Services celebrate Armed Forces Day

Central Bedfordshire Council marked the day by inviting personnel from the armed forces, reserve and cadet forces and support organisations to a ceremony at its Chicksands offices.

The Armed Forces flag was raised by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, who was assisted by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Jack Sapsworth.

They were joined by Central Beds Council chairman Councillor Angela Barker and chief executive Richard Carr.

Following the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee the ceremony had a ‘service and duty’ theme and 16 standard bearers represented the organisations that took part.

The many voluntary organisations that support service personnel and their families were particularly honoured.

Councillor James Jamieson, leader of Central Beds Council said: “It was a great honour to again have this ceremony at the Central Beds Council offices and show our support for the tremendous work carried out by our armed forces and the voluntary organisations who look after serving and former service personnel and their families.”

The Lord-Lieutenant, Helen Nellis said after the ceremony: “I was delighted to raise the flag at the kind invitation of Central Beds Council.

“This was a notable way of showing our support for our service personnel from across the communities within Bedfordshire and to acknowledge the magnificent support given by voluntary organisations across the county”.

Air cadets from the 2482 Henlow Squadron also took part in a special day of celebration and activities at RAF Henlow.

Some 75 guests joined cadets for the day of challenges, and also took a tour of the base.

For the full story see the Biggleswade Chronicle of Friday, July 6, 2012.