forces community.
At the start of the week, Ian attended the official Raise the Flag ceremony, marking the beginning of Armed Forces Week. He also supported the Highfield Cadets during their training, delivering instruction in a range of basic fieldcraft and military skills, helping to develop confidence, teamwork and discipline among the cadets.
On Thursday evening, Ian attended the Armed Forces Week Dinner at The Buccaneers, joining veterans, serving personnel and supporters in celebrating the Armed Forces community. He also took part in the service at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum, proudly serving as a Standard Bearer in a moving act of remembrance and respect.
As Armed Forces Week draws to a close, Ian will lead our Armed Forces football team to AFC Fylde to compete in the Armed Forces Tournament on Armed Forces Day, continuing to promote camaraderie and wellbeing through sport.
The week’s commemorations will conclude with the Armed Forces Day service at Blackpool Cenotaph and War Memorial, providing an opportunity for the community to come together to honour those who have served and continue to serve our nation.
Armed Forces Week is a time to recognise the incredible contribution made by our Armed Forces community, and we are proud to play our part in ensuring veterans and serving personnel have opportunities to connect, remain active and access meaningful support throughout the year, not just during Armed Forces Week.
