Armed Forces honoured on the Yorkshire Coast
A short, outdoor flag flying ceremony at Scarborough Town Hall gardens took place earlier this week.
A charity is reminding veterans on the Yorkshire Coast about the support that is available to help them.
It is Armed Forces Day today (Saturday 26th June) and the national event was due to be held in Scarborough, but it has been postponed until June next year.
However, the Armed Forces were honoured earlier this week when the Armed Forces Day flag was raised during a short, outdoor ceremony at the Town Hall gardens in Scarborough.
The annual flag flying ceremony went ahead with fewer attendees than previous years and in line with current Covid-19 restrictions.
The ceremony was opened by Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Cllr Eric Broadbent. Chair of the local Royal British Legion branch, Peter Parkinson, recited the Kohima Epitaph and a short prayer was given by the Mayor’s chaplain, Reverend Richard Walker.
A local young bugler played the Last Post before a one minute silence was observed.
A small number of veterans took part as standard bearers.
After the ceremony, Royal Navy Lieutenant, David Jackson, presented the Mayor with the HMS Duncan Coat of Arms, on behalf of the ship’s captain.
Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough, Cllr Eric Broadbent, said:
“The global coronavirus pandemic has meant an unprecedented sixteen months for millions around the world and here in the UK. During this time our Armed Forces have continued their regular unstinting service alongside a vital role in the fight against Covid-19, working on the front line in hospitals, being part of the vaccine taskforce and logistics, supporting the ambulance service and carrying out community testing.
“The flag flying ceremony was our opportunity to give thanks for their dedication to service, which has undoubtedly saved many thousands of lives. We also honoured the memory of those gone before us, whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Maenwhile, Age UK Scarborough has its own veterans scheme, which was launched during the coronavirus pandemic and will continue until at least next spring, though moves to secure funding beyond that date are already in place.
Veterans support worker Kerry Broadmore said activities had to be done online during the lockdown period but now a range of face-to-face activities, including organised walks and coffee mornings, were taking place in Scarborough and surrounding communities.
Age UK is aware of 132 veterans in the area, with some of those requiring no assistance, while some benefit from welfare calls and others who want to take part in activities.
She said:
“We are trying to focus more on outside activities for people.
“Everyone is desperate to get out and about but for some getting out of the house can be a big step, so it is a case of building up their confidence to come and meet people face to face.
“It is slow and steady. The service we provide is for all ages, though generally my group is 65 plus and most have been shielding and some have not left their home for 12 months."
If you want help or support with anything else please get in touch with Kerry, either on the office number (01723 379058) by e-mail at veterans@ageukscarborough.org
More information can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scarboroughanddistrict/our-services/veterans-should-not-be-forgotten/
In Bridlington, their Armed Forces Day celebration has been cancelled due to lockdown restrictions not being lifted and a lack of members to make it Covid compliant.
But, Martin Barmby, who is a veteran and part of the town's Armed Forces Day team, said:
"Tescos Bridlington has very kindly allowed us to set up a stall, advertising the services available for Veterans in Bridlington. At the same time we will be raising funds for local and national veterans charities.
"We will be there from 10am to 4pm. Please pop along and say hello."